If you’re one of the 20 million people in the US who suffer from thyroid conditions, you’ll appreciate the huge impact this small gland can have on your health. In the UK it estimated that one in five will suffer from some form of thyroid diseases by the age they reach 60.

From weight gain and fatigue to hair loss and anxiety, when your thyroid is out of whack you certainly know about it. But luckily there’s a natural supplement that might help: Ashwagandha.

Shown to increase the production of the T4 hormone, this adaptogenic herb may well help prevent and treat thyroid conditions. Here’s how.

Why is the thyroid so important?

Most of us probably don't pay our Thyroid much thought. After all, this small bow-tie shaped gland causes few problems in most people. But while it might be small, the thyroid is mighty.

The thyroid gland produces two very important hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

These hormones help convert oxygen and calories into energy, making the thyroid the master gland of metabolism.

Not only that, but T3 and T4 hormones are vital for the overall functioning of every other organ, including our brain and heart, as well as our musculoskeletal system.

So what happens when your thyroid fails to work as it should?

There are two main types of thyroid dysfunction: hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).

These conditions have different symptoms, but they can be equally as harmful.

• Hypothyroidism is characterised by fatigue, weight gain, poor tolerance of cold, dry skin and depression.

• Hyperthyroidism is characterised by anxiety, heart palpitations, weight loss, diarrhoea and swelling of the thyroid.

How can ashwagandha help?

Ashwagandha might be a relatively recent entrance into the modern health world, but this adaptogenic herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, to treat a wide variety of conditions, including insomnia, and anxiety.

In fact, its name translates as 'the strength of the stallion' – a clue to the invigorating properties of this herb.

As an adaptogen, ashwagandha comes with a load of thyroid-boosting credentials. Here are just a few:

Modulates hormone production

According to recent studies into the effectiveness of ashwagandha on thyroid health, ashwagandha selectively increases the production of T4 hormone.

This makes it a useful natural treatment for an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism.

But interestingly, ashwagandha can also help modulate hormone production, which means it can potentially encourage the thyroid to produce less hormones depending on your needs.

May offer a brain boost

Some of the most common and troubling symptoms of hypothyroidism are depression, stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha may be able to help.

A number of studies have suggested that ashwagandha may improve cognitive problems caused by an underactive thyroid.

In one 12-week placebo-controlled study, 87 participants with anxiety were given 300 mg of ashwagandha twice a day, while the same amount we given a placebo.

Those patients treated with ashwagandha showed greater improvements in anxiety than the placebo group.

Offers adrenal support

Tired adrenal glands are bad news for your body’s stress response, causing anxiety, chronic fatigue and low energy. But luckily, ashwagandha offers considerable adrenal support by normalizing cortisol levels and resisting chemical stressors.

As a result, it shows potential as a natural treatment for thyroid dysfunction caused by autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease.

Thyroid problems can cause huge levels of distress and discomfort. Recent research suggests that adaptogens like ashwagandha really could help improve the situation.

This was: "Ashwagandha and Thyroid Health: Ashwagandha Benefits for Thyroid Functioning"

If you’d like to find out more about this powerful superfood, check out these articles:

Can Ashwagandha Help with Weight Loss?

The Incredible Benefits of Ashwagandha  

The Specific Health Benefits of Ashwagandha for Women