The thyroid is an important gland found in the neck. The gland is part of the endocrine system, whose main function is to convert iodine into a variety of hormones, according to the website EndocrineWeb.com. The thyroid gland converts iodine into thyroid hormones that control the body's temperature levels and regulate metabolism, weight loss or weight gain. Maintaining thyroid health promotes optimal organ function. A variety of herbs providing natural health benefits for thyroid function are available.
Licorice
A common herb used in ancient Egypt and Asia, licorice is available as an herbal supplement at most pharmacies and natural health or vitamin stores. Licorice contains components such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, which are beneficial to hormone production and support. Glycyrrhizin is a component that helps the body utilize cortisol, a hormone released when the body is stressed. Licorice is believed to help extend the life of cortisol produced by the thyroid, states Stop the Thyroid Madness, a patient-to-patient information website dedicated to thyroid health. Licorice relieves stress placed on the thyroid and is well-suited for those who work continually or live under highly stressful conditions.
Jia Kang Wan
Jia Kang Wan is a traditional Chinese medicine herbal formula created for thyroid support. The formula contains a variety of ingredients believed to help support thyroid function, such as crushed oyster shells, prunella, sargassum and licorice, according to Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda, director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Oregon.
Shanhaiteng
The Chinese herb shanhaiteng, also known as triperygium, is known to be an immunosuppressive herb that has been utilized in the treatment of hyperthyroidism with promising results, according to the Institute for Traditional Medicine. The herb is used more widely in the East than in the West in the place of corticosteroid therapy for treatment of several thyroid problems or diseases. The herb, which is extremely potent, is not typically found or offered in the West.
Ashwagandha
Also known as winter cherry and Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is found throughout India and North America and has been widely used in Ayurvedic practices for thyroid support and function. The herb is utilized as an anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory as well as an immune system-boosting herb, which helps reduce stress placed on the endocrine system, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. The herb is best known for its ability to help the body adapt to stressful situations and environments, states Dr. Ray Sahelian of RaySahelian.com. Ashwagandha is available in powdered, tea or capsule forms in most natural health food stores and pharmacies.
