A reminder that Grave's Disease is a serious condition, and should not be taken lightly.  I do not advise people to attempt to treat themselves, but rather to take this information to a trained naturopathic doctor or medical herbalist and to work with that practitioner to help the body heal itself.

(this information comes from a number of sources.  I make no claims as to their authenticity, but thank those who have done research in this area...)

CENTELLA ASIATICA (Gotu Kola, Brahmi)
Subclinical hypothyroid conditions from emotional depression, drugs, or excess thyroid-depressing foods...not known if effect is on limbic-hypothalamus controls or on thyroglobulin catabolism.

HERB. Fresh Plant Tincture [1:2], 15-30 drops to 3X a day. Dry Herb Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol] 20-40 drops, to 3X a day, usually for a month or more.

CONTRA: Hyperthyroid conditions or any condition that approaches myxedema or is frankly a pathology.

FUCUS (Bladderwrack)
Functional hypothyroid secondary to depressions; obesity; adjunct to diet and exercise in obesity in anabolic dominant individuals, with hyperlipidemia, sub-clinical azotemia or hyperuricemia, over-acidic urine, and high protein, phospholipid diet.

WHOLE PLANT. Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol] 20 - 60 drops to 3x a day.

CONTRA: Hyperthyroidal states, disorders in sodium metabolism.

LYCOPUS (Bugleweed)
Tachycardia, over-rapid GI transit time, arrhythmias and insomnia with mild hyperthyroid implications.

HERB. Fresh Plant Tincture [1:2] 15-40 drops, 4x a day.

CONTRA: Hypothyroid states, cardiopathies, overt thyrotoxicosis.

MAHONIA (Oregon Grape)
Same as Berberis with addition of low BMR with poor protein digestion, low protein utilization.

ROOT. Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol] 10-60 drops.

CONTRA: Same with addition of elevated BMR, hyperthyroid symptoms.

*PANAX (Ginseng)
Three types:

UNCURED (White), either Asian or American cultivated,

RED (cured) Chinese Kirin or Korean Red (the Shiu-chu cured from China has the same effects as uncured), and WILD (or WOODSGROWN) AMERICAN. (Siberian "Ginseng", see Eleutherococcus).

All three types are useful in metabolic stress from limbic/hypothalamus/pituitary hyperfunction, and induce an emotional, subjective sense of well-being. All three increase anabolic functions, decreasing catabolic excess. RED roots are also hyperglycemic and hypertensive, and often contraindicated. UNCURED and WILD AMERICAN are useful for functional hypocortical conditions with adrenergic dominance, moderately reducing blood sugar, lipids and uric acid when elevated.

ASIATIC ROOT. Tincture [1:5, 70% alcohol].

KIRIN (dark red Chinese cured root) 5-20 drops.

SHIU-CHU (light red Chinese cured) 10-30 drops.

KOREAN RED, 5-15 drops.

WHITE (Chinese or Korean uncured) 20-40 drops, all to 3X a day.

NORTH AMERICAN ROOT. Tincture [1:5, 70% alcohol].

WILD ROOTS (morally objectionable), 5-10 drops.

WOODSGROWN ROOTS. 10-20 drops.

CULTIVATED ROOTS. 20-40 drops.

CULTIVATED RED ROOTS (Michigan and Wisconsin cured roots), 15-30 drops. Any other "American Red Ginseng" is a blatant fake.

LEAVES. 30-60 drops, Cold Infusion, 2-4 ounces. All above forms to 3X a day

CONTRA: Pregnancy, steroid therapy, hyperthyroid, hypercortical conditions, hypoglycemia, major pathologies/therapies.

FALLACY: Not an aphrodisiac (whatever that is) unless from overt hypotestosteronism from non-organic cause, or extended stress.

*SCOPARIUS (Broom tops)
A diuretic for water retention from poor cardiac function, with mild tachycardia from sympathetic, caffeine or tobacco origin, with periods in A.M. of poor cerebral blood supply, but NO organic cause.

FLOWERING BRANCHES. Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol] 20-40 drops to 4X a day.

CONTRA: Pregnancy, hypertension hyperthyroid, or if stronger Rx is needed.

LYCOPUS
Exophthalmic goiter from long-term functional hyperthyroidism with tachycardia and mild dyspnoea.

Chronic epistaxis.
Chronic bronchitis.
Hemoptysis.
Tachycardia with circulatory excitement, anxiety; supportive to other measures for anxiety syndromes in chronic cardiopathies; passive capillary hemorrhage; tobacco heart; chronic dilated cardiovascular hypertrophy; palpitations after febrile infection or from hiatus hernia or gastritis.
General thyroid hyperfunction; functional exophthalmus hyperfunction.
Chronic passive hematuria.
Blood serum levels: creatinine, moderate elevation, renal cause.

Motherwort

© David L. Hoffman, M.N.I.M.H.

Leonurus cardiaca

Labiatae
Names : Lion's Tail.

Habitat : Throughout Europe and occasionally in Britain.

Collection : The stalks should be gathered at the time of flowering, which is between June and September.

Part Used : Aerial parts.

Constituents :

Iridoids: leonuride and others not yet identified

Diterpenes of the labdane type, such as leocardin, a mixture of two epimers of 8[[beta]]-acetoyx-9[[alpha]],l3[[alpha]],l5,6-bisepoxy-l5-hydroyx-7-oxo-labdan-6[[beta]],l9-olide (This is why shorter names are coined!)

Flavonoids; rutin, quinqueloside, genkwanin, quercitin, quercetrin, isoquercetrin, hyperoside, and apigenin and kaempferol glucosides

Caffeic acid 4-rutinoside.

Actions : Nervine, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, hepatic, cardiac tonic, hypotensive.

Indications : The names of this plant show its range of uses. `Motherwort' shows its relevance to menstrual and uterine conditions whilst`cardiaca' indicates its use in heart and circulation treatments. It is valuable in the stimulation of delayed or suppressed menstruation, especially where there is anxiety or tension involved. It is a useful relaxing tonic for aiding in menopausal changes. It may be use to ease false labor pains. It is an excellent tonic for the heart, strengthening without straining. It is considered to be a specific in cases of tachycardia (heart palpitations), especially when brought about by anxiety and other such causes. It may be used in all heart conditions that are associated with anxiety and tension. Chinese research referred to in Potters Cyclopedia found that it both reduced blood platelet aggregation and decreased levels of blood lipids.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is "diffuse, stimulating and relaxing, an antispasmodic nervine: indicated for reflex conditions affecting cardiac function, and as a simple cardiac tonic. It also influences pre-menstrual nerve tension and muscular rigidity." They give the following specific indications : anaemic nervousness and insomnia; palpitations, cardiac weakness after infections; neurosis; hyperthyroid cardiac reactions; P.M.S., congestive amenorrhoea or dysmenorrhoea.

Ellingwood considered it specific for "suppressed lochia from any cause, amenorrhoea from cold; dysmenorrhoea, with morbid nervous excitability and hysteria." He says it may be used with value in cases of: delirium tremens, typhoid state in fevers, chronic disease with wakefulness, restlessness, disturbed sleep, spinal irritation, neuralgia of the stomach and head, feeble digestion, general debility, chorea, convulsions, nervousness from irregular menstruation, palpitation of the heart, pain in the pelvic and lumbar regions in females.

Combinations : May be freely combined in any prescription, especially with Hawthorn.

Preparations & Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l-4ml of the tincture three times a day.

Hyperthyroidism

© David L. Hoffman, M.N.I.M.H.
 

Overactivity of the thyroid gland may be caused by a functioning growth or tumor, such as a benign nodule or cancer, a self-limited inflammation of the gland from a probable viral infection, or Graves' disease (the commonest form). Graves' disease appears to be autoimmune, caused by the production of thyroid antibodies which have a stimulating effect on the gland. This same process causes the deposition of a thick substance within the skin, behind the eyes, and elsewhere.

Clinical manifestations are the result of an increased metabolic rate, especially excessive body heat, increased neuromuscular and cardiovascular activity, and hyperactivity. For example :

     Nervousness, emotional hyperexcitability, irritability, apprehension, sleeplessness,
     Difficulty in sitting quietly.
     Rapid pulse, at rest as well as on exertion (ranges between 90 and 160); palpitations.
     Low heat tolerance; profuse perspiration; flushed skin (e.g. hands warm, moist)
     Fine tremor of hands; change in bowel habits constipation or diarrhea.
     Increased appetite and progressive weight loss.
     Muscle fatigability and weakness; amenorrhea.
     Bulging eyes (exophthalmos) - produces a startled expression.
 

Specific Remedies :
This condition has one of the best examples of a specific remedy, Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus or L. europaeus). It is a useful relaxing nervine but in addition has a sometimes dramatic effect in reducing the symptom picture associated with hyperthyroid conditions. I have seen no figures on thyroxin serum levels in patients using Lycopus, and thus cannot say that improvement is due to the herb directly impacting the hormone, but something is definitely going on.

One possible prescription :

     Lycopus spp. 4 parts
     Leonurus cardiaca 2 parts
     Scutellaria spp. 2 parts
     Crataegus spp. 1 part to 5ml of tincture three times a day
 

for associated insomnia :

     Valeriana officinalis
     Passiflora incarnata equal parts as tincture to 5-15ml 1/2 hour before retiring.
     Actions supplied by this combination :

          Nervine Tonic (Scutellaria spp.)
          Nervine Relaxant (Lycopus spp., Leonurus cardiaca, Scutellaria spp., Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata)
          Cardio-Vascular Tonic (Crataegus spp.)

"Gypsywort (Lycopus europeaus) has the ability to reduce the activity of iodine, which causes hyperthyroidism" page 1197 Encyclopedia of Natural healing By Siegfried Gursche and Zolton Rona

Herbal Remedies for The Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

The herb Motherwort (Leonurus carciaca) according to authorities from the German Kommission E has shown benefit in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.  This herb as been particularly helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as excessive sweating, palpitations, nervous anxiety, and tiredness. There have been no reported safety issues related to the proper usage of this herb.  The dosage for this herb would be 10 to 15 drops of tincture up to 3 times a day. If you use the liquid extract form of the herb take between 2 and 4 milligrams daily.

Another option to consider would be a combination formula of the following herbs: Take 4 parts Bugleweed (Lycopus spp.), 2 parts Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), 2 parts Skullcap (Scutellaria spp.), and 1 part Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)  in tincture form three times daily.

Before using this or any other herb or nutritional supplement I would advise that you first consult with your primary physician or health care provider.

Good health!
Harold Cameron

Low Iodine Diet
Since foods and medications containing iodine may interfere with RAI scanning and treatment, it is important that you avoid iodine-containing foods and medications until 3 days after your RAI treatment. Below is a list of foods and medications which you should avoid (the foods which are of particular concern are starred):


This from the Hyperthyroid e-mail list:

A man with hypothyroidism was told to take 3 parts mullein and 1 part lobelia in a tea three times a day.  I usually make a strong decoction that lasts a few days, though I have been told your teas will be most effective if made daily.

For a daily tea use 1 1/2 t. mullein and  1/2 t. lobelia.  If you get too sleepy from this mixture cut it in half and a half again if necessary.
I usually take a canning jar and break up the leaves into small pieces and mix a whole jar of the mixture together and keep it in a dark place (light draws out the medicinal value of a plant).  This is supposed to be good if you are hyper or hypo.  Lobelia is called a "thinking plant".  God created it in such a way that it will go to the organ that most needs help and do what needs to be done.  In thyroid immune problems the causitive agent is the same but yields different results in our own bodies.  This man took the medicine for I believe 6 months and then went off his synthroid and takes the mixture a few times a week as well as a blood cleanser Burdock or dandelion (I've heard the combination of the two is the most powerful antibacterial you can find.  For some reasons organisms never build-up a resistance to the herbs like they can antibiotics).  You could make a tea of all 4 of these and take for 6 months, then see what happens if you cut down to 3/4 thryoid, 1/2, 1/4, every other day.  Of course if you have no thyroid, you will always need the thyroxine and this formula would heal
other glands (like adrenals and others that may contribute to the problem. It also would kill any organisms that may be in your body that have caused the problem in the first place.  It is also loaded with vitamins and minerals in a readily usable form for your body to take.  You might not need as much calcium, copper and magnesium if you take the burdock and dandelion.

Le Ann

Bugleweed

Botanical: Lycopus Virginicus (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Labiatae

     Description
     Part Used
     Constituents
     Medicinal Action and Uses

---Synonyms---Water Bugle. Sweet Bugle. Virginian Water Horehound. Gipsyweed.
---Part Used---Herb.
---Habitat---An American plant. It is a very common weed in North America, growing in low, damp, shady ground and flowering from July to September.
 

---Description---Though a Labiate, it does not actually belong to the same genus as the British Bugles, but has certain points in common. From the perennial, creeping root, the quadrangular, smooth stem rises to a height of from 6 to 24 inches, bearing pairs of opposite leaves on short stalks, those on the upper part being toothed and lance-shaped, the lower ones wedge-shaped and with entire margins. The leaves are destitute of hairs and gland-dotted beneath. The flowers are in clusters in the axils of the leaves; the calyx has four broad, blunt teeth and the corolla is four-lobed, purplish in colour, with only two fertile stamens.

---Part Used---The whole herb is used. It is slightly aromatic, with a mint-like odour and is used, fresh, when in flower, for the
preparation of a tincture and a fluid extract, until recent years official in the United States Pharmacopoeia. It is also used dried
for making an infusion.

---Constituents---It contains a peculiar bitter principle, insoluble in ether, another soluble in ether, the two forming more than
10 per cent of the whole solid extract, also tannin and a volatile oil.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---Sedative, astringent and mildly narcotic. Used in coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption. The infusion made from 1 OZ. of the dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses, frequently, the fluid extract in doses of 10 to 30 drops, and the dry extract, Lycopin, in doses of 1 to 4 grains.
 

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