There are several herbs for thyroid health that can support overall function. In this article, we will review some of the best herbs for thyroid health.
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Thyroid Health Overview:
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the throat and plays an important role in the body’s endocrine system.
The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting thyroid hormones. These thyroid hormones help to regulate many processes within the body such as the heart, muscle, digestive, and nervous systems. Additionally, the thyroid helps to maintain bone health and iodine balance, as well as reproductive function.
According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12% of Americans will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.
Here we will discuss an array of herbs that can be helpful in supporting overall thyroid function and/or lessen some of the symptoms related to thyroid disease.
Best Herbs for Thyroid Health:
Below are some of the best herbs for supporting thyroid health backed by research and expert herbalists.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (or Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb widely known for its health benefits on stress, anxiety, and sleep.
Prolonged high levels of stress and inadequate sleep can affect the health of the thyroid, as well as worsen thyroid disease. Research shows that when cortisol (stress hormone) levels rise, it signals the thyroid gland to decrease production of the thyroid hormone.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that ashwagandha can help reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and improve sleep. Thus making this herb helpful for lessening the impact of stress on the thyroid gland and relieving common symptoms of thyroid disease.
A study showed that daily intake of ashwagandha can significantly improve thyroid hormone in women with hypothyroidism.
A review of several studies concluded that ashwagandha has a significant positive effect on the endocrine and reproductive systems. Findings revealed improvements within the thyroid and adrenal glands. This includes decreased cortisol (stress) levels, increased sex hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and balanced thyroid hormones. These improvements resulted in reduced stress and enhanced fertility.
Herbalist and women’s health expert, Dr. Aviva Romm states that ashwagandha plays an important role in regulating the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Ashwangandha can help stimulate the thyroid hormone production, reduce damage from oxidative stress, and improve energy, making it a suitable herb for hypothyroidism.
Summary:
Clinical studies show that ashwagandha may work to promote overall thyroid health and improve hyperthyroidism symptoms.
2. Black Cumin Seed
Black cumin seed (or Nigella sativa) is a medicinal plant, commonly used for its immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
A study has shown that black cumin seed can help improve thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by normalizing thyroid hormone levels. This is mainly due to the plant’s most prominent constituent, thymoquinone, which has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, participants of the study had a significant reduction in body weight and body mass index (BMI).
Summary:
One clinical study found that black cumin seed may work to improve thyroid function and hypothyroidism by normalizing thyroid hormone levels.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric (or Curcuma longa) is a widely used medicinal herb. This plant can help reduce inflammation and has cardiovascular and antimicrobial benefits.
A study examined the effects of turmeric on thyroid disease, specifically in individuals with goiters, which is an enlarged thyroid gland. Findings revealed that daily turmeric use can reduce goiters due to the plant’s potent anti-inflammatory actions.
A formula that consisted of curcumin (a compound of turmeric), Boswellia, and spirulina was shown to be an effective treatment for reducing the size of benign thyroid nodules in a recent study.
Another study on curcumin demonstrated that this powerful compound can promote apoptosis (cell death) and suppress the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells.
Summary:
Studies indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric may benefit thyroid disease, especially when reducing goiters.
4. Ginger
Ginger (or Zingiber officinale) is another popular medicinal herb. This plant can help reduce inflammation and pain, and support the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
A recent study found notable effects of daily ginger supplementation on those with hypothyroidism. Ginger was shown to help relieve many symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dizziness; all while improving thyroid hormone levels and cholesterol levels.
Based on these positive results, there will most likely be more research on ginger and thyroid health.
Summary:
Ginger may possess benefits for relieving symptoms of hypothyroidism and supporting healthy thyroid hormone levels.
5. Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack (or Fucus vesiculosus) is a brown seaweed that contains remarkably high levels of iodine and is rich in many other vitamins and minerals.
Iodine is an important nutrient for overall thyroid function. Depending on the type of thyroid disease and if iodine deficiency is a cause, bladderwrack may be of help.
The amount of iodine in bladderwrack varies and depends on the location and growing conditions. On average, 4 to 6 grams of dried bladderwrack provides about 400 to 500 mcg of iodine.
Dr. Aviva Romm states that bladderwrack is iodine rich and may be used in specific cases of iodine deficiency hypothyroidism.
Although bladderwrack has been used in traditional medicine practices for centuries, there is limited current research on the use of bladderwrack for thyroid conditions.
Summary:
Traditional herbalism suggests that bladderwrack may support thyroid function and health due to the high levels of iodine found in this seaweed.
6. Bugleweed
Bugleweed (or Lycopus spp.) is a medicinal plant that is commonly used to help support hyperthyroidism and cardiovascular health.
Research shows that bugleweed may be beneficial for those with an overactive thyroid such as hyperthyroidism or Grave’s disease, as this plant has anti-thyroid effects, slowing down thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) activity.
A 3-month study showed bugleweed can help improve hyperthyroidism and its bothersome symptoms.
The German Commission E approves the use of bugleweed for mild hyperthyroidism with nervous system dysfunction.
Herbalist, David Hoffman shares that bugleweed can be used for an overactive thyroid, particularly when there are symptoms of shortness of breath, palpitations, and shaking.
Dr. Aviva Romm states that due to bugleweed’s anti-thyroid effects, it can inhibit the thyroid hormone, making it helpful for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Summary:
A combination of research and traditional herbalism indicates that bugleweed may work to improve an overactive thyroid and hyperthyroidism.
7. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (or Melissa officinalis) is a medicinal plant, known for its benefits for mental and cognitive health, gastrointestinal conditions, and heart health.
Dr. Aviva Romm explains that lemon balm is appropriate for the treatment of mild hyperthyroidism, specifically with symptoms of anxiety.
David Hoffman states that lemon balm has shown effectiveness in inhibiting thyroid hormone in those with Grave’s disease.
As stated above, chronic stress and anxiety can have a negative effect on thyroid health. Research has shown that lemon balm is a helpful herb to use for those experiencing sleeping issues, high stress, and anxiety.
Furthermore, studies have indicated that lemon balm can improve mood, and promote calmness and alertness. This may help manage thyroid disease symptoms.
Summary:
The relaxing and anti-stress properties of lemon balm may make this a beneficial herb for hyperthyroidism and overall thyroid health.
8. Motherwort
Motherwort (or Leonurus cardiaca) is a medicinal herb, commonly used for mental health, gynecological conditions, and heart health.
Research shows that motherwort is effective in relieving anxiety, sleeping issues, and depression. Thus, making it a helpful herb for lessening thyroid disease symptoms.
Dr. Aviva Romm states that due to motherwort’s ability to help anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, it is an appropriate herb to use to relieve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
The German Commission E approves the use of motherwort for the treatment of hyperthyroidism as well as nervous cardiovascular disorders.
Summary:
Motherwort may work to help in the reduction of a variety of symptoms of thyroid disease and hyperthyroidism.
Types of Thyroid Disease & Symptoms:
The most common thyroid conditions include:
- Hypothyroidism is suppressed (underactive) thyroid function. This is when the body is not making enough thyroid hormone to properly function.
- Hyperthyroidism is overactive thyroid function. This is when the body is making too much thyroid hormone.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks and damages the thyroid causing hypothyroidism.
- Grave’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism.
- Postpartum Thyroiditis occurs after having a baby due to an inflamed thyroid, causing an underactive or overactive thyroid.
Some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Intolerance to cold
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
Some of the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Racing heart
- Bulging eyes
- Weight loss
Conclusion:
There are many herbs that can be helpful in supporting overall thyroid health, thyroid conditions, and symptoms.
Thyroid conditions require specific recommendations and unique treatments, therefore it is imperative to seek care from a qualified healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and personalized plan, before adding any new herbal supplement into your regimen.
Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press: Rochester, VT.
