Ashwagandha is one of those herbs that sounds almost too good to be true. According to ancient Ayurvedic practices and modern medical studies, ashwagandha may be able to help regulate hormone levels, provide support for stress and feelings of nervousness, and support a healthy immune system, among other potential benefits. Today, hundreds of studies have been conducted to learn more about the potential supportive properties of ashwagandha. Â This includes research into using ashwagandha for possible thyroid benefits.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb – this is one of the main reasons for its popularity. Adaptogenic herbs can help the body adapt to different situations, including those that may cause stress. It is believed that adaptogenic herbs offer several potential health benefits, including immune system support, promoting mental clarity, and maintaining a balanced mood.
Because ashwagandha has a reputation for helping to maintain the immune system after an illness, in India it is known as the strength of the stallion.
Potential Ashwagandha Thyroid Benefits
While scientists haven’t yet discovered exactly why adaptogenic herbs can be successful at balancing hormone levels already in a normal range, research does show that ashwagandha can provide support for both hypo- and hyper-thyroid issues.
Your thyroid is an endocrine gland in your neck, and it produces and releases hormones that affect nearly every organ in your body. When people suffer from hypothyroidism, they have low levels of thyroid hormones. This can lead to fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and coarse hair. Hyperthyroidism occurs when thyroid hormone levels are too high, causing a rapid heart beat and the appearance of bulging eyes.
If your thyroid hormone levels aren’t within range, it can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Many people with thyroid issues take medications or use other supplements to help regulate hormone levels. Some medical research has been done to examine the impact of ashwagandha thyroid benefits. For example, an animal study in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that the use of ashwagandha root extract stimulates thyroid activity and has the ability to change thyroid hormone concentrations. Other studies have found that ashwagandha may help adults cope with stress and anxiety, potentially improving their quality of life.
As with other ayurvedic practices, ashwagandha is typically combined with other adaptogenic herbs that may help regulate thyroid function. If you struggle with thyroid issues and you are planning to tap into potential ashwagandha thyroid benefits, be sure to contact your doctor first. While ashwagandha may help you achieve your health goals, it’s always a good idea to stay on the same page as your doctor when it comes to using new herbs or supplements.
How to Use Ashwagandha for Thyroid
Ashwagandha is a plant, and the roots and berries are used to make an extract. The extract can be applied to the skin or used in supplements (either alone or with other ingredients) to provide support for a variety of health issues.
For example, at Natural Healthy Concepts we offer a pure ashwagandha capsule for people looking to achieve any type of health goal. However, some ashwagandha supplements are specifically formulated and combined with other ingredients to address a specific goal, such as support for stress, adrenal health and cortisol levels, or the immune system. On top of that, we have a few select ashwagandha products designed to provide support for thyroid hormone levels.
The appropriate dose of ashwagandha depends on several factors, including age, weight, health history, and more. If you are shopping for ashwagandha products, stick to the dosing guidelines on the label, and talk to a pharmacist or doctor if you have questions.
If you’ve tried ashwagandha for thyroid support or any other uses, we’d love to hear about your experience! Tell us more about the product you used and any changes you’ve noticed in the comments below.