Thyroid health awareness has expanded significantly in Western culture in the past decade, and herbs for thyroid health are gaining popularity.

Thanks to pioneering integrative health practitioners, symptoms previously dismissed as “stress,” “just part of getting older,” or “hormones” are now being considered within the context of thyroid health, and women everywhere are benefitting.

We applaud this progress and are thrilled to see people taking charge of their thyroid health.

Yet, there is limited information on herbs for thyroid health.

Ayurvedic practitioners have long understood the thyroid’s role in physical, mental, and emotional health and have used specific herbs (beyond Ashwagandha!) to support this hard-working gland.

If you’re interested in natural ways to nourish your thyroid, read on as we pull back the veil on Ayurveda’s seven best herbs for thyroid health.

Your Thyroid 101

Before we dive into herbs for thyroid health, we’ll provide a quick explainer of this endocrine gland and how it functions.

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your throat.

It is part of your endocrine system, which controls hormonal and metabolic function and plays a role in cardiovascular function, cognitive health, weight, and more.

What is the Function of the Thyroid?

The thyroid gland’s primary function is to produce thyroid hormones, which control metabolism, among other things.

Many endocrine glands and other organs, including the hypothalamus, adrenals, pituitary, and liver, produce thyroid hormones. [Sources: 1, 2]

The two main thyroid hormones produced are: 

• T4: Thyroxine (also called tetraiodothyronine): The less active thyroid hormone that is converted to the more active T3 in the liver and other tissues. This conversion may be impacted by various factors, including your overall state of health.
• T3: Triiodothyronine: The most active thyroid hormone.

The thyroid requires adequate amounts of iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which it stores and recycles for these purposes.

This is why iodine deficiency is associated with the classic thyroid disease of goiter.

When thyroid function becomes compromised, it creates a downstream effect that may impact various aspects of health, including metabolism, cardiovascular function, temperature regulation, energy, menstruation and reproductive health, sleep, mood, weight, skin health, digestion, and more.

What Causes Thyroid Issues?

Although the causal factors behind thyroid issues are not fully understood, studies have shown that environmental factors, genetics, inflammation, and gut health may all play a role.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, thyroid imbalances are viewed as an imbalance of the Doshas, primarily Kapha (underactive), Vata (underactive), or Pitta (overactive) doshas, blockages in the throat chakra, toxicity, and poor digestion.

Symptoms may manifest in the physical, such as those discussed previously, or the emotional or spiritual, such as having trouble finding your voice, low self-esteem, or lack of initiative.

How Can I Support Thyroid Function Naturally?

Although you should always consult a healthcare practitioner if you suspect a thyroid problem, there are many things you can do to support thyroid function naturally.

Vedic practitioners generally recommend eating a healthy diet tailored to your particular dosha, reducing stress, eating selenium-rich foods, regular exercise, practicing yoga and meditation, and getting enough sleep. 

Panchakarma treatments such as Shirodhara, nasya therapy, and massage, along with specific herbs for thyroid health, may also be recommended. 

Here, we explore seven herbs for thyroid health—beyond Ashwagandha.

7 Herbs for Thyroid Function 

Specific herbs can be a balm to the thyroid, helping nourish and protect while supporting normal thyroid hormone production.

The following seven herbs have been traditionally used in Ayurveda to support thyroid health.

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the best-known Ayurvedic herbs for thyroid support because of its long historical use and modern research.

For example, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of 50 women aged 18 to 50 (the gold standard in study design) showed participants experienced significant improvements in thyroid hormone levels from taking 600 mg of Ashwagandha daily.

This is consistent with Ayurvedic knowledge of how Ashwagandha supports thyroid health.

Although more research is needed, Ashwagandha likely has multiple benefits for thyroid function via its effects on stress, sleep, and energy.

Learn more in Ashwagandha For Sleep Or Energy? Both Please!

2. Ginger

Ginger is another famous Ayurvedic herb best known for its digestion and immune function benefits. 

However, research also suggests it may support thyroid function.

A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study found ginger offered various benefits for women with thyroid issues, including supporting normal weight, temperature, skin health, bowel function, blood sugar, appetite, cognitive function, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), cardiovascular function, and mood.

Ginger is used for various purposes in Ayurveda, including to support thyroid function, digestive fire, immune function, metabolic function, and more.

Learn more about this magnificent rhizome in Ginger: An Ayurvedic Superfood.

3. Black Pepper

In the West, Black Pepper is typically used exclusively as a culinary spice, and some nutritional philosophies even recommend against it.

However, in Ayurveda, Black Pepper is frequently used in thyroid health and other wellness strategies due to its ability to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of various other herbs and functional foods.

According to Ayurveda, Black Pepper’s warming properties may also help support metabolic function, digestive fire, and thyroid health. Research has also shown it may help regulate appetite.

4. Triphala

As mentioned previously, thyroid and digestive health are intimately intertwined. Therefore, when digestion is off, it may negatively impact thyroid function and vice versa.

This is why many Vedic practitioners recommend the ancient three-fruit formula, Triphala.

Known as a digestive tonic and detoxifier, Triphala helps promote normal digestion and elimination while helping cleanse and rejuvenate the body.

It has beauty-enhancing properties for the hair, skin, and nails, which can be negatively impacted by suboptimal thyroid function.

Learn more about one of Ayurveda’s most ancient formulas in Triphala Benefits: The Power of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki.

5. Bacopa

Bacopa, also known as Brahmi, is one of Ayurveda’s best-known nootropics, a classification of herbs that support cognitive function.

Bacopa is also an excellent herb for promoting emotional well-being and reducing stress, exhaustion, and aggravation of the Vata dosha, making it essential in many Ayurvedic thyroid health herbal protocols.

6. Shatavari

This treasured adaptogen is often considered the female version of Ashwagandha.

Known as “the queen of herbs,” alongside Tulsi, Shatavari offers many potential benefits for thyroid function, including:

• Supporting the HPA axis, which is involved in stress response and thyroid hormone production
• Promoting normal inflammatory response
• Supporting normal hormonal balance
• Promoting mental and emotional well-being
• Supporting normal menses
• Helping with PMS symptoms
• Easing perimenopause and menopausal symptoms

If you’re unsure whether Shatavari or Ashwagandha is right for you, talk to an Ayurvedic practitioner for individual recommendations.

Get to know the queen of herbs in Benefits of Shatavari for Female Wellness.

7. Punarnava (in liver kidney)

Ever heard of Punarnava? Probably not!

However, this Ayurvedic herb is often recommended alongside others for thyroid health.

According to traditional Ayurveda, Punarnava’s superpower lies in its liver-supportive and rejuvenating properties. 

As you learned earlier, the liver plays a vital role in the production of thyroid hormones, as well as detoxification, digestion, appetite, blood health, and more.

You can find Punarnava in Organic India’s Liver Kidney Cleanse formula.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has opened your mind and heart to the potential of many herbs (beyond Ashwagandha) to support thyroid health.

Like the thyroid, herbs have many functions which may relate directly or seemingly indirectly to the thyroid.

However, the right combination of Dosha-supportive herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes can make a world of difference to thyroid health.

You can find organic, regeneratively-grown varieties of the herbs discussed in this article by clicking the links below:

• Ashwagandha
• Ginger
• Black Pepper
• Triphala
• Bacopa
• Shatavari
• Liver Kidney Cleanse formula