Q I have hypothyroidism and I'm very fatigued—can I take a herbal tonic?
A The fatigue from hypothyroidism and Qi-Blood deficiency often overlap in symptoms. Taking a herbal tonic to replenish Qi and Blood alongside thyroid treatment can help with fatigue recovery, but caution is needed with certain thyroid-related herbs.
Detailed Answer
Hypothyroidism lowers basal metabolism, causing fatigue, swelling, cold sensitivity, and weight gain. In Korean Medicine, this overlaps significantly with Kidney Yang deficiency and Qi-Blood deficiency. If you're taking thyroid medication, high-iodine herbs (such as kelp and seaweed) are avoided, and the prescription focuses on herbs that replenish spleen-stomach and Qi-Blood.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
At Dongjedang Korean Medicine Clinic, when prescribing a tonic for patients with thyroid conditions, we exclude herbs that could affect the thyroid and prescribe within a safe range. Please be sure to tell us your current thyroid levels and medications you're taking.
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