Graves' Disease
Natural Remedies

Graves' Disease - Editor's Choice

| Modified on May 07, 2025
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Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition that results in an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, and fatigue. While medical treatment is essential, natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can greatly support thyroid health, manage symptoms, and enhance overall well-being.

Understanding Graves' Disease

Graves' disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce excess thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include anxiety, tremors, weight loss, heat sensitivity, and swelling around the eyes. Incorporating natural treatments can help balance the immune response and support thyroid function.

Top Natural Remedies for Graves' Disease

1. Selenium

Selenium is a vital mineral that supports thyroid hormone metabolism and reduces inflammation associated with Graves' disease.

Recommended Dosage: 200 mcg daily.

2. L-Carnitine

L-carnitine has shown effectiveness in reducing hyperthyroid symptoms by blocking excess thyroid hormones at the cellular level.

Recommended Dosage: 1,000–3,000 mg daily, divided into multiple doses.

3. Bugleweed (Lycopus)

Bugleweed naturally inhibits thyroid hormone production and can help alleviate symptoms like rapid heartbeat and anxiety.

Recommended Dosage: Follow label instructions, typically 1–2 ml of tincture, three times daily.

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has calming properties that reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep, beneficial for Graves' disease sufferers experiencing restlessness.

Recommended Dosage: 300–600 mg daily as a capsule or drink as tea two to three times per day.

5. Magnesium

Magnesium helps regulate heart rhythm, relieve muscle tremors, and support overall nervous system health.

Recommended Dosage: 200–400 mg daily.

6. Probiotics

Supporting gut health with probiotics can strengthen immune function, reduce inflammation, and aid thyroid health by balancing gut bacteria.

Recommended Dosage: Daily probiotic supplement containing at least 20 billion CFUs.

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common in autoimmune disorders. Adequate vitamin D levels can improve immune regulation and thyroid health.

Recommended Dosage: 1,000–5,000 IU daily, depending on blood levels (consult a healthcare provider).

8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseeds reduce inflammation and support immune health, which is beneficial for autoimmune conditions.

Recommended Dosage: 1,000–2,000 mg EPA/DHA daily.

Dietary Changes for Graves' Disease

Diet plays a critical role in managing Graves' disease. Consider these dietary adjustments:

  • Avoid iodine-rich foods: Excess iodine can exacerbate symptoms. Limit intake of seaweed, kelp, iodized salt, and certain seafood.
  • Goitrogenic Foods: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale) can help naturally slow thyroid hormone production.
  • Reduce inflammatory foods: Minimize sugar, processed foods, gluten, and dairy to decrease inflammation.
  • Increase antioxidants: Include colorful fruits and vegetables to reduce oxidative stress.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Graves' Disease

  • Reduce Stress: Chronic stress worsens autoimmune responses. Practice yoga, meditation, or mindfulness.
  • Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise helps balance thyroid function and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
  • Adequate Rest: Prioritize quality sleep to support immune health and hormone regulation.

Precautions and Considerations

Always discuss new supplements and natural remedies with your healthcare provider, especially when treating Graves' disease, to avoid interactions with medications and ensure optimal health management.

Final Thoughts

Integrating these natural remedies and lifestyle strategies can significantly help manage Graves' disease symptoms and support overall thyroid health. Combining holistic approaches with medical guidance provides the best outcomes for individuals living with Graves' disease.

Continue reading below to discover how Earth Clinic readers have successfully used natural remedies to manage Graves' disease. Please share your own experiences and insights with us!


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Pekka L. (Helsinki, Finland) on 08/01/2018 2 posts
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I am a 70 years old man. I am interested in sports: tennis, golf, cycling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing.

Two years ago I got sick of Grover's Disease. The whole body had a lot of itchy Grover's Disease.

I used a lot of hydrocortisone and other oils. There was no benefit from these.

I stopped eating the whole wheat. All the rash Grover's Disease was lost in two weeks.

I tried twice to eat wheat, Grover's Disease immediately came back.

Now it's good to be, not Grover's Disease. I am happy when I found the cause of Grover's Disease

Now I live a happy athlete's life, not Grover's Disease, no wheat.


Selenium, Dietary Changes

Posted by Kukuipu (Florida) on 05/05/2012
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hi Everyone, First, I want to thank everyone for sharing real advice and help that most of the doctors and medical professionals can't give.

I have been diagnosed with Graves Disease 7 months ago. When I was diagnosed it was medium to severe. Of course they tried to put me on the medication, and send me to the radioactive treatment. I refused both. I can't see that any of those two options would help me to 'cure' that disease. I think that if any, they bring something else, not good, in addition to what you already have. So I started researching the internet for natural help.

After 2 months the bulging eye symptom associated w/ Graves started. I had already taken selenium (from 1st day of diagnosis, max safe dosage) and bugleweed, as well as some other herbal remedies. When the eyes started bulging, I knew I had to do more. I researched auto immune disease more than Graves, started on Aloe Vera and fresh Grapefuit juice, as well as Omega 3 (Dr. Murphy's - correct ratio), and Flaxoil. The Omega 3, taken with every meal did it.

My eyes were back to normal (they were NOT far out) within 1 week. I did the ALCAT test and a nutrient test, and the results were Selenium deficiency, even after I had taken the max dose since 6 months. So Selenium definitely is key, as well as anti-inflammatory nutrition. I am about to have another lab test done in 3-4 weeks, and we shall see. My nutrients test brought back excellent Vit C, D, A, K, Calcium, etc. levels, due to the fact that I really eat what's beneficial vs. what's good. Not always easy, but definitely the way to go if your body is battling something. I was however missing gluthatione and folic acid, which I'm taking now too.


Eye Exercises

Posted by Niecy (Dallas, Texas) on 04/26/2011
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hi. I came across a couple of sites that talk about eye exercises for bulging eyes from Grave's disease but didn't really explain what to do. I suffererd from bulging eyes for years until 2 weeks ago when I did eye exercises. I put a couple of drops of moisture eye drops in my eyes, laid down and started moving my eyes around (while eyes closed) and looked as far right, left, up and down as I could to where I felt pressure in my eyes while doing it. I felt a tingling sensation behind my eyes. The more I moved my eyes around the more the sensation would go away. The next day my eyes started to return to normal.

It's been about 2 weeks and my eyes have returned to normal! I do the exercises while laying down just about everyday. Please let me know if this works for anyone!


Bugleweed

Posted by Lori (Chesapeake, VA) on 11/09/2007
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

re: graves cure -- The herb Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) has long been used in Europe for treating hyperthyroidism. Bugleweed can be used alone for mild conditions or in combination with anti-thyroid drugs. It works by inhibiting iodine uptake and metabolism, reducing the amount of hormone produced by active cells and it reduces the activity of TSI, the antibodies responsible for Graves' disease. The leaf extract of bugleweed is more active than root extracts. A tincture (alcohol extract) equivalent to 20 mg of the drug is more effective than a tea. If bugleweed is used as a tea, amounts as high as 1-2 grams daily can be used. Lycopus is often used in combination with Melissa officianalis (lemon balm). Although the effects of herbal preparations are mild compared to anti-thyroid drugs, herbs such as bugleweed should not be withdrawn suddenly. As with anti-thyroid drugs, herbs should be weaned with steadily decreasing doses as improvement is noted. The variety Lycopus europaeus (gypsywort) is reported to be as effective as bugleweed.



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