The thyroid gland is at the center of the body's regulation of metabolism, glucose, hormones and cholesterol levels. When thyroid function decreases, hypothyroidism may result, leading to fatigue, weight gain, depression, high cholesterol and other symptoms, according to Marcy Holmes, Nurse Practitioner and Certified Menopause Clinician. She adds that insulin resistance presents many of the same symptoms as hypothyroidism, and is often found to coexist with it. A number of herbs are known for their thyroid supporting qualities, and can be used as part of a holistic approach to healthy thyroid function.
Please consult your physician before attempting any herbal remedies at home.
Bladderwrack/Fucus Vesiculosus
A member of the nutritious seaweed family, this red alga is available in capsules for easy ingestion. Bladderwrack is a superb source of the thyroid nourishing mineral iodine. Without iodine, the thyroid gland cannot function. According to medicinal herbalist Christine Haughton, fucus appears to assist in the problem of lipid balance associated with obesity, and where obesity is associated with thyroid dysfunction, this herb may help to reduce excess weight.
Ashwagandha Root/ Withania Somnifera
Derived from Sanskrit words, the name "Ashwagandha" means "horse smell," because the herb's roots reek of a sweaty horse odor. Increasing energy, overall health and longevity are common benefits associated with this herb. Additionally, research is promising for ashwagandha's potential as a blood sugar moderator. A 2008 animal-based study at Hamdard University in New Dehli, India, suggests that withania somnifera normalizes hyperglycemia in rats by improving insulin sensitivity.
Guggul/ Commiphora Mukul
The herb guggal is a natural plant extract that practitioners of traditional Ayurvedic medicine have used for its purifying and rejuvenating capabilities. According to The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, recent interest has arisen regarding the ability of guggul to treat obesity and related disorders of lipid metabolism. These disorders are often associated with a low functioning thyroid gland.
Irish Moss/ Chondrus Crispus
Called "moss of the rocks" by the Irish, this plant is another edible type of seaweed found attached to rocky outcroppings along the coastlines of the eastern U.S., Canada and Ireland. Like many seaweeds, Irish moss is a "super-nutritive," and according to the experts at Herbs 2000, "Irish moss has also been prepared as a dish and used as a food in the maintenance diets prescribed to patients afflicted by diabetes." Irish moss, like its cousins kelp, bladderwrack and dulse, is an excellent source of iodine for the thyroid gland.
