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.
