Herbs
and the endocrine system .pdf
version
Thyroid
gland:
Increase thyroid function:
Seaweeds (Kelp, bladderwrack, dulse, arame, kombu)
Natural source of highly bioavailable iodine and minerals. Can be
taken as tablets / capsules (about 3-4 grams a day) or added to
vegetable stocks and stir-fried vegetables. Must be taken daily
at food-like doses to achieve results.
Improving adrenal function if it is deficient and/or balancing blood
sugar levels can also have a positive impact on deficient thyroid
function (cross-system feedback).
Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is a resin related to myrrh, useful in
controlling excess cholesterol and high blood lipids, but also showing
promise as a thyroid-enhancing botanical. It seems to help the thyroid
use iodine effectively, as well as simply stimulating increased
hormone production, so it is best taken along with seaweeds to ensure
the nutritional building blocks are available. Some products are
concentrated forms of the resin; generally, however, 1,500 to 2,000mg
daily is a good dose.
Decrease
thyroid overactivity:
Lycopus virginicus (Bugleweed) and Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
Safe mint-family plants that have been shown to decrease thyroid
hormone overproduction, even in autoimmune cases. Tea or liquid
extracts most effective. 1 quart / day of tea brewed with 2TBS of
each herb; or 3-5 droppers (milliliters) of each extract twice daily
between meals.
Modulating the effects of chronic stress / adrenal overactivity
can also have an impact on overactive thyroid function (cross-system
feedback). Additionally, working directly on the systems (cardio
/ nervous) affected by thyroid overactivity is important.
Adrenal
glands:
Reduce adrenal hyper-arousal:
Nervine herbs are generally indicated, because they help calm the
system and reduce the likelyhood that a stressor will trigger the
fight-or-flight response. Avena sativa (Oats, milky stage), Scutellaria
lateriflora (Scullcap), Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) are
all good options that are non-sedating. Safely taken as a tea, can
be blended. About 4-6TBS total in 1 QT water, taken throughout the
day.
Adaptogenic herbs help the body respond to stressors without over-taxing
the adrenal system, improving recovery, increasing endurance, reducing
adrenal hormone ‘spikes’ (and the consequences thereof).
Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola, 30-90 drops twice daily, esp. with fatigue
and depression), Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng, 90-120 drops
twice daily), Ocimum sanctum (Holy basil / Tulsi, best as a tea
esp. with inflammation / nervousness), Crategus species (Hawthorn,
tea, or tincture at 1 tsp. twice daily esp. with cardiovascular
‘heat’).
Tonify
deficient / depleted adrenal function:
Adaptogenic herbs again as listed above, but especially the more
restorative ones that lessen the burden or hormone production from
the adrenal glands. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice, ½ to 1
tsp. of tincture twice a day, or tea), Eleutherococcus senticosus
(Eleuthero a.k.a. Siberian Ginseng, 1 tsp. twice a day of tincture).
Endocrine
Pancreas:
Herbs to modulate blood sugar spikes / troughs:
Digestive bitters (Dandelion, Burdock, Gentian roots) are especially
useful in hypoglycemic situations, but are indicated in all cases
of blood sugar disruption, decreased insulin sensitivity, and diabetes,
especially if coupled with gas and poor / underactive / sluggish
digestion. Take 30-60 drops as needed, but at least three times
a day 5-10 minutes before meals.
Soluble fiber sources bind sugars in the GI tract, slowing their
speed of entry into the bloodstream and thereby reducing the blood-sugar
spike. Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek, 1-2 capsules with meals)
and Cinnamonum (Cinnamon, 1-2 caps with meals) have received the
most attention for reducing high blood sugars after meals.
Gymnemna sylvestre buffers blood sugar swings, and has the interesting
side-effect of temporarily inhibiting the ability to taste the sweet
flavor. Useful for those craving sugar; take 30-60 drops of tincture
on the tongue before eating.
Momordica charantia (Bitter melon) reduces blood sugars markedly
by affecting pancreatic hormone secretion and increasing sensitivity
to insulin. Follow manufacturer’s directions and use caution
with this potent herb – especially if any blood-sugar-lowering
medications are also present.
Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia) is not only a great herbal sweetener
for tea blends and other uses, it also helps buffer excessive blood
sugar swings when taken consistently over time.
Finally, do not neglect the thyroid and adrenal systems when attempting
to address pancreatic / blood sugar dysfunction. Low thyroid will
decrease insulin’s effect because of the increased fat production
and storage that accompany it. Overactive adrenals will promote
high blood sugars – that’s their job (useful in fight-or
flight, but not chronically)! Underactive adrenals, conversely,
will exacerbate hypoglycemic symptoms.
