The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck, anterior to and partially surrounding the
thyroid cartilage and upper rings of the trachea. Consisting of two lateral lobes connected
by an isthmus, it also has a large number of closed vesicles called follicles that contain a
homogeneous substance called colloid which contains the thyroglobulin. Parafollicular cells
secrete the hormone calcitonin. An enlarged thyroid gland is called goiter. It may
pulsate due to its increased blood supply.
Hypothyroidism is a condition created by
deficient thyroid secretion, resulting in a lowered basal matabolism. It may be confirmed
by finding a decreased level of free serum thyroxine (T4) in the serum. Symptoms of this
condition may include obesity, dry skin and hair, low blood pressure, slower pulse, a
general feeling of sluggishness, depressed muscular activity, intolerance to cold, and
goiter. Untreated hypothyroidism increases the risk of
arteriosclerosis and heart disease.
Helpful Links:Hypothyroidism is a condition created by
deficient thyroid secretion, resulting in a lowered basal matabolism. It may be confirmed
by finding a decreased level of free serum thyroxine (T4) in the serum. Symptoms of this
condition may include obesity, dry skin and hair, low blood pressure, slower pulse, a
general feeling of sluggishness, depressed muscular activity, intolerance to cold, and
goiter. Untreated hypothyroidism increases the risk of
arteriosclerosis and heart disease.
Hypothyroidism
here are perhaps 11 million
Americans affected by hypothyroidism, although probably only half know it. The disease
affects both sexes and all ages, however, middle-aged women are most vulnerable.
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormones which
regulate the rate of metabolism in the body's cells. The condition can range from slight
to severe. It can lead to coma, or even death. Some symptoms include sensitivity to cold,
depression, inability to concentrate, memory loss, and muscle weakness. Since there are
many causes for hypothyroidism, a medical evaluation should be considered before treatment
begins.
If the hypothyroidism is caused by an autoimmune
condition, the treatment will be different from other causes. Some herbs should not be
used in this case. If the condition is caused by the thyroid not secreting enough thyroxine,
a number of herbs have traditionally been used.
Myrrh
has traditionally been used to support the thyroid. Black Walnut has a history of traditional use in connection with the thyroid, as
has Wild Oat.
Scullcap and
Siberian Ginseng are traditionally used for supporting the nerves, while herbs such as
Damiana,
Gentian Root, and
Wormwood are traditionally regarded as hormone
regulators.
Echinacea and
Siberian Ginseng are also traditionally used.
If the hypothyroidism is caused by an autoimmune
condition, the treatment will be different from other causes. Some herbs should not be
used in this case. If the condition is caused by the thyroid not secreting enough thyroxine,
a number of herbs have traditionally been used.Myrrh
has traditionally been used to support the thyroid. Black Walnut has a history of traditional use in connection with the thyroid, as
has Wild Oat.
Scullcap and
Siberian Ginseng are traditionally used for supporting the nerves, while herbs such as
Damiana,
Gentian Root, and
Wormwood are traditionally regarded as hormone
regulators.
Echinacea and
Siberian Ginseng are also traditionally used.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.
To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.