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When irregularities develop in the thyroid, it can cause a hormone imbalance that may impact the body. No herbs can replace thyroid hormones, but some may support thyroid function. Thyroid conditions affect around 200 million people across the world. This article considers eight herbs that may support the thyroid gland. What is the thyroid gland Share on PinterestAna Rocio Garcia Franco/Getty ImagesThe thyroid is an endocrine gland that sits in the neck. It produces hormones that affect the function and metabolism of all red blood cells containing a nucleus. The thyroid produces hormones responsible for regulating the body’s functions. However, thyroid conditions are one of the most common forms of endocrine disorders globally. Thyroid disorders can cause issues relating to:temperature regulationblood pressurefertilitymetabolismmental health Many different thyroid conditions may develop, including:hyperthyroidism, where thyroid hormone secretion is too highhypothyroidism, where thyroid hormone secretion is too lowgoiter, due to thyroid gland enlargementthyroid cancer Learn more about the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism here. Herbs for thyroid health Including certain herbs in a person’s diet may help support thyroid function. Herbs that may improve thyroid health include the following: Ashwagandha Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a herb that can offer different benefits. The herb has properties that are:anti-inflammatoryneuroprotectiveadaptogenichematopoietic, meaning it may support stem cell functionsleep-inducinganti-anxiety Research from 2019 shows that using a methanolic extract, such as ashwagandha, supports thyroid function by reducing oxidative stress and improving thyroid hormones. However, potential side effects can include an upset stomach, diarrhea, and drowsiness. Learn more about ashwagandha here. Ginger Ginger is a common spice, but the root classifies as a herb. Ginger has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Using ginger supplements may benefit people experiencing hypothyroidism, where the thyroid is not producing enough hormones. The herb may also reduce weight and regulate lipid and hormone profiles. If individuals take larger doses, ginger can have potential side effects, including mouth and throat irritation, digestive discomfort, heartburn, and diarrhea. Doctors and healthcare professionals do not yet know enough about ginger in therapeutic doses. Due to this, pregnant people and those who are breastfeeding should avoid ginger supplements and discuss any intended use with their doctor. Learn more about ginger here. Atriplex halimus Traditional Algerian medicine commonly uses the herb Atriplex halimus to manage thyroid disorders. Research suggests that the herb benefits overactive and underactive thyroids and is effective in treating thyroid cysts due to its phytochemical content. However, there is currently little research into this area, so the dangers and side effects are unknown. Learn more about polyphenols and phytochemicals here. Black cumin Black cumin, or Nigella sativa, is another herb that traditional Algerian medicine uses to treat thyroid conditions. It contains phytochemicals and biological components that support various functions in the body, including:alkaloidscoumarinsflavonoidsphenolics A 2016 study looking at the effect black cumin has on Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition that gradually destroys the thyroid, shows that black cumin can generally improve thyroid status, as well as for people with this specific condition. Black cumin is likely safe when taken in small doses for a short time. However, some people report allergic skin rashes, and those taking blood-thinning medications should avoid black cumin altogether. Learn more about the potential health benefits of cumin here. Bunium incrassatum Bunium incrassatum is a medicinal herb that may benefit those with different thyroid conditions. For example, a 2022 study on rats found that the herb can help repair damaged thyroid tissue due to an overactive and underactive thyroid. Further studies will confirm the benefits in humans, but the herb has antioxidant properties and contains phytochemicals that can protect cells. Without proper preparation, this herb may cause gastrointestinal conditions. Learn more about common digestive problems here. Saussurea costus Saussurea costus is a form of thistle that people in Saudi Arabia use extensively, though it also plays a more general role in traditional medicine. The herb has antioxidant properties and contains flavonoids. There is little scientific evidence to support the role of Saussurea costus in treating thyroid conditions. However, Saussurea costus continues to play a significant role in traditional medicine, and some research in animal models has found the herb to have benefits for managing thyroid conditions. Experts know little about the side effects, drug interactions, or the effects of S. costus on those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some people also report allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis. Learn more about the benefits of antioxidants here. Agarwood In traditional medicine, agarwood, or Aquilaria malaccensis, may play a role in helping thyroid cancer. This is because agarwood contains antioxidants that are detrimental to several cancer cell lines. However, more studies are necessary to increase confidence in the benefits of agarwood for thyroid cancer and to better understand any potentially harmful side effects. Learn more about thyroid cancer here. Bugleweed Bugleweed, Lycopus spp., may have antithyroid effects. This may make the herb suitable for people with an overactive thyroid. A 2021 review of herbs for thyroid function states that Bugleweed has the most potential as it seems to enhance the body’s ability to effectively use iodine. Learn more about iodine here. Herbs to avoid While some herbs may benefit thyroid health, others can worsen thyroid conditions. For example, 2019 research states that frequently consuming extracts of the herb celery can induce hyperthyroidism, adversely affecting thyroid function. Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, is another herb that can adversely affect thyroid hormone control. Learn more about the risks and benefits of celery here. When to contact a doctor Individuals should always contact a doctor if they experience symptoms linked to thyroid conditions, such as:fatigueweaknessunexplained weight changechange to heart rateheat or cold intoleranceconstipation or diarrheadry hair or skin If a person considers herbal treatment for thyroid health, it is important to discuss this with a doctor first. While herbs are natural, they can have specific properties that act medicinally or could interact with other medications. If an individual experiences unusual symptoms after taking herbs to support thyroid function, they should seek medical advice as soon as possible. Learn more about the symptoms of common thyroid disorders here. Summary The thyroid is a small endocrine gland that releases hormones important for the body’s function. Without treatment, thyroid disorders can severely impact a person’s quality of life. Some traditional medicines use herbs to support thyroid health. These include herbs that can benefit both an under- and overactive thyroid. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm the benefits of herbs for thyroid conditions. Individuals should always contact a doctor or healthcare professional if they experience symptoms relating to thyroid conditions or before starting a herbal treatment plan. Last medically reviewed on August 18, 2022EndocrinologyHypothyroidComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 18 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Abdel-Wahhab, K. G., et al. 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Two cases of Graves' hyperthyroidism treated with homeopathic remedies containing herbal extracts from Lycopus spp. and Melissa officinalis [Abstract].https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8090196/Keestra, S., et al. (2020). Reinterpreting patterns of variation in human thyroid function.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8454515/Maljaei, M. B., et al. (2019). Effect of celery extract on thyroid function; Is herbal therapy safe in obesity?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6528421/Meriem, A., et al. (2022). Bunium incrassatum Bois. Batt. Trab. (Talghouda) in the improvement of thyroid tissue damages in female rats.https://journal.umy.ac.id/index.php/jfap/article/view/13905/pdfMillaty, I. N. K., et al. (2020). Identification of anticancer compounds in leaves extracts of agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis (Lamk.))https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/457/1/012036/pdfModi, M., et al. (2021). Ginger root.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565886/Mujammami, M. (2020). Clinical significance of Saussurea costus in thyroid treatment.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7841514/Salve, J., et al. (2019). Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/Taïbi, K., et al. (2020). Ethnopharmacological study of herbal remedies used for the management of thyroid disorders in Algeria.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7873729/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Helen Millar on August 18, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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