The H-shaped thyroid gland in the lower part of the neck produces the
hormone thyroxine, which in turn controls a person's metabolic rate. An
essential part of this hormone is the chemical iodine, and therefore an
iodine-rich diet (containing seafood, shellfish, organic vegetables,
and iodized salt) is a vital self-help measure for thyroid problems
caused by iodine deficiency.
Hyperthyroidism is overactivity in the
thyroid; hypothyroidism signifies a sluggish thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism
Weight loss, increased appetite, and bulging eyes are caused by overactivity of the thyroid gland. There may also be a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and tremors. Toxic goiter is another name for this condition, which is usually a result of overstimulation of the thyroid by an abnormal hormone rather than a fault in the gland itself. The conventional treatment for this is surgery.
Treatment
Herbal Meducine Infusions of the herb bugleweed three times a day help slow the action of the gland.
Homeopathy A homeopath may prescribe Iodum 30c twice a day for two weeks.
Hypothyroidism
Lack of energy, muscle weakness, weight gain, and persistent infections are symptoms of this condition. They are a result of underactivity of the thyroid gland. Sufferers may feel cold and have a hoarse voice, coarse skin, and constipation.
Treatment
Herbal Medicine Infusions of the herb bladderwrack will help regulate thyroid function.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Homeopathy Specific remedies might include Arsenicum alb., but overall, treatment should be constitutional, prescribed by a homeopath.
Goiter
Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of the condition are palpitations, bulging eyes, irritability, and a high fever. It is not the same as hyperthyroidism. Goiter is often caused by a deficiency of iodine in the diet and can be relieved by taking iodine supplement.
Treatment
Reflexology A reflexologist massages areas that relate to the thyroid, which are found in the big toe and the arch of the foot.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapistfor:
Acupuncture An acupuncturist may treat the condition with fine needles inserted into positions on the "energy pathways" of the body to clear obstructions of blood circulation and energy, and an accumulation of phlegm, which in Chinese medicine are related to problems with the thyroid gland.
Homeopathy Treatment would be constitutional, but specific remedies include Iodum 30c, Spongia 30c, Calcarea 30c, and Fluoric ac. 30c. A variation of this salve is for kids or people with parasites -
particularly pin worms. Adding garlic to the salve, is excellent for
killing and expelling pin worms and their eggs.
A woman's son fell and scraped the front of his face severely
at school one day. The scrape was so bad that school officials feared
he'd be scarred for life. The boy's mother only had Golden Seal and
Comfrey on hand, so she mixed the two with petroleum jelly to form a
healing salve, and slathered it thickly on his face. He slept overnight
with the application on. His mother washed it well the next morning to
find new, pink skin already in place. The wounds were almost completely
healed overnight, and the school officials were shocked. Within days
the wound was completely gone with no evidence of scarring.
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