This is a homeopathic remedy used to help relieve symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, cold hands and feet, dry skin, and chilliness, all of which speak to an imbalance in thyroid gland function.

The thyroid gland is the Master and Commander of many bodily processes. Surrounding the windpipe at the base of the neck, it produces a number of hormones, primarily thyroxine. Thyroxine is essential to sexuality in women, providing a glandular link between the brain and the organs of reproduction. The other principal thyroid hormone is calcitonin, which inhibits the release of calcium from bone and plays a central role in maintaining both calcium balance and strong bones. The thyroid gland directly influences circulation, respiration, and tissue growth and repair.

In addition, the thyroid regulates our basal metabolic rate (BMR); the BMR determines the overall metabolic rate and calories required to lose, gain or maintain the body weight. BMR is determined using genetic and environmental factors. In short, factors affecting the BMR are high levels of stress hormones, certain illnesses such as fever, and an increase or decrease in environmental temperature: all cause an increase in BMR. Starvation, fasting or malnutrition will result in the lowering of BMR.

Hyperthyroidism, the name given to over-production of thyroxine, causes extreme nervousness and irritability, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and weight loss. Underproduction of thyroxine, or hypo-thyroidism, results in dry skin, brittle nails, and a lack of energy in adults.

Goitre, which is actually an enlarged thyroid, is a sign of thyroid insufficiency.

In infants, hypothyroidism can be devastating, inhibiting physical development and causing irreversible mental retardation.

There is a simple test to indicate thyroid activity: have a thermometer ready at bedside first thing in the morning. Place the thermometer under the armpit as soon as you awaken and before you get out of bed: lie still and leave the thermometer in place for ten minutes. Your temperature should be within the range of 97.8 to 98.1 degrees F. A lower temperature may indicate thyroid hypoactivity: a higher temperature, hyperactivity.