While a lack of iodine may be the first thing that comes to mind when trying support healthy thyroid function, Ayurveda suggests two herbs for your thyroid – both of which support the healthy absorption of iodine into the thyroid.
In one study, guggul (Commiphora mukul) was shown to increase the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland. (1) This was perhaps also due to enhanced activities of thyroid peroxidase and protease, as well as oxygen consumption they found associated with guggul supplementation. (1)
In another study, the results found with guggul supplementation suggested that it’s constituent factors have the ability to counteract thyroid dampening agents in otherwise healthy subjects. (2)
In a final study, after 30 days, certain constituents in guggul were found to boost the activity of enzymes like super-oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxides (LPO) — all of which support healthy thyroid function. (3) This increased antioxidant activity is thought to be responsible for the increase in T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels also noted in this study. (3)
According to Ayurveda, guggul is best used in conjunction with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Studies suggest that there are constituents in ashwagandha that also support healthy lipid peroxide levels (LPO) in the liver, where thyroid hormones are manufactured. (4) SOD and CAT levels were also found to be significantly increased after supplementation of ashwagandha. Certain constituents in ashwagandha are thought to support the natural production of these enzymes which counteract thyroid-depressing agents in otherwise healthy individuals, resulting in higher levels of T4, which are the precursor hormone to T3, which is considered the active thyroid hormone. (4,5) Other studies have measured a boost in both T3 and T4 levels in correlation with ashwagandha supplementation. (5)
Ashwagandha is also one of the world’s most potent adaptogens, which means it supports a healthy response to stress. In one study, 64 chronically stressed subjects were given 300mg of ashwagandha twice a day for 2 months. The group that ingested the ashwagandha saw a significant reduction in scores on all stress-assessment scales compared to the placebo group. (6)
According to the researchers, these findings suggest that ashwagandha root safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.
Puper says
April 24, 2019 at 2:38 pmDr John, what do you think of using Vidari Kanda for hyperthyroid issues causing majorPitta and Vata imbalances?
Owireduaa says
May 15, 2018 at 3:04 amHow many hours interval if one is taking aswagandha and levothyroixin..after taken Levo on an empty stomach, how many hours or minutes should be the interval before taking aswagandha
isabella marino says
February 1, 2017 at 5:30 pmi have several nogales on my tyroid, and my test always comes out within range, i have every systom of typroid problems. i had a needle asparation it said non cancer, 4 yrs. ago, all these systoms that i am experiencing, and have been for 10yrs. can the doctor been missing it because the test comes out in normal range.
Ann Sanders says
October 31, 2016 at 1:47 pmHashimotos is becoming so widespread, it is almost an epidemic. I have this condition and feel great empathy for my fellow sufferers, unfortunately, the allopathic attitude is to throw T4 at the problem and utterly useless if conversion is poor. It would be just wonderful if mainstream medicine could embrace other methods ( TCM Ayurveda) but I guess it would not be in the interests of the pharmaceutical industries. Hashimotos is complex and the first place to look is in the gut. If only Dr Douillard was available to all of us, what a healthier world we would be in.
LL says
October 2, 2016 at 7:53 amMight be nice if you mentioned that the studies you referred to were on mice and… not recent
Tejal says
September 29, 2016 at 9:37 amI have Hashimotos and have tried Ashwaghanda but it made me feel anxious and my chest heavy with heart palpitations. Later I found that nightshades were a problem for me and traced back how Ashwaghanda was in the nightshade family. Could that be the reason for my not doing well with it? I know it’s such an amazing herb and would love to give it a try once again, any suggestions on potency and dosage for someone like me would be greatly appreciated.
John Douillard says
October 4, 2016 at 10:57 amHi Tejal. Thanks for reaching out. I will be writing more articles about the thyroid soon, but yes both herbs can be taken for Hashimotos. Instead of Ashwaghanda we have a formula called Energico you may want to research: http://store.lifespa.com/energico.html Be well.
sheba says
September 20, 2016 at 7:35 amHello John D
Thank you for all of your sharing and caring about us all
Do you think taking myrrh tincture has the same sort of effect as the guggul? I ask as they are both in the same family of burseracaea – also known as the myrrh family.
Everyone
I had goitre a two or three years ago with the immune system attacking the thyroid and hyperactive thyroid gland levels but super low brain thyroid levels of thyroid chemicals. (So I certainly didn’t become skinny.) I had lots of thyroid disease symptoms. I was told by the doc that it was an autoimmune problem.
I cut out antinutrients – lectins and phytic acid were the ones I was particularly concerned about once I found out about them and realized I’d been preparing grains, seeds, nuts, and pulses insufficiently, so therefore had lectins making holes in the gut, and probably sitting upon the thyroid and eliciting the autoimmune attack thereupon. I upped protein and probiotic cultured food too to aid gut repair, as well as continuing with the iodine on the skin.
Within a month the goitre had visibly shrunk, and continued to shrink thereafter and remains gone to this day.
I don’t know about the chemistry though as I tend to avoid the docs.
Good luck everyone!
Namaste
Colby says
September 20, 2016 at 10:13 amFrom what I’ve experienced, Myrrh seems to work very similarly to guggul, but it’s lighter and more bitter and drying in effect. This only applies to very pure myrrh compared to very pure guggul, though!
sheba says
September 29, 2016 at 5:59 pmTa Colby
Bless
Cathy Alex says
May 23, 2017 at 5:35 amGood for you. Conventional doctors are dangerous. Stick with natural or Holistic DR’s and you can’t go wrong.
Samura says
September 20, 2016 at 4:28 amIf i am a healthy person just trying to get rid of a few pounds, do you recomend ggugul lean?
John Douillard says
October 3, 2016 at 4:07 pmHi Samura, thanks for the comment. Traditionally guggul was used for detoxifying fats cells and supporting healthy thyroid function. Find out more here: https://lifespa.com/guggul-and-weight-loss-research/ With proper lifestyle shifts, guggul lean can offer a nice support for weight balance. Be well.
Joelle says
September 18, 2016 at 6:54 amMy daughter has Hashimoto and takes levothyroxine 75 mcg. Her TSH is low right around 2.0.
When she takes ashwagandha, she feels jittery and a “hyper” feeling inside. Do you have an idea as why she may experience it this way? Thank you for your answer and all that you do.
deb says
January 17, 2017 at 7:58 amI am interested in the answer to this question as well.
Joelle says
September 18, 2016 at 6:50 amHello, Dr. Douillard,
My daughter has Hashimoto but her numbers are good at the moment with a TSH of around 2.0. She take levothyroxine 75 mcg (she is 26). When she took Ashwagandha, it made her “hyper”…jittery, internally…..Do you have a clue as why this may happen?
Phillipa Joy says
September 17, 2016 at 5:37 pmWould guggul be contraindicated for Grave’s Disease? (Overactive thyroid) I already have my client taking ashwaghanda
Sharyn says
September 17, 2016 at 9:48 amWould you recommend guggul & ashwagandha for someone with Hashimoto’s who is taking levothyroxine?
Ina says
September 17, 2016 at 5:28 pmGreat question! I would love to hear the answer. I think there’s an epidemic of Hashimotos!
JoAnn says
September 21, 2016 at 1:47 pmYes, I’d also like an answer as I have Hashimotos as well.
John Douillard says
October 3, 2016 at 3:54 pmHi Sharyn. Please check with your doctor first. Every person is different that’s why dealing with this issue at the root cause is always best done through consultation: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ Please email info@lifespa.com if you have questions
Kelley Mathews says
September 17, 2016 at 9:47 amHi John-
I am new to your website. I love the integration of Ayurvedic Medicine with nutritional and biological sciences. I wonder if in a future post you could speak to those of us who have had thyroid cancer and what to do about residual thyroid tissue. I had thyroid cancer in 1991, but 3/4 of my thyroid was left. I take synthroid to suppress it. About three years ago new nodules appeared and the overall health of the tissue was very poor based on biopsy I fought back with a concoction of green tea (or white or matcha), spinach, lemon, berries, broccoli sprouts and flax seed. 6 months later the tissue health was excellent and the nodules had shrunk 30%. In addition, I changed my diet toward greens, vegetable, fruits, berries and seeds and nuts with very little prepared food or meats. Most recently, my doctor told me all my cancer markers were no longer elevated. They energy I have on suppression is not the same as the energy I have from my natural thyroid and I am hungry for that energy again. Work, family,and projects of personal interest and commitment keep me going non stop everyday and I feel I have to push through despite my nutritionally rich diet. About a year ago I was unable to take my synthroid for about three days and my energy soared. Plus I have weight struggles despite walking/running 5 miles 4-5 days a week. Not fair! I wonder it I could compose a regimen that would allow me to go off the synthroid, but keep my thyroid healthy enough to prevent the cancer from returning.
Meg Fitzpatrick says
September 17, 2016 at 6:52 amCan I take these 2 supplements if I take levothyroxine sodium daily?
What about the Life Spa Iodine HP that I take 1x a week?
Thanks
John Douillard says
October 3, 2016 at 3:50 pmHi Meg. It’s always best to check with your doctor, feel free to email at info@lifespa.com
Colby says
September 17, 2016 at 6:40 amWell timed article! Super appreciative for the sign. I’ll use some ashwagandha and kelp today. Thanks JD!