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The thyroid gland produces hormones that influence every organ, tissue and cell, affecting your heart rate, cholesterol levels, body weight, energy level, muscle strength, skin condition, menstrual regularity and many more events that go on in your body.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of our neck. The word “thyroid” comes from the Greek word for “shield,” and this powerful little gland is truly one of our great defenders, as it orchestrates an intricate web of essential interactions in the body. 

The thyroid produces thyroid hormone, which is a like a master switch of your body. Every single cell in the body has thyroid hormone receptors found on its DNA.

  

Here is my formula of herbs that produce a healing affect on the many body functions that the thyroid is in charge of.  The chemical constituents of this combination of herbs provides natural hormone-balancing-like-substances useful for: the change of life, adolescence, maturity, sterility, frigidity, forgetfulness, anemia, general weakness and tiredness, and is for general glandular balance.

Two parts each of dong quai, ginseng; one part licorice, black cohosh, sarsaparilla, kelp, ginger root; 1/2 part golden seal and lobelia.  Powder the herbs and take 2 capsules 3x daily.

Here are 5 things you might not know about the thyroid:

  

1. The thyroid is the central gear in your body’s metabolism.  

Thyroid function intimately impacts the basal metabolic rate, cardiovascular system, bone metabolism, hormone production, glucose metabolism, red blood cell production, protein metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, gastrointestinal function, liver function, gall bladder and brain function. To keep your body in top condition, make sure that your thyroid is working optimally.

2. The thyroid gland is vulnerable to toxins. 

Many known environmental disrupters such as heavy metals, pesticides and plastic compounds promote goiter activity and can wreak havoc on the thyroid. Think twice before eating foods sprayed with pesticides and using plastics- it might hurt your thyroid.

3. Medications can disrupt thyroid hormone metabolism. 

Thyroid physiology is vulnerable to cross-reactions with many medications including anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering medications, antacids, pain medications, and diabetes medications. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects that your prescription medications can have on your thyroid. 

4. Thyroid hormones influence the immune system. 

Thyroid hormones exhibit influences on cellular messenger systems that affect T and B cell activity, cell death, and many other immune system functions. Think about your thyroid the next time that you are fighting a cold--it’s fighting with you! Make sure that your Vitamin D levels are optimal, as vitamin D is one of the main regulators of a healthy immune system.   

5. Many vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper thyroid metabolism. 

Vitamin A, selenium, the B vitamins, iodine, and vitamin D, and zinc are some of the vitamins and minerals that are necessary to ensure healthy thyroid function. To optimize your thyroid’s health make sure that you eat a balanced diet that includes the vitamins and minerals needed to keep the thyroid in tip-top shape.

SOURCE: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6628/how-to-care-for-your-thyroid-the-bodys-master-switch.html

Thyroid Conditions

• Goiter: A general term for thyroid swelling. Goiters can be harmless, or can represent iodine deficiency or a condition associated with thyroid inflammation called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
• Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid, usually from a viral infection or autoimmune condition. Thyroiditis can be painful, or have no symptoms at all.
• Hyperthyroidism: Excessive thyroid hormone production. Hyperthyroidism is most often caused by Graves disease or an overactive thyroid nodule.
• Hypothyroidism: Low production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid damage caused by autoimmune disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism .
• Graves disease: An autoimmune condition in which the thyroid is overstimulated, causing hyperthyroidism.
• Thyroid cancer: An uncommon form of cancer, thyroid cancer is usually curable. Surgery, radiation, and hormone treatments may be used to treat thyroid cancer.
• Thyroid nodule: A small abnormal mass or lump in the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are extremely common. Few are cancerous. They may secrete excess hormones, causing hyperthyroidism, or cause no problems. 
• Thyroid storm: A rare form of hyperthyroidism in which extremely high thyroid hormone levels cause severe illness.

Thyroid Tests

• Anti-TPO antibodies: In autoimmune thyroid disease, proteins mistakenly attack the thyroid peroxidase enzyme, which is used by the thyroid to make thyroid hormones.
• Thyroid ultrasound: A probe is placed on the skin of the neck, and reflected sound waves can detect abnormal areas of thyroid tissue.
• Thyroid scan: A small amount of radioactive iodine is given by mouth to get images of the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine is concentrated within the thyroid gland. 
• Thyroid biopsy: A small amount of thyroid tissue is removed, usually to look for thyroid cancer. Thyroid biopsy is typically done with a needle. 
• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): Secreted by the brain, TSH regulates thyroid hormone release. A blood test with high TSH indicates low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), and low TSH suggests hyperthyroidism.
• T3 and T4 (thyroxine): The primary forms of thyroid hormone, checked with a blood test. 
• Thyroglobulins: A substance secreted by the thyroid that can be used as a marker of thyroid cancer. It is often measured during follow-up in patients with thyroid cancer. High levels indicate recurrence of the cancer. 
• Other imaging tests: If thyroid cancer has spread (metastasized), tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans can help identify the extent of spread. 

SOURCE: http://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-thyroid

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