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Pinging the list to herbs to help the thyroid gland.

Anyone who has been on synthroid (or other brandds) of thyroid medication, and would like to try either one of these herbs, should taper it. Iow start the herb and continue to take the medicine, and try lowering the dose of medicine slowly, very slowly, and see how you feel.

I was found to have low thyroid function about (??) 2003 I think, and had these symptoms:

Extra weight that would NOT come off although I never ate junk food, rarely had desserts or over-ate, was walking for exercise. I had no energy or even appetite, and exercise just tired me (I used to get energized by exercising). My nails were weak, hair got thinner, face was a bit puffy, and both cold and heat really bothered me. There may have been other symptoms but I can’t remember.

Doc wanted to prescribe medication. I wanted to try herbs. My feeling (which may be factual or not) was that if I took the medication, maybe my thyroid would just kick back and get even less functioning as something else was on the job.

I looked through my herb books and found this traditional Ayurvedic formula for thyroid, including goiter, which I did not have. Guggulu is a resin somewhat similar to myrrh, and is the basis for many powerful Ayurvedic remedies. I figured if the herb below helped with goiter it would help thyroid and it did. But two others seem more powerful I would recommend them.

Kanchanar Guggulu
This specifically clears accumulation of kapha (excess water/swelling) and toxins in the lymphatic and digestive systems. It contains herbs that helps strengthen metabolic functions and elimination. It is a key medicine in treating goiter, lymphatic and sinus congestion, fibroids, edema, hemorrhoids and benign tumors.

I did not find out about this one until more recently, I think it would likely help even more:

Kaishore Guggulu
This treats all kinds of inflammatory conditions to remove excess heat and accumulated toxins in muscles, blood, joints, and nerve tissues. It is used in inflammatory arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, gout, and fibromyalgia. It helps to regular metabolic activity, and regulates thyroid activity, and treats other conditions as well.

Triphala Guggulu
This scrapes accumulated toxins and obstructions in bodily tissues and channels. It enkindles the digestive fire, supports metabolism, and helpful for obesity. It is used for many conditions including malabsorption, high cholesterol, hyperglycemia, and gallstone, fatigue, hypo-thyroidism, and more.

Within a few days of taking Kanchar Guggulu I felt energy returning, had an appetite (I was hungry, forgot what that was like) and gradually hair and nails strengthened. And that isn’t even the best one for thyroid. There may have been other benefits but it was around 20 years ago. I lost a little weight (would have liked a bit more).

I currently take all three of the above formulas, one or two at a time, for maintenance. Dosage is small, about 1/4 t. twice a day. They do come in capsules and tablets, I got in bulk powder.

I can find sources tomorrow if anyone would like. Guggulu formulas are among the most powerful of Ayurvedic medicines, and treat many difficult conditions, including incontinence, prostate problems, and more. Over the years my thyroid numbers have gotten better and they are now in the normal range.