5 Medicinal Infusions for Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland does not secrete enough hormones.
This imbalance alters the chemical reactions of the body and, in turn, produces interferences in the activity of the metabolism, the cardiovascular system, and a person’s mood.
It’s more common among women over 60 years of age, although, in general, anyone can develop it, even in childhood.
Although it tends to go unnoticed in its initial stages, little by little it produces changes in the body that allow it to be identified.
Fortunately, in addition to medical treatments, there are natural remedies whose properties can help to control the symptoms.
In this article, we’ll share 5 medicinal infusions. Don’t hesitate to try them!
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Before talking about which drinks may help patients with hypothyroidism, it’s important to go over some of its symptoms.
Although in some they occur mildly, or are confused with other diseases, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to evaluate them. According to the Mayo Clinic, they’re the following:
- A feeling of weakness or fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Poor concentration and memory
- Greater sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Thinning and loss of hair
- Swollen face
- Weight gain
- Decreased heart rate
- Increased blood cholesterol
- Pain and muscle stiffness
- Joint swelling
- Irregular or heavier period
- Depression and irritability
Medicinal infusions for hypothyroidism
Medicinal infusions are another option that may help relieve the symptoms of this condition.
However, given the condition’s seriousness, it’s absolutely necessary that these natural remedies be used under the control and supervision of a doctor.
1. St. John’s wort infusion
St. John’s wort is useful in controlling fatigue and depression caused by hypothyroidism.
Its compounds act as natural anti-inflammatories (according to this study carried out by the University of Cantabria), which is beneficial against body aches and swelling.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of St. John’s wort (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- Place a teaspoon of St. John’s wort in a cup of boiling water and then cover.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and strain.
How to consume it
- Basically, just drink it 20 minutes before breakfast.
- Additionally, enjoy it at least 3 times a week.
2. Licorice tea
Licorice tea is believed to have properties that help balance the activity of thyroid hormones to minimize the impact of hypothyroidism on health. However, it’s advisable to speak with an endocrinologist first, since the scientific evidence is quite scarce.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of licorice (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- Mix a teaspoon of licorice in a cup of boiling hot water and then cover.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and strain.
How to consume it
- Drink on an empty stomach at least 3 times a week.
3. Ginger tea
Ginger is a plant with many antioxidants (which are responsible for fighting free radicals), and a great anti-inflammatory, according to this study carried out by Isfahan University (Iran).
Its consumption in infusion maintains high blood pressure, as stated in this study carried out by the Research and Development Center in Osaka, in Japan. It also reduces fatigue.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- First, mix a teaspoon of grated ginger with a cup of boiling hot water.
- Then, cover and let stand 10 minutes. Lastly, strain it.
How to consume it
- Drink a cup of ginger tea on an empty stomach. And, if you’d like, drink another in the afternoon.
- And, be sure to drink it every day.
4. Cayenne pepper infusion
Cayenne pepper drink is recommended as an ally in these cases, according to this study conducted by Gachon University (Korea).
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (1 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- First, add the cayenne pepper to a cup of boiling hot water and cover.
- Then, let sit for 10 to 15 minutes and drink.
How to consume it
- Drink the herbal tea in the morning, 2 or 3 times a week.
Note: Avoid drinking it too much, since it can be irritating.
5. Dandelion infusion
The properties of dandelion help to solve various effects of hypothyroidism in the body.
Its purifying properties help fight constipation and regulate intestinal activity.
It also has diuretic effects (according to research carried out by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) and anti-inflammatory (as suggested by the University of Aarhus, in Denmark) that help reduce joint ailments.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dandelion (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- First, mix the dandelion with a cup of boiling hot water.
- Then, cover, let it sit for 10 minutes, and strain.
How to consume it
- Drink 2 or 3 cups of dandelion tea per day.
Make sure to prepare some of these herbal teas and see how they can help you if you suffer from hypothyroidism. Finally, if you’re taking any medication, get your doctor’s approval before trying any of these teas.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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