Thyroid hormone generally controls the pace of all of the processes in the body. This pace is called your metabolism. If there is too much thyroid hormone, every function of the body tends to speed up. The thyroid gland regulates the body temperature by secreting two hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and energy. If the thyroid produces too much hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism, but if too little is produced the result is hypothyroidism.



Treating Graves' Disease or Hyperthyroidism will involve not only psychological and physical efforts, but also it is very important to monitor what you eat and drink. Besides the 3 popular options for treating Hyperthyroidism- anti-thyroid drugs, RAI treatment and surgery, there are many herbs that can dramatically improve your condition.

One of the most safety herbs that is used to treat Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease is Lemon Balm.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is frequently used also as an attractive edible garnish, and it can be made into a tea. The leaves give off a delightful lemony aroma when they are crushed or torn before the flowers appear, but the taste and odor are altered after flowering.

Lemon balm has been historically used for treating anxiety and heart palpitations, which are some of the most debilitating symptoms of Hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease.

Lemon balm lowers TSH levels and has been used to treat Hyperthyroidism and Graves disease. Rosmarinic acid in Lemon Balm apparently binds to thyrotropin (TSH) and keeps it from connecting with the gland. This action is relatively weak, but I guarantee you that it will calm you down, will help your insomnia and reduce your stress levels which is extremely important when treating Hyperthyroidism or Grave's Disease.

Lemon Balm is used also as a remedy for insomnia or for digestive discomfort and gas.

Lemon Balm is taken internally (usually as a tea) primarily for relaxation. Thus, The PDR for Herbal Medicines declares it is used for "nervous agitation, sleeping problems, and functional gastrointestinal complaints. "Functional" problems are those attributed in part to psychological factors such as stress.

The tea is made by pouring 1 cup of hot water over 2 g (about 2 teaspoons) of dried leaf, steeping five to ten minutes, and straining. Two to three cups daily are usually consumed, and there is no limit on the duration of treatment.

Another herb that is very useful for treating Graves'' Disease and Hyperthyroidism is Bugleweed (Lycopus). Bugleweed has a considerable folk history for treating thyroid conditions, and modern research supports this use. This herb inhibits iodine metabolism and reduces the amount of hormone that's produced by thyroid cells.

Leaf extracts are more active than root extracts. The recommended oral preparation is a tincture (alcohol extract) rather than a tea.

Verbena (Verbena, various species). Often called vervain, verbena seems to have similar properties as Bugleweed and Lemon Balm. Extracts have been shown to suppress thyroid hormone production by influencing levels of TSH in the body.

A combination of the Verbena, Lemon Balm and Bugleweed can help tremendously people suffering from Hyperthyroidism or Graves' Disease. No side effects or symptoms of toxicity have been reported with none of them, but these herbs are not recommended to be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women. In all cases - consult a herbalist before taking any of them.