The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

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Hyperthyroidism

Definition

A condition caused by excessive secretion of the thyroid glands, which increases the basal metabolic rate, causing an increased demand for food to support this metabolic activity.
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Causes

This condition is not as common as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). A malfunctioning thyroid can be the underlying cause of many recurring illnesses. Or it may be hereditary.
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Symptoms

Exophthalmic goiter, fine tremor of the extended fingers and tongue, increased nervousness, weight loss, altered bowel activity, heat intolerance, insomnia, fatigue, weakness, hair loss, separation of the nails, excessive sweating, increased heart rate, and sometimes protuding eyeballs. This condition is sometimes called thryotoxicosis or Grave’s disease.

The body’s processes, including digestion speed up with this disorder. Malabsorption occurs, so a proper diet is important. The pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, and sex glands all work together and are influenced by thyroid function. If there is a problem in one place, they all may be affected.
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Treatment

Treatment is surgical removal of the thyroid gland following proper medical preparation. Medical treatment is by use of antithyroid drugs.
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Nutrients

Multivitamin and mineral complex, taken as directed on the label (increased vitamins and minerals are needed in this “hyper” metabolic condition.)

Vitamin B complex with extra riboflavin (B2) and thiamine (B1) and B6 (pyridoxine), taken as directed on the label.

Brewer’s yeast, 1/3 tbsp. per day, is rich in many basic nutrients, especially the B vitamins.

Essential fatty acids, taken as directed on the label, is needed for correct glandular function.

Lecithin, taken as directed on the label, aids in digestion of fats and protects the lining of all cells and organs.

Vitamin C, 3,000-5,000 mg. per day, is especially important since this is a stressful condition.

Vitamin E, 400 IU per day (do not exceed this dosage, excessive amounts of vitamin E may stimulate the thyroid gland, however, a small amount is needed).
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Herbs

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Recommendations

Eat plenty of these foods: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, peaches, pears, rutabagas, soybeans, spinach, and turnips. These help to suppress thyroid hormone production.
Avoid dairy products for at least 3 months. Also avoid stimulants, coffee, tea, nicotine, and soft drinks.
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Suggestions

If you haven’t already done so, see the doctor as soon as possible.
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Bibliography

Buy It! Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994

Buy It! Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Buy It! The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

Buy It! Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Buy It! Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

Buy It! Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 15th Edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

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