Thyroid Support

The thyroid gland, an integral component of the endocrine system, collaborates with the nervous and immune systems to modulate metabolic functions (National Institute of Health, Endocrine System Overview). This gland synthesizes thyroid hormones and calcitonin, a hormone instrumental in the regulation of blood calcium levels. Iodine deficiency is identified as one of the precipitating factors for thyroid disorders. Thyroid issues are broadly categorized into hypothyroidism, commonly due to Hashimoto's disease, and hyperthyroidism, frequently attributed to Graves' disease (World Health Organization, Iodine Guidelines).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hyperthyroidism is often linked to a disharmonious pattern termed Qi-Phlegm, characterized by a sensation akin to a "plum pit" lodged in the throat due to the clashing of Qi and phlegm. Conversely, hypothyroidism is associated with a yang kidney deficiency, leading to internal cold and physical weakness, often manifesting as cold lower extremities (Journal of Endocrinology, 2018). Regulatory guidance is provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers nutritional recommendations for thyroid health.