Ashwagandha for Thyroid

Saturday 7 July 2012

Ashwagandha for Thyroid

The thyroid is a gland situated in the neck and produces a hormone called thyroxene which helps in regulating body metabolism. Deficiency of the thyroxene hormone (hypothyroidism) increases the subcutaneous fat in adults and cretinism in children. An excess of the hormone (hyperthyroidism) causes goitre. Hyperthyroidism is a condition more common in women in the age group of 30 to 50 years. They exhibit symptoms of irritation, over-anxiety, rapid heart rate, deep or shallow respiration, menstrual disturbance, fatigue and bulging of the eyes. While all these symptoms may not manifest simultaneously any one of them may indicat hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is caused due to the inactivity of thyroxine, deficiency of iodine or thyroid failure leading to fatigue, listlessness and hormonal imbalance. If left untreated, it could lead to myxoedema which manifest as swollen skin and tissues.

Ashwagandha, an herb used in ayurvedic practice seems to have an answer to both hyper and hypo forms of this disease. It grows in the dryer regions of India, Africa and the Mediterranean. Its Latin name is Withania Somnifera.

Given below are four reasons it can be used for thyroid support:

It works with your body, not against it.
It is an adaptogen, a herbal product that increases the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. Adaptogens are rejuvenating herbs, ‘rasayanas’ in Ayurvedic terms and restoratives. They are also tonic herbs and can be taken regularly. They also modulate the endocrine system (hormones) to help the person regain hormonal balanceand feel better.
Anecdotal evidence and real experience of persons using Ashwagandha indicates that adaptogens work with all types of people-even people who are suffering from extremes of the particular disease. For instance one person could take it to correct a sluggish thyroid, while another could use it to treat the overactive one.
Scientists are stumped by these observations, perhaps because it has a holistic effect on the body. The scientific approach of separate and isolate finds it difficult to deal with the larger picture.

The herb has been used for thousands of years as a tonic so one can use it for extended periods, without the possibility of side effects.

A little about the dosage you should use – it should be 200 to 1200 milligrams per day. If the odour is unpalatable then it could be taken as a tea or a smoothie with an addition of basil to make it a stimulating hot drink.

One of the best ways to determine whether the treatment is taking effect is to test your thyroid hormones and check them again after a period of 2 to three months to observe if there is a positive change. These tests can be done by any good health practitioner. In this way you can decide whether it is good for you or whether you should stop and spend your time and money looking for another line of treatment.

In any case, it should be a good idea for you to discuss with your family physician before you begin to use Ashwagandha.



Source:http://www.onlymyhealth.com/ashwagandha-thyroid-1317706516

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