| The H-shaped thyroid gland in the lower part of the | | | | Lack of energy, muscle weakness, weight gain, and |
| neck produces the hormone thyroxine, which in turn | | | | persistent infections are symptoms of this condition. |
| controls a person's metabolic rate. An essential part of | | | | They are a result of underactivity of the thyroid gland. |
| this hormone is the chemical iodine, and therefore an | | | | Sufferers may feel cold and have a hoarse voice, |
| iodine-rich diet (containing seafood, shellfish, organic | | | | coarse skin, and constipation. |
| vegetables, and iodized salt) is a vital self-help | | | | Treatment |
| measure for thyroid problems caused by iodine | | | | Herbal Medicine Infusions of the herb bladderwrack will |
| deficiency. Hyperthyroidism is overactivity in the thyroid; | | | | help regulate thyroid function. |
| hypothyroidism signifies a sluggish thyroid. | | | | Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for: |
| Hyperthyroidism | | | | Homeopathy Specific remedies might include |
| Weight loss, increased appetite, and bulging eyes are | | | | Arsenicum alb., but overall, treatment should be |
| caused by overactivity of the thyroid gland. There may | | | | constitutional, prescribed by a homeopath. |
| also be a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and tremors. | | | | Goiter |
| Toxic goiter is another name for this condition, which is | | | | Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. |
| usually a result of overstimulation of the thyroid by an | | | | Symptoms of the condition are palpitations, bulging |
| abnormal hormone rather than a fault in the gland itself. | | | | eyes, irritability, and a high fever. It is not the same as |
| The conventional treatment for this is surgery. | | | | hyperthyroidism. Goiter is often caused by a deficiency |
| Treatment | | | | of iodine in the diet and can be relieved by taking iodine |
| Herbal Meducine Infusions of the herb bugleweed | | | | supplement. |
| three times a day help slow the action of the gland. | | | | Treatment |
| Homeopathy A homeopath may prescribe Iodum 30c | | | | Reflexology A reflexologist massages areas that |
| twice a day for two weeks. | | | | relate to the thyroid, which are found in the big toe and |
| Hypothyroidism | | | | the arch of the foot. |