Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition also known as “overactive thyroid gland”. In this condition, excess of thyroid hormones are produced in the body and this causes a lot of havoc and unpleasant complications.
The thyroid gland is highly important in the body. It is responsible for producing the thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and other biochemical activities that goes on in the body.
This important organ is located at the base of your neck, below the esophagus and it is shaped like a butterfly.
In this post, we will be taking a look at effective home remedies for hyperthyroidism.
Effective Home Remedies for Hyperthyroidism
Bugleweed
This wonderful herb is also known as Lycopus virginicus. It is used to treat medical conditions like weight loss, fatigue, palpitation, short breath or shallow breathing, and trembling/shaking.
Bugleweed can reduce the overproduction of thyroid hormones. It helps the thyroid gland to function normally. This herb contains Lithospermic acid, this compound moderate the levels of thyroid hormones.
Studies have shown that bugleweed works by reducing the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the T4 hormone. It also reduces the effect of thyroid hormone synthesis. It is one of the most effective home remedies for hyperthyroidism.
This herb also works by reducing excess thyroid hormones. It does this by reducing the production of thyroid-stimulating antibodies in Graves’ disease.
Bugleweed also slows down and blocks the conversion of T4 to T3.
How to Use Bugleweed
There are many ways to take bugleweed but I will show you two effective ways. There are effective because the best ways to take bugle is in the form of tea or tincture.
You can get bugleweed from a reputable health store, you can also get it online.
Please note that pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not use this herb. Also, people on hyperthyroidism medication should avoid this herb.
Method 1
Get a teabag of bugleweed ready or a teaspoon of bugleweed. Put any of this in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Allow it steep for 10 to 12 minutes and filter the tea into another cup.
Leave it there for a few minutes to get warm and then add a little honey to improve the taste (because bugleweed is bitter) and stir it well. Drink this daily until the symptoms of hyperthyroidism improve. Do not add sugar.
Method 2
Get a quality bugleweed tincture from a reputable health store. Also, get a teaspoon of water or any homemade fruit juice of your choice. It should be unsweetened and free of chemicals. That is why homemade fruit juices are preferable.
Pour this teaspoon of water or fruit juice into a small bowl and add 4 to 8 drops of bugleweed tincture. Mix thoroughly and pour this solution under your tongue.
Do this three times daily and you will get a complete relief from the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Gypsywort
This is one of the most effective home remedies for hyperthyroidism. It works by reducing the amount of iodine in the body. A daily intake of this tincture can help improve this condition.
How to take Gypsywort
Add five drops of Gypsywort tincture in a cup of water and mix thoroughly. Drink this and do these twice daily until your condition improves.
L-carnitine
This is a natural supplement that can help treat this condition. This is a derivative of a naturally occurring amino acid in the body. It is also found in weight loss supplements.
Carnitine helps improve hyperthyroidism by denying thyroid hormones entrance into many cells. It also relieves certain symptoms of hyperthyroidism like fatigue, tremors, and heart palpitations.
Natural sources of carnitine are meat and fish and you can also use the supplement if prescribed by a doctor. This is also a good home remedy for hyperthyroidism.
Hawthorn
This herb is effective in treating the health complications of hyperthyroidism. This includes cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
It boosts the flow of blood in your body and it has a positive impact on coronary blood flow. This will help treat the cardio symptoms caused by hyperthyroidism.
Add hawthorn to your diet and consume it daily. This is an effective home remedy for treating hyperthyroidism.
Lemon Balm
Apart from hyperthyroidism, this wonderful herb also treats other health problems like headaches, nervousness, and hypertension. Lemon balm improves the symptoms of hyperthyroidism by blocking the receptors of thyroid hormones.
It also prevents thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from binding to your thyroid tissues. Also, this herb controls the binding of the autoantibodies to Graves’ disease. This is one popular home remedy for hyperthyroidism.
How to Use Lemon Balm?
Pour two tablespoons of lemon balm in a pot and add a cup of boiling water. Cover it and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the mixture using a sieve or strainer and leave it to get warm for a few minutes.
Drink this tea two times daily until you see improvement in your symptoms. This is also a wonderful remedy for vertigo.
Berries
These amazing fruits are storehouses of antioxidants and various nutrients that boost your thyroid health. They prevent the inflammation of your thyroid gland and they also strengthen your immune system.
They are wonderful home remedies for hyperthyroidism. Include these berries in your meals daily, blackberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Selenium
Some studies suggest that selenium is an effective home remedy for hyperthyroidism. This mineral is naturally found in beef, soil, water, grains, fish, and nuts.
Selenium helps in treating Graves’ disease. This condition is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and it is linked with thyroid eye disease (TED).
However, it is not everyone with hyperthyroidism that has TED. Consult your doctor before taking this supplement. You can’t take this along with some medications because it can create unpleasant side effects.
Gromwell
This herb is highly esteemed as one of the best home remedies for hyperthyroidism. The purple gromwell treats hyperthyroidism by controlling the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH).
While the other types of gromwell prevents autoimmune reaction that can bind to TSH. Take gromwell tea daily.
How to use gromwell?
Put a teaspoon of gromwell in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes and then strain the tea. Leave it for some minutes to get warm before drinking it.
Do this three times daily until you have completely reversed this condition. Pregnant women might not utilize this herb very well. Also, those on other medications might have problems utilizing this herb.
You should check with a doctor before taking this herb if you are on any other medication.
Motherwort Herb
This herb is a natural beta-blocker. It functions as an anti-thyroid substance, this deals with rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and palpitations. This is an effective home remedy for hyperthyroidism.
Motherwort doesn’t have a direct effect on your thyroid gland or your thyroid hormones. But it can improve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as insomnia, reduced appetite, anxiety, heart racing, etc.
How to Use Motherwort
Method 1
Put a tablespoon of motherwort in a cup and pour a cup of boiling water over it. Cover it and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. strain the tea into another cup and leave it for few minutes to get warm.
Drink this twice daily.
Method 2
Get a clean bowl and put 10 to 20 drops of motherwort tincture in it. Add some freshwater and stir well. Drink this and repeat twice daily.
Those on heart medication should consult their doctor before trying this remedy.
Coconut oil
This wonderful home remedy for hyperthyroidism increases your energy and metabolism. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that help to improve the functions of your thyroid gland.
It helps to control extreme weight loss.
How to use coconut oil?
Replace your cooking oil with coconut oil. You can also consume two tablespoons of raw coconut oil with every meal. You can also take it alone to control the symptoms of hyperactive thyroid.
Sandalwood and lavender essential oils
Many people swear by these essential oils to relieve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. They can relieve anxiety and make you relaxed and calm.
This will help you fight nervousness and also sleeplessness, common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Diffuse these oils in your room and inhale the scents. This is an effective way to make use of these home remedies.
Apple cider vinegar
ACV is another wonderful home remedy for overactive thyroid. It detoxifies the body and restores the normal acid-base balance. It controls the levels of hormones, weight loss, and even promotes energy metabolism.
How to use ACV?
Add two tablespoons of ACV into a cup of warm water, add a tablespoon of raw honey and mix thoroughly. Take this regularly.
Vitamin C
One of the main effects of an overactive thyroid is the increased production of free radicals. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it scavenges free radicals and protects your thyroid gland from these dangerous molecules.
Increase your intake of vitamin C through your diet and you take a good supplement daily. Aim for 1000 mg of vitamin C daily.
Guggul
This substance is gotten from the gum resin of an Indian plant called Commiphora Mukul. The active compound in this substance is called Guggulsterones and it is responsible for its medicinal properties.
It promotes the healthy functions of the thyroid gland. You can meet a doctor to prescribe the supplement for you which you will take according to the prescription.
The normal dose of guggul is 25 mg per dose and it should be taken three times a day. This herb can react with some medications like birth control pills, beta-blockers, and estrogen.
So, people on medication should check with their doctor if this is okay for them.
Glucomannan
This is a dietary fiber that can be gotten in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders. It is gotten from the root of the konjac plant and it helps in reducing the levels of thyroid hormones in hyperthyroidism patients.
Get any of the above and take it according to prescription. Many have used this as a home remedy for hyperthyroidism and it helped.
Evening primrose oil
This essential oil is dense with gamma-linoleic acids. They help to control the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
These compounds have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and this will help to improve the functions of your thyroid gland and reduce the symptoms of overactive thyroid.
It helps treats health complications of hyperthyroidism such as heavy menstruation and hair loss. You can get this oil from a reputable health store. Take in 2 to 8 grams per day.
It reacts with other medications, so you have to consult with your doctor before taking it, especially if you are on medication.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B complex is needed for many metabolic functions in the body. B12 deficiency is common in people with hyperthyroidism. You can correct this deficiency by increasing your intake of vitamin B12 through foods.
Foods rich in vitamin B12 are beef, soy products, shellfish, marcel, eggs, and crabs. Vitamin B12 supplements are also available. If you are always having fatigue, ask your doctor to check you.
This is a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency and if it is untreated, it can lead to a type of anemia.
Ginger
Ginger root is a great source of zinc, potassium, and magnesium. It is also a storehouse of antioxidants and powerful plant chemicals that help to improve the functions of the thyroid gland and quell the symptoms of overactive thyroid.
This makes ginger an effective home remedy for hyperthyroidism.
How to use ginger?
You can use ginger in meal preparation, it is a wonderful spice that improves the taste and aroma of your foods.
You can also take ginger tea. You boil sliced or grated ginger roots, sieve it when done and drink it when warm.
If it is ginger root powder you have, you can steep 2 tablespoons of it in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes and take it when warm.
You can also chew warm ginger roots.
Indian gooseberry
Also known as Amla, this wonder fruit controls the production of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland. This is one of the powerful home remedies for curing hyperthyroidism.
It even stops the symptoms.
How to use Indian gooseberry?
Mix a tablespoon of amla powder with a tablespoon of honey and mix to form a thick paste. Eat this daily before breakfast for maximum effect.
Green tea
We cannot name all the home remedies for hyperthyroidism without mentioning green tea. The list would be incomplete. Green tea is dense in antioxidant and this help to control the symptoms of overactive thyroid.
It is a storehouse of catechins, these compounds prevent the thyroid gland from malfunctioning. Take as many cups of green tea as you can daily.
Magnesium
This important mineral has a positive impact on your thyroid gland and the metabolism of iodine. Increase your intake of foods that are rich in magnesium.
This includes foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. This will help put the symptoms of hyperthyroidism under control.
Passionflower
This flower helps in relaxing the mind, it treats depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. Recently, the University of California cleared the myth that passionflower was dangerous.
Scientists declared it safe and harmless for both man and animals. So, the passiflora species can be used as an effective home remedy for hyperthyroidism.
How to use passionflower?
You can make use of either fresh or dried passionflower. Boil and cup of water and put ¾ teaspoon of dried passionflower in a holder or tea-infusing bag.
Put this in the cup of boiling water you have already kept aside. Leave this bag in the boiling water for at least 10 minutes. then you remove the bag and drink this tea.
Do this for 3 nights a week before going to bed. Don’t go above the recommended dose.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium are associated with hyperthyroidism. This increases your risks of bone thinning and it affects your bone negatively in other ways.
People with hyperthyroidism are required to increase their intake of calcium and vitamin D-rich foods. You can ask your doctor if you can take these supplements.
Valerian root
This herb is an effective home remedy for hyperthyroidism and it works in the same way as passionflower. This plant roots are used to make medications for hyperthyroidism.
It treats insomnia, depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. These are common symptoms of overactive thyroid.
How to use valerian root?
First, take a teaspoon of valerian root and put it in a cup and pour warm water over it to reach half of the cup. Stir well and top with the remaining warm water.
Leave it for 15 minutes before you strain and drink. You can add honey to improve the taste. Continue drinking this every day at bedtime for a few weeks and you will notice an improvement in your symptoms.
Oats
This highly nutritious food improves the symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as muscle weakness and exhaustion. Oats are also highly dense in fiber, this helps to minimize diarrhea and constipation caused by hyperthyroidism.
Take 1 to 2 servings of oats daily if you have hyperthyroidism.
Prunella vulgaris
This is another wonderful home remedy for hyperthyroidism. It reduces the production of thyroid hormones. This helps to keep the levels of your thyroid hormones under control.
Simply consume ¼ pound of this herb daily to improve your condition.
What to Avoid?
People with hyperthyroidism should avoid the following food:
- Iodized salt
- Egg yolks
- Sugar and sugary foods and drinks
- Processed foods
- Caffeine
- Seafood
- High intake of grain products such as pastries, pasta, and bread
- Quit smoking
- Dairy and dairy products
- High amounts of beef or poultry
- Soy products like tofu, soy sauce, soy milk, and soybeans. They interfere with thyroid functions.
Make sure you avoid additional iodine because it would just add to the excess production of thyroid hormone. Don’t take any iodine medication unless your doctor says so.
Some herbal supplements also contain iodine and some companies might not note it on the label.
Sources & References;
- The use of konjac glucomannan to lower serum thyroid hormones in hyperthyroidism NCBI
- A Prospective Investigation of Graves’ Disease and Selenium: Thyroid Hormones, Auto-Antibodies and Self-Rated Symptoms NCBI
- Usefulness of l-Carnitine… JCEM
- Nutritional advantages of oats and opportunities for its processing as value-added foods NCBI
- The Role of Vitamin D in Thyroid Diseases NCBI
- Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Association with Thyroid Disease NCBI
- Severely low serum magnesium is associated with increased risks of positive anti-thyroglobulin antibody and hypothyroidism NCBI
- Magnesium metabolism in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. NCBI
- Prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency among patients with thyroid dysfunction NCBI
- The role of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of thyroid disorders ResearchGate
- The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Thyroid Disease Thyroid UK
- The role of selenium, vitamin C, and zinc in benign thyroid diseases and of selenium in malignant thyroid diseases NCBI
- Herbal approach to the management of thyroid disease PDF
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) ResearchGate
- Botanical Medicine for Thyroid Regulation ResearchGate
