By Dr. Anant Saliya, Homeopathy

Thyroid is one of the body’s most important glands. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common clinical conditions seen frequently. Thyroid function influences energy formation, circulation, immune function, the metabolism of all the organs, blood sugar regulation, emotional stability, and hormonal balance.

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck on either side of the voice box that controls the overall metabolic rate of the body. Hence, imbalances of thyroid hormones can have an intense effect on an individual’s energy levels. Sometimes the disturbances are very clear and easily diagnosed. Often though, they can be rather delicate and easily overlooked.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces an excess of hormones. This is associated with weight loss coupled with increased appetite, heart palpitations, increased body heat, bulging eyes, restlessness, anxiety, sleep disturbances or insomnia, muscle weakness, trembling hands, and decreased menstrual flow.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. This occurs with greater frequency in women between the ages of 40-50, and may affect as many as 10% of women over age 50. It is associated with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low motivation, heat and/or cold intolerance, headaches and migraines, dry skin and hair, hair loss, fluid retention, unhealthy brittle nails, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, panic attacks, depression, decreased memory, sometimes infertility, etc.

Homeopathic Approach to Thyroid Problems-

Homeopathy considers a disease to be the result from emotional distress and frustration, which blocks the life force energy into various different organs or glands. Homeopathy considers thyroid problem as one such autoimmune glandular dysfunction. Homeopathy offers better chances of a cure since the treatment is based on the person’s individual constitution. Homeopathic treatment may be useful as a supportive therapy for regulating both “hyper” and “hypo” conditions of the thyroid.

Conventional treatment of thyroid dysfunction relies mainly on drugs and surgery, whereas homeopathic treatment improves the function of the thyroid gland through natural means. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own healing power. Homeopathic remedies stimulate the body to reactivate the hormone secretions, replenish and restore the thyroid tissue through the pituitary and other glands as a whole allowing the body to heal itself.

Another striking thing about homeopathy is that it has no side effects. People on multiple medications can safely take homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic drugs are non-habit forming and have no addictive characteristics. Homeopathy has an exceptional proven safety record with the FDA with 200 years of clinical effectiveness.

Thus, homeopathic remedies will help boost your energy, improve circulation, and soothe metabolism by balancing ‘hyper’ or ‘hypo’ thyroid functions. Some of the commonly used homeopathic treatments for thyroid diseases have been discussed below:

1. Fucus vesiculosus: Also known as sea kelp or Bladderwrack, this homeopathic medication is a rich source of Iodine and is available in many forms such as tincture, tablet and capsule. It stimulates the production of many thyroid hormones and can be effectively used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) as well as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) and cysts.
2. Lycopus: Lycopus is prepared using the entire flowering plant of Bugleweed and is recommended for treating hyperthyroidism as well as cysts.
3. Iodum and Bromium: Preparation of Iodum (Homeopathic form of Iodine) is done using iodate salts extracted from seaweed. Thyroid problems are caused due to diversion from the optimum iodine levels in the body. Bromium is also recommended by homeopathic practitioners for treating thyroid problems.
4. Calcarea Carbonica: Calcarea Carbonica is considered to be one of the best homeopathic remedies for thyroid problems. While it is highly recommended for hypothyroid patients who experience excessive sweating on head, it is also utilized for hypothyroidism afflicted patients having certain peculiar eating habits such as craving for boiled egg and desire to eat indigestible things such as pencils, chalk and lime among other things. This homeopathic medicine can also help in relieving constipation in patients suffering from thyroid disorders.

Warning: Never treat yourself for thyroid problems. Any form of thyroid disease is complex and treatment needs to be supervised by an experienced health practitioner.