Hypothyroidism: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.

It can be caused by iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, or autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's disease. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and hair loss, ultimately affecting overall health and quality of life. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like ashwagandha, blumea camphora, and guggul are often used to stimulate thyroid function and balance hormone production.

However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating medicinal herbs into your treatment plan, as interactions with medications or allergic reactions may occur.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of hypothyroidism, 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 hypothyroidism?

The main causes of hypothyroidism are the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis, accounting for 90% of cases, which causes the immune system to attack and destroy thyroid tissue, leading to decreased production of thyroid hormones.

Other causes include iodine deficiency, which is more common in areas with inadequate iodine in the soil or water, and thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, which can result in permanent hypothyroidism. Additionally, certain medications, such as lithium and amiodarone, can also cause hypothyroidism as a side effect. Thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid gland, can also lead to hypothyroidism, particularly subacute and silent thyroiditis.

Rarely, hypothyroidism can also be caused by genetic disorders such as Pendred syndrome and congenital hypothyroidism.

• Autoimmune: Autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the thyroid gland's ability to produce thyroid hormones.
• Radiation: Exposure to radiation, either from medical treatments such as radiation therapy for head and neck cancers or from nuclear accidents, can damage the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism by destroying thyroid tissue and impairing its ability to produce hormones.
• Surgical removal: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, either partially or completely, can result in hypothyroidism if the remaining thyroid tissue is insufficient to produce adequate levels of thyroid hormones.
• Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, known as thyroiditis, can cause temporary or permanent damage to the gland and lead to hypothyroidism, particularly if the inflammation is severe or recurrent.
• Genetic: Genetic disorders, such as dyshornonogenesis, can affect the production or function of thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism.
• Pituitary problems: Problems with the pituitary gland, such as pituitary tumors or hypopituitarism, can lead to hypothyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is necessary for the thyroid gland to produce hormones.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as lithium, amiodarone, and iodine-containing medications, can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones or damage the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
• Iodine deficiency: Iodine deficiency is a common cause of hypothyroidism in areas where iodine is scarce in the diet, as it is essential for the production of thyroid hormones.
• Pendred's syndrome: Pendred's syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, can cause hypothyroidism due to the defective production of thyroid hormones.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hypothyroidism?

The main medicinal herbs used for hypothyroidism are Astragalus membranaceus, Schisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Panax ginseng, Cassia auriculata, Silybum marianum, Ginkgo biloba, Gymnema sylvestre, Foeniculum vulgare.

Astragalus membranaceus has been shown to stimulate the immune system and improve thyroid function by activating T cells and enhancing the production of thyroid hormones. Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, has been found to have adaptogenic properties that help regulate cortisol levels and improve thyroid function by increasing the production of thyroid hormones. Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as Licorice root, has been used to treat hypothyroidism by stimulating the production of thyroid hormones and improving the overall health of the thyroid gland.

These herbs work synergistically to improve thyroid function, reduce cortisol levels, and enhance overall health, providing a natural and holistic approach to managing hypothyroidism.

• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus may help with hypothyroidism by stimulating the immune system, increasing thyroid-stimulating hormone production, and enhancing the body's ability to convert thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3).
• Schisandra chinensis: Schisandra chinensis may help with hypothyroidism by improving thyroid function, enhancing the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone, and increasing the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) in the body.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera may help with hypothyroidism by reducing stress and anxiety, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction, and by improving the immune system's ability to respond to thyroid-stimulating hormone.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra may help with hypothyroidism by inhibiting the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which can contribute to the conversion of cortisol to a compound that can interfere with thyroid function.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng may help with hypothyroidism by enhancing the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone and by improving the body's ability to convert thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3).
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata may help with hypothyroidism by increasing the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone and by enhancing the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) in the body.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum may help with hypothyroidism by protecting the liver, which is involved in the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), and by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to thyroid dysfunction.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help with hypothyroidism by improving blood flow and oxygenation to the thyroid gland, which can enhance thyroid function and hormone production.
• Gymnema sylvestre: Gymnema sylvestre may help with hypothyroidism by reducing stress and anxiety, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction, and by improving insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for thyroid function.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare may help with hypothyroidism by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the thyroid gland, which can contribute to thyroid dysfunction, and by improving the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3).

What are the main herbal preparations used for hypothyroidism?

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

Decoction of Ashwagandha and Shilajit are used to enhance thyroid function by increasing the production of thyroid hormones. Tincture of Bladderwrack and Kelp are used to support thyroid function and alleviate symptoms. Capsules of Iodine-rich herbs like Kelp and Bladderwrack are used to provide essential nutrients for thyroid function.

Herbal preparations like Cream and Salve of Bladderwrack, Suppository and Gel of Ashwagandha, Powder of Kelp, and Elixir and Tea of Bladderwrack and Kelp are used to support thyroid function and alleviate symptoms.

• Decoction: A decoction of the root of Withania somnifera may help with hypothyroidism by potentially increasing the production of thyroid hormones through its adaptogenic properties, which may help the body adapt to stress and promote balance in the endocrine system.
• Tincture: A tincture of the root of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may help with hypothyroidism by providing a concentrated extract that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially stimulating the thyroid gland and increasing the production of thyroid hormones.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with the dried root of Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) may help with hypothyroidism by providing a concentrated source of iodine, a essential nutrient for the production of thyroid hormones.
• Cream: A topical cream made from the root of Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) may help with hypothyroidism by potentially stimulating the thyroid gland and increasing the production of thyroid hormones through its adaptogenic properties when applied to the skin.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the root of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may help with hypothyroidism by providing a direct delivery of the adaptogenic properties of the root to the bloodstream, potentially stimulating the thyroid gland and increasing the production of thyroid hormones.
• Salve: A salve made from the root of Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) may help with hypothyroidism by providing a topical delivery of iodine, an essential nutrient for the production of thyroid hormones, when applied to the skin.
• Powder: A powder made from the dried root of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may help with hypothyroidism by providing a concentrated source of adaptogenic properties that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially stimulating the thyroid gland and increasing the production of thyroid hormones.
• Gel: A gel made from the root of Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) may help with hypothyroidism by potentially stimulating the thyroid gland and increasing the production of thyroid hormones through its adaptogenic properties when applied to the skin.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the root of Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) may help with hypothyroidism by providing a concentrated source of iodine, an essential nutrient for the production of thyroid hormones, when taken as a liquid.
• Tea: A tea made from the root of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may help with hypothyroidism by providing a gentle and soothing way to potentially stimulate the thyroid gland and increase the production of thyroid hormones through its adaptogenic properties when consumed as a beverage.