Herbs for Thyroid Disease: Do They Work?

Certain herbs for thyroid conditions may improve thyroid symptoms. While there are no herbs that have thyroid hormones in them, some herbs have been scientifically studied as add-ons to thyroid medication and may help optimize thyroid function by interacting with the hormones that are already present in your body.

Unless you have a nutritional deficiency, herbs will not resolve a thyroid condition—and some may cause serious health problems. Although natural alternatives to thyroid hormone replacement or anti-thyroid treatment may be appealing, the effects of herbs may be different depending on the thyroid condition.

An illustration with herbs for thyroid disease prevention — Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health

Herbs to Prevent Thyroid Disease

Chamomile, sage, and mountain tea have all been associated with a decrease in benign and malignant thyroid disease, and this effect appears to be the strongest for chamomile tea. A 2015 study found consuming between 2 and 6 cups weekly of these herbal teas was associated with a reduced incidence of thyroid disease. The reason for this association is not clear, however.

Furthermore, this study reported that the duration of consumption of these herbs was inversely associated with these diseases. So, not only do these herbal teas help to ward off thyroid disease but the longer you drink them, the less chance you may have of developing thyroid problems.

Green tea, interestingly, has been associated with a lower risk of thyroid cancer in post-menopausal women, but a higher risk in pre-menopausal women.

Herbs for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is excessive thyroid hormone activity. Lycopus europaeus, also known as bugleweed, is an herb that has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of mild hyperthyroidism. It may also reduce the symptoms of Graves' disease, an autoimmune type of hyperthyroidism.

Bugleweed is believed to act against the antibodies that cause Graves' disease, but it is not clear why it may reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism even if you do not have this particular type.

Bugleweed comes in liquid and pill form, and while it has been well tolerated in human studies, the ideal dose is not established.

In addition, a combination of Yingliu mixture and methimazole has been used for the treatment of Graves' disease in China. Methimazole is an antithyroid medication, and Yingliu mixture is a preparation of oysters, white mustard seed, and a variety of herbs and plants.

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.

Herbs for Hypothyroidism

Herbs may be helpful for hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels without symptoms).

Ashwagandha, also referred to as Withania somnifera and Indian ginseng, is derived from a nightshade plant. It is a traditional medicine used in Ayurveda practice that comes in a capsule and powder form.

At an average dose of 600 milligrams (mg) per day, it has been shown to reduce thyroid hormone abnormalities in subclinical hypothyroidism in a few small human studies.

It is important to note that ashwagandha can trigger a severe form of hyperthyroidism known as thyrotoxicosis.

Another small pilot study found people with hypothyroidism who took 500 milligrams of ginger supplement twice daily for 30 days experienced improvements in hypothyroid symptoms including weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, appetite, memory loss, and concentration difficulties.

Herbs for Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis occurs when the thyroid gland becomes irritated or inflamed. The most common type is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease.

Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, has been used in traditional Algerian medicine and studied for its benefits in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. One study found that powdered Nigella sativa improved disease severity.

Other studies have found black cumin improves thyroid status in general by increasing triiodothyronine (T3) levels and reducing the synthesis of anti-TPO antibodies. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Herbs for Thyroid Tumors

There are many types of thyroid tumors, and some can be quite aggressive, requiring surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.

Fucoidan, which is isolated from the Fucus vesiculosus seaweed plant, has been shown to help control the growth of thyroid tumor cells in a laboratory setting. It is not clear whether this will work in preventing thyroid tumor growth in humans.

Herbs for Goiters

A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. It can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or a thyroid tumor.

Common selfheal, or Prunella vulgaris L. (Labiatae), is used to treat thyroid disease in traditional Chinese medicine. A member of the mint family, common selfheal contains many active substances that can help protect the thyroid. As an antioxidant, it can help reduce oxidative stress.

Combined with Western medicine, this herb may be able to improve goiter as well as other thyroid diseases.

As you consider herbal treatments for any medical condition, including thyroid disease, be wary of claims that any product can "balance" your system. With thyroid disease, the effects of "too high or too low" are both problematic, and there is no natural therapy that can simultaneously address both conditions.

Herbs for Iodine Deficiency

Your body needs iodine, an essential mineral, to produce thyroid hormones. Those who are deficient may be advised to increase iodine through diet or supplementation.

There are several types of iodine supplements, including a preparation described as "reduction of ¹³¹I," which is made of dried seaweed and other herbs and plants.

While restoring low iodine levels is important to thyroid function, such deficiency is very uncommon in the United States, and you must be careful about over-consuming iodine either inadvertently or with the best of intentions.

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What is Iodine and How Does the Supplement Work?

Excessive levels of iodine can cause thyroid disease. They have also been shown to bring about hypothyroidism in some people and hyperthyroidism in others. As such, it is best to approach taking iodine-containing herbs and supplements with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Iodine is an element found in seafood and dairy products and, in the United States, standard table salt and fortified foods. For that reason, it is rare for someone living in America to develop thyroid problems related to an iodine deficiency.

Summary

Thyroid disease is a lifelong condition and the idea of herbal therapy can sound like a safe way to control your condition and your symptoms. At the current time, herbal remedies have only been found to be marginally effective in altering thyroid function and should be used in conjunction with medications recommended by your healthcare provider.

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