Chinese Herbs for Hashimoto's
Hashimoto's disease, also known as autoimmune thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid. It causes inflammation of the thyroid while causing damage to, and eventually destroying, it. There are some treatments to keep it from progressing and sometimes promote improvement. One way of treating it is by using Chinese herbal remedies. Although these herbs are not generally used by conventional medical doctors in the United States, herbs have become one of the treatments of choice for Hashimoto's by herbalists, chiropractors and other non-conventional medical practitioners.
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Bladderwrack
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Bladderwrack, also known as Fucus vesiculosus, is an herb often used for the treatment of Hashimoto's disease. This herb is a seaweed that can be found in the colder waters of the ocean. Used frequently in Chinese herbal medicine, it can be used in the form of a tea or a supplement. To take as a tea, measure out about 3 tsp. dried Bladderwrack and pour about 8 oz. of boiling water over it. Allow it to steep for about 10 minutes, then drink. This particular herb is also a good source of iodine.
Ginseng
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According to Subhuti Dharmananda, PhD, the Director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine, in Portland, Oregon, Ginseng is often used as a remedy for Hashimoto's disease, as it has been shown to have a positive effect on the pituitary gland, helps to stabilize the hormonal balance and enhances the metabolism. It is, in fact, an ingredient in many herbal formulas specifically used to aid in the healing of hypothyroidism, a known effect of Hashimoto's disease.
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He Shou Wu Root
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One often-used Chinese tonic for Hashimoto's disease is known as He Shou Wu Root. It is used because of its tonifying effects on the thyroid. This herb, which grows native in China, is also known by some as fo-ti. To use it for medicinal purposes, it is boiled in a special black bean liquid. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said to be one of the most superior remedies.
Bailcal Scullcap Root
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The bitter herb known by the name of bailcal scullcap root (Scutellaria Baicalensis), is a Chinese herb that is very high in bioflavanoids. It is used by Chinese practitioners for Hashimoto's disease and other thyroid disorders. It works by inhibiting leukotrienes and histamines, as they are very strong antioxidants. This herb is bitter and possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects, similar to pharmaceutical medications such as ibuprofen. It has no known negative side effects.
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