Herbs for Thyroid Health

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is part of the endocrine system and plays a crucial role in producing and releasing hormones that regulate various bodily functions. This means it affects breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and moods. The primary hormone produced by the thyroid is thyroxine (T4), which helps control metabolism, energy levels, growth, and development. The thyroid gland also produces triiodothyronine (T3), a more active form of thyroid hormone. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). There are herbs for thyroid health.

5 Herbs for Thyroid Health

Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps regulate the thyroid by stress response support and cortisol level reduction. It also helps reduce thyroid inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger Root:

Ginger root also has anti-inflammatory properties that helps to reduce inflammation. It’s antioxidant compounds, gingerol and shogaol, help to protect thyroid cells against oxidative stress.

Gotu Kola:

Also containing adaptogenic traits, Gotu kola helps to regulate the thyroid and balance hormones. It also aids in reducing stress through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components. Gotu kola contains a compound called triterpenoids that increases thyroid hormone production.

Holy Basil:

As a well-known Ayurvedic remedy, holy basil aids in thyroid health by balancing hormones. Holy basil reduces stress. It also contains high levels of phenolic compounds that act as an antioxidant, helping to reduce inflammation.

Lemon Balm:

This member of the mint family, lemon balm, has a calming effect. It reduces stress levels and helps reduce stress hormones. It is high in antioxidants that combat inflammation. The antioxidants include flavonoids and phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, terpenes, rosmarinic, and caffeic acids.

Resources:

Gohil, K. J., Patel, J. A., & Gajjar, A. K. (2010). Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 72(5), 546–556. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.78519

Mashhadi, N. S., Ghiasvand, R., Askari, G., Hariri, M., Darvishi, L., & Mofid, M. R. (2013). Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. International journal of preventive medicine, 4(Suppl 1), S36–S42.

Miraj, S., Rafieian-Kopaei, & Kiani, S. (2017). Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(3), 385–394. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216663433

https://aspireiq.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=24&aff_id=34428

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha-thyroid#:~:text=Ashwagandha%27s%20cortisol%2Dlowering%20effects%20may,by%20reducing%20cortisol%20(%206%20).

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-side-effects-of-holy-basil-you-may-not-know-about-seo#:~:text=Using%20holy%20basil%20may%20improve,balancing%20the%20cortisol%20levels%20first.&text=The%20plant%20assists%20the%20body,and%20their%20antioxidant%20properties2%20.