Natural treatments for hyperthyroidism
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Natural Herbal and Dietary Treatments for Hyperthyroidism
Several studies have explored natural and alternative treatments for hyperthyroidism, focusing on herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and traditional medicine approaches. These treatments are often considered due to the side effects and limitations of conventional therapies like antithyroid drugs, radioiodine, and surgery 1237.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Hyperthyroidism
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is widely used as a complementary or alternative therapy for hyperthyroidism. Formulas such as Jia-Wei-Xia-Yao-San (JWXYS), Prunella vulgaris, Fritillaria thunbergii, and Crassostrea gigas have shown effectiveness in normalizing thyroid hormone levels and controlling symptoms, with patients experiencing no significant side effects during treatment 25. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that combining CHM with standard antithyroid drugs may lower relapse rates, reduce adverse effects, relieve symptoms, and improve thyroid function compared to antithyroid drugs alone 378. However, the quality of evidence is generally low, and more rigorous studies are needed 38.
Danggui Liuhuang Decoction (DGLHD), another traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been found to enhance the effectiveness of antithyroid drugs, improve thyroid function, alleviate symptoms, and reduce adverse events, with a good safety profile .
Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Patterns
Large-scale studies in Taiwan show that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is used by a majority of hyperthyroidism patients, especially women aged 30–49. The most commonly prescribed formulas include Jia-Wei-Xia-Yao-San and single herbs like Xia-Ku-Cao, Xuan-Shen, Bei-Mu, and Mu-Li . These findings highlight the popularity and potential of TCM as a natural treatment option.
Ayurvedic and Persian Medicine Approaches
Ayurvedic medicine uses detoxification and balancing therapies such as Virechana (therapeutic purgation) and Shirodhara, which have been reported to normalize thyroid hormone levels and improve symptoms in hyperthyroid patients . Similarly, traditional Persian medicine (TPM) recommends lifestyle modifications, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) herbal tea, and Persian barley water. These interventions have led to normalization of thyroid function and symptom relief in patients with resistant hyperthyroidism .
Dietary and Other Natural Supplements
Case reports indicate that dietary-herbal supplementation, including royal jelly, green barley grass, and Taraxaf®, combined with wet cupping, may help increase TSH levels and relieve symptoms without side effects . Additionally, animal studies suggest that olive oil, due to its antioxidant properties, may offer some protective effects against the cardiovascular complications of hyperthyroidism, although it does not directly normalize thyroid hormone levels .
Conclusion
Natural treatments for hyperthyroidism, including Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic and Persian medicine therapies, and certain dietary supplements, show promise in managing symptoms and improving thyroid function, often with fewer side effects than conventional treatments 12345678. However, most evidence comes from case reports, observational studies, or low-quality trials. More high-quality clinical research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of these natural therapies before they can be widely recommended. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any alternative treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic