Ashwagandha is an Aurvedic herb that has been used for centuries in Asia. Although many consider it a stress relieving natural medication, studies have shown that Ashwagandha has many properties that can help alleviate symptoms caused by a dysfunctional thyroid. A recent article on Thyroid Advisor has detailed the many benefits of Ashwagandha.
Perhaps the most useful of these is that many studies have shown Ashwagandha can help produce more T4 hormones. Since T4 is one of the hormones, along with T3 and TSH, that control thyroid function, and thus a body’s metabolism, energy, and many other properties, the ability to raise this with a simple herb is very impressive. Of course, it won’t be a lot or anything near taking artificial thyroid hormones such as Synthroid, but the natural Ashwagandha treatment certainly helps a bit.
However, the increase of T4 hormones is not the only effect Ashwagandha has on the body. This thyroid supplement website has written an article on the benefits and truths regarding Ashwagandha. Within this article, the author writes about how Ashwagandha has also been linked to better mood. Perhaps the most surprising, however, it that it has promising benefits in helping alleviate the symptoms of cancer, and as detailed in some studies, the actual cancer cells themselves. Due to the immune and antioxidant properties in this herb, a study published in 1999 has concluded that Ashwagandha increased the number of white blood cells in the body – the cells that fight disease, cancer, and illness.
With all these great benefits, it is important to make sure you have the right dosage of Ashwagandha in order to maximize the benefits of this great herb. Doctors and scientists suggest about 600 mg to 1,200 mg a day along with a healthy diet with other vitamins and minerals.
I would highly suggest using this herb to help alleviate the symptoms of a slow thyroid. Be sure to check out thyroid support complexes that have Ashwagandha in their supplement facts list.