Hyperthyroidism: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can lead to an accelerated metabolic rate, weight loss, tremors, and an enlarged thyroid gland.

The causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, and excessive iodine intake. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to negative impacts on health, such as brittle bones, cardiac problems, and reproductive issues. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like ashwagandha, licorice root, and bladderwrack can be used in medicinal preparations, such as teas or supplements.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if taking medications, as some herbs may interact with them or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of hyperthyroidism, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of hyperthyroidism?

The main causes of hyperthyroidism are usually an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the thyroid gland, or an overproduction of thyroid hormones due to a benign tumor or hyperplasia of the gland.

The most common cause is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Other causes include thyroiditis, where inflammation of the thyroid gland leads to the release of stored thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, and iodine-induced hyperthyroidism, which occurs when excessive iodine intake stimulates the thyroid gland to produce too many hormones. Additionally, rare causes include solitary toxic nodules, which are benign tumors that produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, and pituitary gland disorders, such as a pituitary tumor that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormones.

These causes can lead to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms such as weight loss, palpitations, and tremors.

• Autoimmune: Autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Graves' disease, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the thyroid gland's ability to regulate thyroid hormone production, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones.
• Toxic Adenoma: Toxic adenoma, also known as solitary toxic nodule, is the second most common cause of hyperthyroidism, in which a single thyroid nodule becomes overactive and starts producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.
• Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis, also known as subacute thyroiditis, is a third common cause of hyperthyroidism, in which inflammation of the thyroid gland causes the release of stored thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, leading to a temporary overproduction of thyroid hormones.
• Exogenous: Exogenous thyroid hormone, which is thyroid hormone taken as medication, can cause hyperthyroidism if taken in excessive amounts, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones in the body.
• Pituitary: Pituitary gland disorders, such as pituitary tumors, can cause hyperthyroidism by secreting excessive amounts of thyroid-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.
• Iodine Excess: Excessive iodine intake, often due to iodine supplements or iodine-rich foods, can cause hyperthyroidism by overstimulating the thyroid gland and increasing thyroid hormone production.
• Pheochromocytoma: Pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal gland, can cause hyperthyroidism due to the secretion of excessive amounts of epinephrine, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hyperthyroidism?

The main medicinal herbs used for hyperthyroidism are Astragalus membranaceus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, Silybum marianum, Withania somnifera, Zingiber officinale, Cynara scolymus, Bupleurum chinense.

Astragalus membranaceus has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate thyroid gland inflammation and hyperthyroidism symptoms. Glycyrrhiza glabra exerts anti-oxidant effects that protect the thyroid gland from oxidative damage, while Panax ginseng and Schisandra chinensis are known to regulate the thyroid axis and promote a balance in thyroid hormone production. Scutellaria baicalensis, also known as Baikal skullcap, contains flavonoids that inhibit the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone, thereby reducing thyroid hormone levels.

Silybum marianum and Cynara scolymus have been shown to inhibit the activity of thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, while Bupleurum chinense exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperthyroid properties by modulating the immune response.

• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus helps with hyperthyroidism by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the conversion of T4 to T3, thus reducing the symptoms associated with excessive thyroid hormone production.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with hyperthyroidism by reducing cortisol levels and modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
• Schisandra chinensis: Schisandra chinensis helps with hyperthyroidism by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction and alleviate symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
• Scutellaria baicalensis: Scutellaria baicalensis helps with hyperthyroidism by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction and alleviate symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum helps with hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the conversion of T4 to T3 and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction and alleviate symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera helps with hyperthyroidism by reducing cortisol levels and modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with hyperthyroidism by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction and alleviate symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
• Cynara scolymus: Cynara scolymus helps with hyperthyroidism by reducing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
• Bupleurum chinense: Bupleurum chinense helps with hyperthyroidism by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction and alleviate symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hyperthyroidism?

The main herbal preparations used for hyperthyroidism are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Suppository, Cream, Extract, Tea, Gel, Powder.

Tincture of Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is used for its antithyroid activity, inhibiting the release of thyroid hormones. Decoction of Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is used to reduce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and improve thyroid function. Capsules of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Capsules of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) are used to reduce cortisol levels and promote thyroid function.

Herbal preparations such as Cream of Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) applied topically can help to reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland, while Salve of Sage (Salvia officinalis) can help to promote thyroid function and reduce anxiety associated with hyperthyroidism.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the dried roots of Harpagophytum procumbens may help alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms by reducing thyroid hormone production and promoting relaxation due to its sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves and stems of Taraxacum officinale may help manage hyperthyroidism by acting as a diuretic and reducing thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, thus alleviating symptoms such as weight loss and palpitations.
• Capsule: Capsules containing the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum may help regulate thyroid function and alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms by inhibiting the conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine, a process mediated by the enzyme 5'-deiodinase.
• Salve: A salve made from the roots of Withania somnifera may help reduce stress and anxiety associated with hyperthyroidism by promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels, thus alleviating symptoms such as insomnia and tremors.
• Suppository: Suppositories made from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus may help modulate the immune system and alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
• Cream: A cream made from the flowers of Calendula officinalis may help soothe skin irritations associated with hyperthyroidism, such as hives and rashes, by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
• Extract: An extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, thus protecting the thyroid gland from damage and promoting overall well-being.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis may help regulate thyroid function and alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms by acting as an antioxidant and reducing inflammation, thus promoting a balanced thyroid hormone profile.
• Gel: A gel made from the roots of Panax ginseng may help reduce stress and anxiety associated with hyperthyroidism by promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels, thus alleviating symptoms such as insomnia and tremors.
• Powder: A powder made from the seeds of Cuminum cyminum may help regulate thyroid function and alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms by acting as an antioxidant and reducing inflammation, thus promoting a balanced thyroid hormone profile.