Thyroid in humans can lead to many health related complications, with thyroid eye disease aka Grave’s disease being one of them. Grave’s disease is known to occur in individuals who have thyroid and causes the muscles and tissues in and around the eyes to swell up and inflame. In most cases, the swelling would progress to the extent that it pushes the eyes forward, making them look as if they were bulging out of their sockets. This bulging appearance would also be accompanied by irritation in the eyes as well as changes in vision.
While the condition usually resolves by itself, the symptoms can become intolerable to a great extent. As such, medical intervention would be required to ease the same.
While conventional medications are available for Grave’s diseases, most individuals opt for herbal remedies that are effective and less prone to side effects than the former. Accordingly, here are 4 of the most common herbal remedies to treat thyroid eye disease in individuals.
Feverfew
Feverfew is considered as one of the best herbal remedies for thyroid eye disease. The plant contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation of the muscles in the eyes. While there is no factual evidence to back this claim, tests conducted on the plant determine its effectiveness in treating Grave’s disease by reducing swelling considerably.
Individuals with Grave’s disease can therefore benefit from using Feverfew supplements to combat thyroid eye disease although they would need to check with a doctor beforehand about the potential side effects of these supplements.
Bilberry
Found mostly in Northern Europe, Bilberry is a fruit that looks a lot like blueberries. Bilberry supplements are usually prescribed for individuals suffering from thyroid eye disease, and help treating several other thyroid related conditions as well, including muscular degeneration of the eyes.
Studies have confirmed that substances called tannins present in Bilberry extracts contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help bring down the swelling and inflammation in the eyes caused by Grave’s disease. Checking with a doctor would enable individuals to reap the benefits of Bilberry without worrying about side effects.
Ginger
Ginger is considered as one of the best-known herbal remedies for almost any and every health related disorder out there. The herb contains potent healing and anti-inflammatory properties that would help reduce the inflammation in the eyes caused by Grave’s disease. It would also quicken the healing process. The prescribed dose of ginger for Grave’s disease is about 75-2000 mg on a daily basis, usually divided and taken as multiple doses. As ginger is available in the root form, one can also use it in the form of oils, extracts or even capsules.
Flaxseed
Studies have confirmed that nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation to a great extent. And flax seed contains plenty of them. The inability to close the eyes properly when inflamed causes the eyes to dry up. This in turn would cause irritation, redness and scratchiness. Omega 3 fatty acids work by reducing the surface irritation on the dry eye caused by Grave’s disease. Hence, consuming either ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil supplements can help treat the symptoms of thyroid eye disease effectively.
Important points to consider
Although herbal remedies do not cause too many side effects like their conventional counterparts, they would need to be taken only under the strict guidance of a medical practitioner. For instance, individuals who take medications for other conditions may stand chances of being affected if they take supplements that have adverse reactions to these medications. Only a qualified physician would be able to recommend the best supplements as well as the right dosage, keeping in mind the patient’s body conditions and constraints, which makes it all the more important to check with a doctor before opting for herbal remedies to treat Grave’s disease.
Summary
Grave’s disease can cause inflammation of the eyes as well as other symptoms like dry eyes, itchiness and redness. Herbs like ginger, flaxseed, feverfew and bilberry can help curb the symptoms although one would need to check with a doctor before opting for them.
