Certain herbs for thyroid conditions may improve thyroid symptoms.
The reason for this association is not clear, however.
In addition, a combination ofYingliumixtureandmethimazolehas been used for the treatment of Graves' disease in China.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
A number of studies that used a Yingliu mixture prepared in a laboratory have been carried out in China.
Results consistently showed that clinical symptoms and thyroid tests were better with the combination than with the methimazole alone.
Ashwagandha, also referred to asWithania somniferaand Indian ginseng, is derived from a nightshade plant.
It is a traditional medicine used inAyurvedapracticethat comes in a capsule and powder form.
It is important to note that ashwagandha can trigger a severe form of hyperthyroidism known asthyrotoxicosis.
Herbs for Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis shows up when the thyroid gland becomes irritated or inflamed.
The most common jot down is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease.
One study found that powdered Nigella sativa improved disease severity.
It has also been shown to reduce inflammation in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
It is not clear whether this will work in preventing thyroid tumor growth in humans.
Herbs for Goiters
Agoiteris an enlarged thyroid gland.
It can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or a thyroid tumor.
Common selfheal, orPrunella vulgarisL.
As an antioxidant, it can help reduceoxidative stress.
Combined with Western medicine, this herb may be able to improve goiter as well as other thyroid diseases.
Herbs for Iodine Deficiency
Your body needsiodine, an essential mineral, to produce thyroid hormones.
Those who are deficient may be advised to increase iodine through diet or supplementation.
What is Iodine and How Does the Supplement Work?
J Altern Complement Med.
2022 Mar 25;14(3):e23494.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.
2022 Jan 20;2022:5456855. doi: 10.1155/2022/5456855
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
BMC Complement Altern Med.
2014;29(3):240247. doi:10.3803/EnM.2014.29.3.240
