Thyroid

The Natural Pharmacy by Lininger, Wright, Austin, Brown, and Gaby (published by Prima Health) has some info about thyroid affecting herbs.

Lemon balm (used in the treatment of Grave's disease, herpes, indigestion, insomnia, and nerve pain) has constituents that block the antibodies that cause Grave's disease and they also block TSH (the brain's signal to the thyroid). Lemon balm can be useful in treating an overactive thyroid.

Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones, but the average (American, at least) diet provides about four times the recommended amount of iodine, which may result in health problems including goiter (traditionally a disease of iodine deficiency). People who avoid dairy, seafood, processed food, and iodized salt can become deficient. The recommended intake of iodine for these people is 150 mg per day. Also, vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil may also contain this mineral.

Offered by Roger.