Western medicine has become the norm in many cultures, it is not the
only treatment option. Conventional western medicine, often called
allopathic medicine, is the system of medicine taught at most medical
schools and most pharmaceutical and synthetic medicines are
manufactured and marketed according to the principles of allopathic
medicine. Allopathic medicine is also sometimes called orthodox
medicine.
Because
most of us in the Western world have grown up in a society in which
allopathic medicine is the prevailing norm, we forget that, only a few
decades ago, homeopathic, herbal and other natural medicines were
commonly available – and freely used even by conventional
doctors. While there are often heated debates about which system of
medicine is ‘better’ than the other, many
responsible doctors (whether they are allopathic or not) recognize that
both have a role to play in the treatment program. Natural medicine has
often been frowned on by conventional doctors, especially by those who
did not have sufficient knowledge of these medicines. However, it is
encouraging to note that some medical schools are now beginning to
re-introduce it into their course work, thereby providing doctors with
a wider range of treatment options from which to choose. In many
countries, especially in Europe, India and China, natural and
homeopathic medicines are commonly prescribed by conventional doctors
and represent a significant part of the total annual drug sales.
Naturopathy
is a branch of medicine (just as allopathy is a branch of medicine)
which operates according to the underlying philosophy that the body has
an innate capacity to heal itself. While natural medicines are often
called ‘alternative’ or
‘complimentary’ medicines, they are, in fact, a
unique and independent form of medicine in their own right, well able
to treat a variety of conditions. Perhaps the term
‘holistic’ medicine is more apt, given the broad
range of treatment options and approaches which are to be found within
the practice of natural medicine, which encompasses many different
disciplines, including herbalism, homeopathy, iridology, osteopathy,
chiropractic, therapeutic massage techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture
and many, many more. Most naturopaths will use a variety of treatment
modalities in order to treat their patients in a holistic way to
support health, relieve symptoms and prevent future disease. In fact,
even the World Health Organization defines health as being "... more
than simply the absence of illness. It is the active state of physical,
emotional, mental and social well-being." This is a wonderfully clear
description of holistic or natural medicine, which strives to support
health (thereby relieving or preventing symptoms), rather than simply
eliminating disease.
Although
allopathic medicine certainly has a role to play and has made a
tremendous contribution to medical science during the past century,
there is a growing perception that it is not the only answer and that,
in many cases, holistic medicine can accomplish just as much, if not
more – without the risk of side effects, addiction and
sacrifice to health so commonly associated with pharmaceutical drugs.
Contrary to common perception, and provided that they are manufactured
in the correct way, natural medicines can work quickly and safely to
promote healing. In many cases, they can succeed where pharmaceutical
drugs have failed. Despite frequent reports that they are
‘unproven’ and ‘untested’, the
opposite is true. Natural medicines have a long history of usage and
there is a wealth of empirical evidence to support their effectiveness
and safety. In addition, active clinical research is carried out by
many academic hospitals and universities to support the extensive
traditional and empirical evidence behind natural medicines.
It is
also important to know that, like any medicine, herbal and homeopathic
medicines must be manufactured in the correct way, following acceptable
procedures and manufacturing methods to ensure maximum effectiveness
and safety. Due to the recent rise in popularity of natural remedies,
many companies have sprung up to take advantage of the market.
Unfortunately not all of them are equipped to manufacture to the
correct standards, often resulting in a flood of inferior (and
sometimes even unsafe) remedies onto the market – and giving
natural remedies a bad name. Even some pharmaceutical companies have
rushed to claim their market share by producing so-called
‘standardized’ extracts of herbs and offering these
as superior to the tried and tested methods of naturopathic
manufacturing. Nothing could be further from the truth. While
‘standardized’ extracts may offer benefit of easy
consistency of dosage (and cheaper more efficient production lines),
they have grave disadvantages. These include an increase in side
effects as the medicines produced in this manner lose the natural
protective properties of the herbs. In some cases, these side effects
have proved fatal – as was seen in the liver toxicity
associated with standardized extracts of kava kava, a herb previously
safely used for generations without any known side effects.
Most
naturopaths recommend what is called the Full Spectrum Method of
extraction – which retains the benefits of ALL the
active ingredients within the herb as opposed to isolating only one
– thereby providing a more complete treatment as well as
superior protection against side effects.
Whatever
your choice, always choose wisely. Research what is best for you. If
you have a chronic or life threatening condition, don’t make
changes without first discussing them with your doctor in order that
your condition may be monitored. Well informed and supportive
practitioners will support patients who want to take responsibility for
their own health.
In the
treatment of hypothyroidism, the following herbal and homeopathic
remedy is often used as part of the treatment plan.
Thyroid
Assist
Thyroid
Assist is a 100% safe, non-addictive, natural thyroid remedy
and contains herbs that have been carefully selected for their
beneficial effect on thyroid functioning, as well as on overall
systemic health.
Regular
use of Thyroid Assist can help to restore deficient iodine
levels, while also stimulating the thyroid to produce crucial thyroid
hormones, thereby treating hypothyroidism. When used
consistently Thyroid Assist can safely support health and
systemic balance in the endocrine system.
In
addition, Thyroid Assist works to:
- Restore
healthy thyroid functioning
- Treat
hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency
- Ensure
adequate production of thyroid hormones
- Assist
with depression, fatigue, constipation, weight gain and other symptoms
associated with hypothyroidism
Thyroid
Assist
contains the following therapeutic herbs in convenient and fast-acting
drop format:
- Fucus
vesiculosis
(also known as Bladderwrack or kelp) is sea vegetable is a prime source
of iodine – an ingredient that can greatly aid thyroid
support. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years,
especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Fucoidan is a type of
dietary fiber found in bladderwrack that has been shown to inhibit HIV
activity in test tube studies. (Moen LK, Clark GF. ‘A
novel reverse transcriptase inhibitor from Fucus vesiculosus’.
Int Conf AIDS 1993;9(1):145, abstr.PO-A03–0061).
Please note: When using kelp medicinally, always make sure that the
kelp used is sourced by a reputable and trusted company. Kelp harvested
from the beach or near to the coast may be contaminated with industrial
waste, sewerage, lead, mercury or other toxins. Kelp used in Native
Remedies Thyroid Assist has been harvested only from uncontaminated
areas and screened for the presence of toxins and contamination.
- Avena
sativa (also known as Green Oats) is a general tonic
traditionally used in folk medicine as well as in modern herbalism.
Avina sativa is said to help alleviate common nervous irritability that
can sometimes ruin your day. Derived from the wild oat plant, it is
rumored to aid sexual function (we’ve all heard the sexual
metaphor: ‘sowing your wild oats’!). Active
ingredients are saponins, flavonoids, minerals, alkaloids, steroidal
compounds, Vitamins B1, B2, D, E, carotene and wheat protein.
- Coleus
forskohlii (also known as Makandi) is a well respected and
often rare Ayurvedic (Indian) remedy. Animal trials have shown that
forskolin (a chemical found in coleus) may increase thyroid hormone
secretion. (Roger PP, Servais P, Dumont JE. ‘Regulation
of dog thyroid epithelial cell cycle by forskolin, an adenylate cyclase
activator’.
Exp Cell Res 1990;172:282–92.
Contrast
hydrotherapy - where a patient alternates cold and hot compress
applications - has been shown to help stimulate healthy thyroid
function. Additionally, the compresses can help swelling or soreness
associated with inflamed glands.
Believe it or
not, sweating can be a highly effective way to rid your body of the
harmful toxic build-up that leads to complications of hypothyroidism.
To do your body a favor, be sure to make sweating a regular part of
your weekly regimen.
To help
restore your immune system to its optimum functioning, reflexology,
acupressure and acupuncture can be successfully used. The techniques of
reflexology and acupressure/acupuncture employ the use of trigger point
therapy to help balance the body's systems. For example, acupressure -
a form of acupuncture in which fingers and thumbs, rather than needles,
are used to press points on the surface of the body - not only relieves
muscular tension (which increases blood flow, and therefore allows more
oxygen and nutrients to be carried to tissue throughout the body), but
also aids in healing by removing toxins from the body. In addition,
many researchers now believe that, like acupuncture, acupressure
triggers the release of endorphins, the neurochemicals that serve to
reduce and relieve pain and inflammation and help restore bodily
balance.
but for many Hashimoto's
disease and hypothyroidism sufferers, cleansing the vital organs of
your body becomes necessary. To help your body perform at its highest
potential, begin a cleansing program that includes a:
As with many diseases, your
overall health and exercise plan can make a huge difference in how the
disease affects your body on day-to-day basis. Making even subtle
changes in your overall health can positively affect how your body
responds to your illness.
The thyroid secretes hormones
that control your body's metabolism. Metabolism is vital in managing
such things as your mood, weight and mental and physical energy levels.
The decreased thyroid hormone produced can lead to all kinds of
complications in overall health. In general, a decrease in thyroid
hormones leads to an overall slowing of the body's normal functioning
rate. This slowing, in turn, leads to all kinds of symptoms and as well
as a tendency toward mental and physical sluggishness.
The hormone
used and the dose selected by a doctor generally will include
consideration of factors such as age and degree of illness.
home remedy alternatives to
traditional medicinal or surgical approaches. You wanted to learn what
steps were necessary for you to regain control of your body, your well
being and your life.