Hyperthyroidism: Overview
Hyperthyroidism is a condition associated with an overproduction of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. There are some very beneficial herbs to treat hyperthyroidism in a natural and effective manner. Hyperthyroidism natural treatment involves the use of herbal formulations prepared by Ayurvedic experts from the standardized extracts of some very potent herbs.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when too much of the thyroid hormone is released by the thyroid gland over a short period or a long period of time. As such, Hyperthyroidism is basically a condition of hormonal imbalance.
The overactivity of the thyroid gland leads to an increase in the body metabolism rate (BMR) because all the aspects of body metabolism are controlled by the thyroid hormone. The hormone controls the body temperature, facilitates protein synthesis, controls the digestive functions, and produces the ‘calcitonin’ hormone which regulates the quantity of calcium in the blood and helps in the growth and consumption of oxygen in the cells. In addition, the hormone also controls the overall health of the brain, the muscle structure, and appetite.
Due to an increase in the BMR resulting from an overactive thyroid gland, people suffering from Hyperthyroidism undergo a sudden loss in weight, and develop irregular heartbeat. Moreover, they also develop an intolerance to heat, and experience excessive sweating.
According to Ayurveda, the main reason behind the occurrence of Hyperthyroidism is digestive impairment, because of which an imbalance is caused in the ‘Vata’ and ‘Pitta’ doshas of the body. Hyperthyroidism natural treatment comprises of the use of beneficial herbs to manage the condition effectively.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Some of the main causes of Hyperthyroidism or ‘overactive thyroid’ are:
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland (Thyroiditis)
- Non-cancerous growths of the thyroid gland
- Intake of too much iodine in food
- Appearance of small nodules in the thyroid gland (Thyroid nodules)
- Tumors of the testes or ovaries
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Physical/Emotional stress
- Graves’s disease (an autoimmune disease in which the natural immune system of the body attacks the thyroid gland).
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
There are a number of indications of the occurrence of Hyperthyroidism. Some of the most prominent symptoms of the condition include:
- Fatigue, lethargy or weakness
- Difficulty in concentration
- Sensitivity to heat
- Frequent bowel movements
- Visibly enlarged thyroid gland (or goiter)
- Increase in apatite
- Excessive sweating
- Weight loss
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Nausea/vomiting
- Trembling of hands or fingers
- Thinning of skin and brittle hair
- Protruding eyes
- Difficulty sleeping.
In addition to these symptoms, some other signs of Hyperthyroidism are breast development in men, and menstrual cycle changes or irregularities in women.
Ayurvedic Herbs to treat Hyperthyroidism Naturally
Ayurvedic experts depend on pure and natural herbs to treat hyperthyroidism. They recommend the use of potent herbal formulations to manage in condition in such a manner that its symptoms are controlled naturally, in order to provide relief to the sufferers.
Hyperthyroidism natural treatment is a much better and safer way for managing the condition as compared to the other treatments which may include the use of anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine and even surgery for the removal of the thyroid gland.
Specifically, so far as the herbs to treat Hyperthyroidism are concerned, there are three important herbs which are used for managing the condition naturally. The three herbs which essentially constitute Hyperthyroidism natural treatment are: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).
1. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari is an amazing herb which can increase stamina by boosting the internal organs, so that overall strength of the body is enhanced. This herb, with natural antioxidant properties, is also known for its usefulness in nourishing the tissues in the body, and fighting several Hyperthyroidism symptoms like weakness, fatigue, dryness/flakiness of skin, thinning or hair, etc.
Furthermore, the Shatavari herb can also effectively support the different systems and functions in the body, including the immune system, female reproductive system, male reproductive system, the digestive system (soothing the digestive tract), the respiratory system (moisturizing support to the respiratory tract), and healthy peristalsis of bowels. The herb also promotes healthy energy levels.
2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
The Ashwagandha herb is another one of the useful herbs to treat Hyperthyroidism. This herb is widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects and its overall benefit on a person’s mental health. The daily use of Ashwagandha supplement is recommended by Ayurvedic experts to the patients of Hyperthyroidism because the herb can be extremely helpful in reducing metabolic imbalances.
The Ashwagandha herb can also pacify the body’s ‘Vata’ and ‘Pitta’ doshas, reduce hypertension, and regulate the system. In addition, the use of this herb can also significantly lower the blood sugar levels, alleviate depression, increase muscle mass and strength, reduce inflammation, improve heart health, improve brain function, and help reduce cortisol (‘stress hormone’) levels.
3. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Another beneficial herb which comprises Hyperthyroidism natural treatment is the ‘Brahmi’ herb. The herb is known for its therapeutic value, and is generally used as a health tonic, aphrodisiac and memory enhancer. The herb also has an abundance of antioxidants which are very essential for living a healthy life.
The use of Brahmi supplement by Hyperthyroidism patients can notably reduce stress and anxiety, help in re-building brain tissues, boost memory, remove free radicals, strengthen the immune system, regulate the blood sugar levels, and provide relief from inflammatory conditions.
Besides these three important herbs to treat Hyperthyroidism, a few other herbs which can be beneficial in managing the symptoms of the condition of overactive thyroid are:
- Neem (Azadirachta Indica) which is used for preparing herbal formulations that are antiviral, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, contraceptive, and sedative.
- Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis) which can rejuvenate the body, promote intellectual capacity, alleviate emotional instability, promote sleep, and strengthen the digestive system.
- Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) which can help to balance the ‘Vata’ dosha, repair the damage caused by free radicals, minimize stress, soothe the eyes, manage inflammation, control blood pressure, lowers the level of cholesterol, protect the heart, and help the patients in regaining overall health.
Conclusion: The herbs which comprise Hyperthyroidism natural treatment can be very effective in providing relief to the patients from the various symptoms of the condition of overactive thyroid. The herbal products prepared from these herbs to treat Hyperthyroidism are safe to use, and do not have any side effects.