Top 5 Herbs For Thyroid Support

Are you one of the over 20 million Americans who suffer from a thyroid condition?

Do you wonder if there’s a way to support and heal the thyroid — naturally?

Or perhaps you want to prevent disease by supporting thyroid health?

Although there are many herbs for thyroid support, here are the top 5. The first 4 support an underactive thyroid, while the last herb helps soothe hyperthyroidism.

And keep in mind, if you suffer from thyroid disease, herbs alone may not be enough to restore health. Check out 7 Foods That Nourish Your Thyroid and 7 Foods That Are Making Your Thyroid Sick to help you understand the role nutrition can play in healing.

#1 — Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosis)

Bladderwrack, a seaweed with a long history of herbal use, is rich in iodine.

Historically, iodine deficiency often caused hypothyroidism, but since the introduction of iodized table salt, this is rare. Even so, proper thyroid function requires iodine, and so most herbalists continue to see bladderwrack as important for thyroid health.

Bladderwrack also supports overall health by helping to maintain a healthy body weight, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and support the immune system.

Although iodine supports the thyroid, excessive amounts can actually suppress thyroid function. The recommended dosage is between 150 and 300 mcg. So keep in mind that a little bladderwrack goes a long way! If taking in supplement form, start with capsules at the lower end of this range.

Eat bladderwrack fresh or dried by adding it to soups or brewing as tea. It is strong-flavored, though!

Other seaweeds high in iodine include kelp, kombu, wakame, and dulse.

(Source and source.)

#2 — Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Did you know that the same herbs that support the adrenal glands also support thyroid function? Yes!

We all know that long-term stress is hard on the body, including the thyroid. So adaptogenic herbs — herbs that help the body cope with stress — such as ashwagandha work wonders.

Ashwagandha is particularly known for rejuvenating and relieving the symptoms of stress, fatigue, and brain fog. Brew it as a tea (either in water or milk), take it as a tincture (make your own!), or consume in capsule form.

Siberian ginseng (also known as eleuthero), another adaptogen, also supports thyroid health.

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#3 — Coleus (Coleus forskohlii)

This member of the mint family contains a compound called forskolin. In simple terms, forskolin stimulates the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone.

Although coleus has a long history of medicinal use, it has recently been spotlighted as an herb that might help with weight loss. It may also lower blood pressure and help regulate blood sugar.

Coleus is usually taken in tincture or capsule form.

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#4 — Guggul (Commiphora mukul)

Guggul is a plant resin similar to myrrh. In Ayurvedic medicine, it “protects against diseases”.

It supports the thyroid through stimulation of the body’s metabolism. Guggul also helps support healthy weight and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Guggul is most often taken in capsule or tincture form.

(Source.)

#5 — Bugleweed (Lycopus americanus)

Bugleweed, another plant in the mint family, calms the nerves. It also inhibits thyroid hormone production, helping those suffering from hyperthyroidism.

Take bugleweed as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form.

Other herbs commonly associated with relieving hyperthyroidism include lemon balm and motherwort.

(Source and source.)

More helpful articles related to supporting thyroid function:

• 5 Supplements To Consider Taking This Year
• Top 5 Supplements For Hashimoto’s
• 7 Foods That Nourish Your Thyroid
• 7 Foods That Are Making Your Thyroid Sick
• Why & How To Use MCTs {reduce belly fat & improve thyroid function!}
• Do Fermented Cruciferous Vegetables Like Sauerkraut Hurt The Thyroid? #AskWardee 063

Do you suffer from a thyroid-related illness? Have you taken any of these herbs for thyroid support?

Disclaimer: Herbs are powerful medicine. Many of these herbs are contraindicated for pregnant or nursing women, those currently taking thyroid medications, or those with other medical conditions. Herbs that may benefit one type of thyroid condition may not help with others. I’m not a doctor. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You are responsible for your own health and for the use of any remedies, treatments, or medications you use at home.