Common houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) for thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is a small gland, and weighs between 20 and 60 grams on average. If it is of normal size, it cannot be seen on the neck and can hardly be felt. It is only when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged (a condition known as goiter) that the lump can be seen or felt.
The thyroid gland plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. Thyroid diseases are to some extent hereditary. If there are cases of dysfunction or goiter in your family, it is good to have a preventive examination, even if there are no acute symptoms.
THYROID GLAND HORMONES
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones; triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In order for the thyroid gland to be able to produce hormones, adequate amounts of iodine are needed, a chemical element that is an important part of our diet.
The thyroid gland produces another hormone – calcitonin, which is involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.
The main hormones of the thyroid gland are secreted directly into the bloodstream and go to all parts of the body, affecting the rate of metabolism, as well as the regulation of many bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, body temperature, and the rate of calorie burning.
The amount of hormones your thyroid gland makes is usually tightly regulated. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus signals your pituitary gland to produce thyroid stimulating hormone – TSH, which then signals the thyroid gland to make T3 and T4. The level of thyroid hormone in your body is then fed back to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which in turn adjusts the release of TSH.
WHAT CAUSES THYROID PROBLEMS?
Dysfunction of your thyroid begins when it produces too much or not enough hormones, which can be caused by:
- a problem in the thyroid gland itself – primary disorders of the thyroid gland;
- central disorders of the thyroid gland – problems with the pituitary or hypothalamus.
- The most common cause of thyroid disease is inadequate iodine intake, however, sometimes problems with the thyroid gland begin after pregnancy, or during pregnancy itself.
WHAT IS COMMON HOUSELEEK (LAT. SEMPERVIVUM TECTORUM).
The common houseleek, it seems, has always lived on the roofs of houses, and many will want it to stay there, because there is a belief that if a stranger removes it from there, bad luck will follow! The plant is believed to protect the house from fire and lightning and keep family members safe and prosperous.
This plant does not need a lot of soil and tolerates drought very well. It is very useful for insect bites, because it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and relieves pain practically immediately.
The juice and leaves have been used in folk medicine for centuries for their cooling, anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic properties. The cracked leaves of the fresh plant or the juice of the plant can be used as a compress for burns, ulcers and any inflammation, as the pain is quickly reduced.
Also, the juice can remove warts. The juice is good for all inflammatory problems, and if it is made into a hot drink with honey, it will lower the patient’s temperature. If a drop or two of the juice is placed in the ears, it will heal for the better.
According to modern medical research, it is apparently also good for ringworm. It also relieves gout pain.
By applying the juice to your forehead or temples, you will relieve headaches.
COMMON HOUSELEEK AS A MEDICINE FOR THE THYROID GLAND
Make a preparation at home that will help you normalize the function of the thyroid gland:
Grind about 750 g of fennel leaves and mix them with 1 kg of natural honey. Take one spoonful of this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach, and then one to two spoonfuls during the day.
Common houseleek is a natural remedy for many diseases!
Modern medical research has shown that the common houseleek contains carbohydrates, citric acid, malic acid, isocitric acid, malonic acid, free amino acids – asparagine, phenol carboxylic acid, flavonoids and mucus. The flavonoids contains contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of the common houseleek.
Once again, modern scientists can confirm what the ancients have known for centuries. It can be said that the use of common houseleek as a herbal medicine dates back to ancient times.
Modern medicine confirms that the common houseleek has anti-inflammatory properties, that it contains flavonoids, carbohydrates and essential acids useful for human health.
Using the common houseleek for treatment on the skin is considered safe, as there are almost no side effects. In case of skin problems, the juice of the leaves of the plant is applied to the affected skin. It can treat burns, insect bites, frostbite, swelling, redness, scratches, wounds, etc. skin inflammation.
Ever since the time of our ancestors, the common houseleek has been used to treat ear infections and to repair hearing loss and damage. A large build-up of earwax can cause an ear infection. Although the function of earwax is to protect the ear canal from disease and help lubricate the ears, excessive accumulation can press on the eardrum and lead to hearing loss.
The common houseleek juice can dissolve cerumen and relieve ear pain. Squeeze the juice from the leaves of the plant and put a few drops in the ear.
It has been proven that the common houseleek juice contains polysaccharides and other antibacterial ingredients that protect the immune system. Freshly squeezed juice of the common houseleek is effective in the treatment of disorders in the nervous system. It is also useful in bleaching sun spots and treating open wounds.
Mixing honey and the common houseleek juice makes it an effective remedy for pain, mouth ulcers and bronchitis. Mixing the juice with honey and warm water will also help in lowering the body temperature.
In addition to the benefits of drinking the common houseleek juice, drinking the common houseleek tea is also useful for relieving ulcers and menstrual cramps. Here’s how to make the common houseleek tea:
- Add 12 grams of fresh leaves to 4 liters of water
- Cook for 15 minutes
- Strain and leave to cool
- Drink one cup of tea every morning before breakfast, on an empty stomach, and then drink one spoonful of tea every hour, but making sure that the dosage still depends on the age and health of the person.
You should not take the common houseleek if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE COMMON HOUSELEEK?
the common houseleeks are easy to care for, so they are perfect for breeding. They are drought tolerant, so they don’t need a lot of water. If the air temperature is high where you live, you may need to water more often. Water more in the summer and less often in the colder months, as overwatering is likely to be one of the main problems.
With the thyroid gland, compresses can also help you, so we suggest you also read the text about thyroid compresses.
