4.8
Hyperthyroidism: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up metabolism and causing symptoms like rapid heartbeat, anxiety…
9 options · 1 graded B · 1 graded C · 7 traditional or ungraded
What's hitting you hardest with your overactive thyroid right now?
A racing, pounding heart, tremor, or shaky weakness is my biggest problem
L-carnitine
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Recognised traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useRCT: eased hyperthyroid palpitations, tremor, and weakness
- Why this matches
- If a racing heart, tremor, muscle weakness, and fatigue are hitting hardest, L-carnitine acts as a peripheral blocker of thyroid hormone inside tissues and was tested for exactly these hyperthyroid symptoms.
- Why try it
- In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, oral L-carnitine both reversed and helped prevent hyperthyroid symptoms such as palpitations, tremor, and weakness, and supported bone density measures. Use it alongside - not instead of - your prescribed thyroid treatment.
- Dose or use
- Studied at 2-4 g daily by mouth; consult a healthcare practitioner, especially about timing around your thyroid medication.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2001, PMID 11502782): Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism - a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which L-carnitine reversed and helped prevent hyperthyroid symptoms.
- Caution
- Generally well tolerated; high doses can cause nausea or a fishy body odor. Check with your doctor if you have kidney disease or take thyroid medication.
HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAcupressure point for anxiety and palpitations
- Why this matches
- When a racing heart, anxiety, and poor sleep dominate, HT7 is the classic Heart-meridian point people press to calm the mind and settle palpitations.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used in acupressure for anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia; a safe, drug-free self-care option not confirmed by controlled clinical trials for this condition.
- Dose or use
- Press the point on the wrist crease (pinky side) with your thumb for 1-2 minutes, a few times daily.
- Time to results
- Often felt within minutes; use ongoing over weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used in acupressure to calm anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia; this use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Gentle self-care only; use light pressure and stop if it feels sore. Not a substitute for medical treatment of an overactive thyroid.
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAcupressure point for palpitations and anxiety
- Why this matches
- If your heart races or feels like it's pounding, PC6 is the go-to Pericardium point traditionally used to settle palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used in acupressure for palpitations, anxiety, and nausea; a safe, drug-free self-care option not confirmed by controlled clinical trials for this condition.
- Dose or use
- Press the point on the inner forearm, about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, for 1-2 minutes as needed.
- Time to results
- Often felt within minutes; use ongoing over weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used in acupressure for palpitations and anxiety; this use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Gentle self-care only; use light pressure. Not a substitute for medical treatment of an overactive thyroid.
Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort TCM)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally calms a racing, pounding heart
- Why this matches
- If a fast, pounding heart and anxiety are your biggest struggle, motherwort has a long traditional use for exactly that racing-heart, restless pattern.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to steady palpitations and ease nervous tension; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 2-6 weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for palpitations and anxiety; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May increase menstrual bleeding and can interact with heart or blood-thinning medications; avoid in pregnancy and check with your doctor.
I want broad, ongoing support to calm excess thyroid activity overall
L-carnitine
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Recognised traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useRCT: eased hyperthyroid palpitations, tremor, and weakness
- Why this matches
- If a racing heart, tremor, muscle weakness, and fatigue are hitting hardest, L-carnitine acts as a peripheral blocker of thyroid hormone inside tissues and was tested for exactly these hyperthyroid symptoms.
- Why try it
- In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, oral L-carnitine both reversed and helped prevent hyperthyroid symptoms such as palpitations, tremor, and weakness, and supported bone density measures. Use it alongside - not instead of - your prescribed thyroid treatment.
- Dose or use
- Studied at 2-4 g daily by mouth; consult a healthcare practitioner, especially about timing around your thyroid medication.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2001, PMID 11502782): Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism - a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which L-carnitine reversed and helped prevent hyperthyroid symptoms.
- Caution
- Generally well tolerated; high doses can cause nausea or a fishy body odor. Check with your doctor if you have kidney disease or take thyroid medication.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleCalming herb traditionally paired with bugleweed
- Why this matches
- For broad support, lemon balm is a gentle, calming herb traditionally used alongside bugleweed to take the edge off an overactive thyroid and ease anxiety and poor sleep.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to blunt overactive thyroid signaling and calm the nervous system, easing anxiety and insomnia; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; often taken as a tea or capsule. Consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 2-6 weeks
- Key study
- Its library profile lists hyperthyroidism, anxiety, and insomnia among traditional uses; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May cause drowsiness and can interact with sedatives or thyroid medication; use cautiously and inform your doctor.
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleClassic Western herb for an overactive thyroid
- Why this matches
- If you want broad support for thyroid balance, bugleweed is the traditional Western herb used specifically to calm excess thyroid activity and ease palpitations.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to reduce excess thyroid hormone activity and ease palpitations and tremor; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for hyperthyroidism to reduce excess thyroid activity; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Can interfere with thyroid hormone levels, thyroid medication, and thyroid imaging; avoid in pregnancy and use only under medical supervision.
Mine is immune-driven (Graves' disease), or I have eye symptoms — I want to address the root of it
Selenium
Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)Best evidence is for Graves' eye disease, not thyroid overactivity itself
- Why this matches
- Selenium is most relevant if your hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, particularly if you also have mild eye involvement (Graves' orbitopathy), where randomized trials show it can help. It has not been shown to calm the thyroid overactivity itself.
- Why try it
- A meta-analysis of randomized trials found selenium improved mild Graves' eye disease, including quality of life. A separate large trial did not find that selenium improved hyperthyroidism remission, so think of it as supportive care and as a way to correct a low selenium level, not as a treatment for the overactive thyroid.
- Dose or use
- 100–200 mcg daily (as selenomethionine); consult a healthcare practitioner for your situation.
- Time to results
- Typically 8–16 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs (2024, PMID 39138905): The efficacy and safety of selenium supplementation versus placebo in the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy - selenium lowered the clinical activity score and improved quality of life. A separate large RCT (GRASS) found no effect on Graves' hyperthyroidism remission.
- Caution
- High doses can cause selenium toxicity; do not exceed 400 mcg/day. Check existing intake from diet and supplements.
Selenium Deficiency
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleLow selenium may worsen thyroid immune activity
- Why this matches
- If you have Graves' disease or immune-driven hyperthyroidism, checking your selenium status is a practical first step since low levels may undermine thyroid immune regulation.
- Why try it
- If you're low in selenium, correcting that deficiency can help support the body's ability to manage thyroid-related immune activity.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–12 weeks after correcting deficiency
- Key study
- Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.
- Caution
- Ask your doctor about a simple blood test to check selenium status before supplementing.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleLow vitamin D is common in Graves' disease
- Why this matches
- If your hyperthyroidism is immune-driven like Graves', low vitamin D shows up often and may leave immune regulation less steady, so it is worth checking your level.
- Why try it
- Correcting a documented vitamin D shortfall supports normal immune regulation; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim.
- Dose or use
- Ask your provider for a simple blood test, then supplement only to correct a confirmed shortfall.
- Time to results
- Typically 8-12 weeks after correcting a deficiency
- Key study
- Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in Graves'/autoimmune thyroid disease; correcting a confirmed shortfall supports immune balance. This is a root-cause check, not a proven treatment.
- Caution
- Very high doses can raise blood calcium; test your level first and dose to target rather than guessing.
I feel wired — anxious, restless, and struggling to sleep
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleCalming herb traditionally paired with bugleweed
- Why this matches
- For broad support, lemon balm is a gentle, calming herb traditionally used alongside bugleweed to take the edge off an overactive thyroid and ease anxiety and poor sleep.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to blunt overactive thyroid signaling and calm the nervous system, easing anxiety and insomnia; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; often taken as a tea or capsule. Consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 2-6 weeks
- Key study
- Its library profile lists hyperthyroidism, anxiety, and insomnia among traditional uses; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May cause drowsiness and can interact with sedatives or thyroid medication; use cautiously and inform your doctor.
HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAcupressure point for anxiety and palpitations
- Why this matches
- When a racing heart, anxiety, and poor sleep dominate, HT7 is the classic Heart-meridian point people press to calm the mind and settle palpitations.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used in acupressure for anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia; a safe, drug-free self-care option not confirmed by controlled clinical trials for this condition.
- Dose or use
- Press the point on the wrist crease (pinky side) with your thumb for 1-2 minutes, a few times daily.
- Time to results
- Often felt within minutes; use ongoing over weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used in acupressure to calm anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia; this use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Gentle self-care only; use light pressure and stop if it feels sore. Not a substitute for medical treatment of an overactive thyroid.
Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort TCM)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally calms a racing, pounding heart
- Why this matches
- If a fast, pounding heart and anxiety are your biggest struggle, motherwort has a long traditional use for exactly that racing-heart, restless pattern.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to steady palpitations and ease nervous tension; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 2-6 weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for palpitations and anxiety; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May increase menstrual bleeding and can interact with heart or blood-thinning medications; avoid in pregnancy and check with your doctor.
What kind of help would you rather start with?
Supplements with clinical research behind them
L-carnitine
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Recognised traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useRCT: eased hyperthyroid palpitations, tremor, and weakness
- Why this matches
- If a racing heart, tremor, muscle weakness, and fatigue are hitting hardest, L-carnitine acts as a peripheral blocker of thyroid hormone inside tissues and was tested for exactly these hyperthyroid symptoms.
- Why try it
- In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, oral L-carnitine both reversed and helped prevent hyperthyroid symptoms such as palpitations, tremor, and weakness, and supported bone density measures. Use it alongside - not instead of - your prescribed thyroid treatment.
- Dose or use
- Studied at 2-4 g daily by mouth; consult a healthcare practitioner, especially about timing around your thyroid medication.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2001, PMID 11502782): Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism - a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which L-carnitine reversed and helped prevent hyperthyroid symptoms.
- Caution
- Generally well tolerated; high doses can cause nausea or a fishy body odor. Check with your doctor if you have kidney disease or take thyroid medication.
Selenium
Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)Best evidence is for Graves' eye disease, not thyroid overactivity itself
- Why this matches
- Selenium is most relevant if your hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, particularly if you also have mild eye involvement (Graves' orbitopathy), where randomized trials show it can help. It has not been shown to calm the thyroid overactivity itself.
- Why try it
- A meta-analysis of randomized trials found selenium improved mild Graves' eye disease, including quality of life. A separate large trial did not find that selenium improved hyperthyroidism remission, so think of it as supportive care and as a way to correct a low selenium level, not as a treatment for the overactive thyroid.
- Dose or use
- 100–200 mcg daily (as selenomethionine); consult a healthcare practitioner for your situation.
- Time to results
- Typically 8–16 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs (2024, PMID 39138905): The efficacy and safety of selenium supplementation versus placebo in the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy - selenium lowered the clinical activity score and improved quality of life. A separate large RCT (GRASS) found no effect on Graves' hyperthyroidism remission.
- Caution
- High doses can cause selenium toxicity; do not exceed 400 mcg/day. Check existing intake from diet and supplements.
I'd rather get tested first and fix any nutrient shortfalls behind it
Selenium
Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)Best evidence is for Graves' eye disease, not thyroid overactivity itself
- Why this matches
- Selenium is most relevant if your hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, particularly if you also have mild eye involvement (Graves' orbitopathy), where randomized trials show it can help. It has not been shown to calm the thyroid overactivity itself.
- Why try it
- A meta-analysis of randomized trials found selenium improved mild Graves' eye disease, including quality of life. A separate large trial did not find that selenium improved hyperthyroidism remission, so think of it as supportive care and as a way to correct a low selenium level, not as a treatment for the overactive thyroid.
- Dose or use
- 100–200 mcg daily (as selenomethionine); consult a healthcare practitioner for your situation.
- Time to results
- Typically 8–16 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs (2024, PMID 39138905): The efficacy and safety of selenium supplementation versus placebo in the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy - selenium lowered the clinical activity score and improved quality of life. A separate large RCT (GRASS) found no effect on Graves' hyperthyroidism remission.
- Caution
- High doses can cause selenium toxicity; do not exceed 400 mcg/day. Check existing intake from diet and supplements.
Selenium Deficiency
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleLow selenium may worsen thyroid immune activity
- Why this matches
- If you have Graves' disease or immune-driven hyperthyroidism, checking your selenium status is a practical first step since low levels may undermine thyroid immune regulation.
- Why try it
- If you're low in selenium, correcting that deficiency can help support the body's ability to manage thyroid-related immune activity.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–12 weeks after correcting deficiency
- Key study
- Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.
- Caution
- Ask your doctor about a simple blood test to check selenium status before supplementing.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleLow vitamin D is common in Graves' disease
- Why this matches
- If your hyperthyroidism is immune-driven like Graves', low vitamin D shows up often and may leave immune regulation less steady, so it is worth checking your level.
- Why try it
- Correcting a documented vitamin D shortfall supports normal immune regulation; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim.
- Dose or use
- Ask your provider for a simple blood test, then supplement only to correct a confirmed shortfall.
- Time to results
- Typically 8-12 weeks after correcting a deficiency
- Key study
- Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in Graves'/autoimmune thyroid disease; correcting a confirmed shortfall supports immune balance. This is a root-cause check, not a proven treatment.
- Caution
- Very high doses can raise blood calcium; test your level first and dose to target rather than guessing.
Simple hands-on techniques I can do anywhere, drug-free
HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAcupressure point for anxiety and palpitations
- Why this matches
- When a racing heart, anxiety, and poor sleep dominate, HT7 is the classic Heart-meridian point people press to calm the mind and settle palpitations.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used in acupressure for anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia; a safe, drug-free self-care option not confirmed by controlled clinical trials for this condition.
- Dose or use
- Press the point on the wrist crease (pinky side) with your thumb for 1-2 minutes, a few times daily.
- Time to results
- Often felt within minutes; use ongoing over weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used in acupressure to calm anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia; this use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Gentle self-care only; use light pressure and stop if it feels sore. Not a substitute for medical treatment of an overactive thyroid.
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAcupressure point for palpitations and anxiety
- Why this matches
- If your heart races or feels like it's pounding, PC6 is the go-to Pericardium point traditionally used to settle palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used in acupressure for palpitations, anxiety, and nausea; a safe, drug-free self-care option not confirmed by controlled clinical trials for this condition.
- Dose or use
- Press the point on the inner forearm, about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, for 1-2 minutes as needed.
- Time to results
- Often felt within minutes; use ongoing over weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used in acupressure for palpitations and anxiety; this use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Gentle self-care only; use light pressure. Not a substitute for medical treatment of an overactive thyroid.
Traditional calming herbs used for an overactive thyroid
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleCalming herb traditionally paired with bugleweed
- Why this matches
- For broad support, lemon balm is a gentle, calming herb traditionally used alongside bugleweed to take the edge off an overactive thyroid and ease anxiety and poor sleep.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to blunt overactive thyroid signaling and calm the nervous system, easing anxiety and insomnia; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; often taken as a tea or capsule. Consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 2-6 weeks
- Key study
- Its library profile lists hyperthyroidism, anxiety, and insomnia among traditional uses; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May cause drowsiness and can interact with sedatives or thyroid medication; use cautiously and inform your doctor.
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleClassic Western herb for an overactive thyroid
- Why this matches
- If you want broad support for thyroid balance, bugleweed is the traditional Western herb used specifically to calm excess thyroid activity and ease palpitations.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to reduce excess thyroid hormone activity and ease palpitations and tremor; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for hyperthyroidism to reduce excess thyroid activity; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Can interfere with thyroid hormone levels, thyroid medication, and thyroid imaging; avoid in pregnancy and use only under medical supervision.
Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort TCM)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally calms a racing, pounding heart
- Why this matches
- If a fast, pounding heart and anxiety are your biggest struggle, motherwort has a long traditional use for exactly that racing-heart, restless pattern.
- Why try it
- Traditionally used to steady palpitations and ease nervous tension; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 2-6 weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for palpitations and anxiety; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May increase menstrual bleeding and can interact with heart or blood-thinning medications; avoid in pregnancy and check with your doctor.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Hyperthyroidism, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.