Medical, Herbal, and Nutritional Supplement Treatments for Thyroid Conditions

Natural Hypothyroid Remedies
Natural Hyperthyroid Remedies
Color Therapy

Treatments for thyroid conditions may help stop thinning hair.

There are simple blood tests that can screen for thyroid conditions. Once the underlying condition is treated, the temporary alopecia will usually stop and hair will gradually grow again. However, it may take up to three years for your hair to return to normal.⁽²⁾

Some patients find they are losing hair after several months of thyroid disease treatment—even though their thyroid hormone levels are normalized. At this point other causes for the hair loss are usually considered and treated. For example, if female pattern hair loss is suspected, your doctor may prescribe drugs that regulate androgen hormones and minoxidil.⁽²⁾

It should be noted that sometimes hair loss in patients with thyroid disease can also be caused by the drugs given to treat the disease. These include:⁽²⁾

Propylthiouracil for hyperthyroidism
Synthroid® for hypothyroidism

Herbal and Nutritional Remedies for Hypothyroid Conditions

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The following herbs and nutrients may be helpful in treating hypothyroidism and maintaining healthy thyroid function, which in turn will help keep your hair from thinning:^{(37, 90, 91)}

Herb	HOW IT WORKS	RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OR USE
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)	Question: Can ashwagandha help treat hypothyroidism? Answer: Evidence from a small, 8-week clinical study suggests ashwagandha may be a good herb to use to boost thyroid function. Daily ashwagandha significantly boosted thyroid hormone levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.⁽⁴⁵⁰⁾	In the study, patients took 600 mg/day of ashwagandha supplements.⁽⁴⁵⁰⁾
Gentian (Gentiana lutea)	Question: How can gentian extracts help treat thyroid conditions? Answer: Gentian is considered a cold and bitter herb in Ayurveda medicine and is used to pacify pitta-related conditions.⁽¹⁷⁴⁾ Research suggests gentian offers the following benefits: Stimulates the thyroid gland.⁽⁹⁰⁾ Helps improve nutrient absorption.⁽⁹⁰⁾ Gentian is also a source of iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, selenium, thiamine, vitamin C, and zinc—all essential nutrients for hair.⁽³⁷⁾	Simmer 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely powdered root in ½ cup of water for 5 minutes and drink; can be taken 4 times a day.⁽¹⁷⁵⁾
Guggul (Commiphora mukul)	Question: Can guggul help treat thyroid conditions? Answer: When combined with bark powder from Bauhinia variegate in the Ayurvedic formula kanchanara, guggul has been shown to improve enlarged thyroid by 40-100% over a period of 10-20 months.⁽⁹¹⁾	Ayurvedic experts recommend 237 mg three times a day along with topical ointment of same extracts.⁽⁹¹⁾
Iodine	Question: Why is iodine important for thyroid health? Answer: Iodine deficiency impairs thyroid function (as well as other organs) and can cause hypothyroidism.⁽⁹¹⁾	150 mcg of iodine daily is recommended to maintain a healthy thyroid.⁽⁹¹⁾ Most people in Westernized countries obtain enough iodine in their diet without supplementation.⁽¹³⁴⁾
Kelp (Fucus vesiculosus)	Question: Can kelp keep your thyroid healthy? Answer: Kelp is an edible seaweed that contains high amounts of iodine. It is also high in B vitamins, which are helpful in preventing hair loss.⁽⁹⁰⁾	Kelp can be added to your diet, and also be taken in supplement form. The recommended kelp supplement dosage for hypothyroidism is 660 mg three times a day.⁽⁹¹⁾
L-Tyrosine	Question: How can L-tyrosine boost thyroid hormone levels? Answer: When combined with iodine, L-tyrosine forms the thyroid hormone thyroxine.⁽¹⁷⁶⁾ Important cautions: Do not use L-tyrosine for hyperthyroidism as it may make the condition worse.⁽¹⁷⁶⁾ Do not take if taking MAO inhibitor antidepressant drugs; the combination could cause dangerous increases in blood pressure.⁽³⁷⁾	Taking 500 mg twice a day with water or juice (not with milk), vitamin B6 (50 mg) and vitamin C (100 mg) may help maintain appropriate levels of thyroid hormones.⁽³⁷⁾
Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata; Bauhinia purpurea)	Question: How can Bauhinia extracts help treat thyroid conditions? Answer: Bauhinia extracts are used in traditional medicines (including Ayurveda) to treat thyroid conditions. Preclinical studies show that Bauhinia can significantly increase both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels, including in diabetic patients with hypothyroidism linked to the diabetes drug metformin.^{(91, 451, 452)}	Integrative researchers suggest 2 g/kg body weight.⁽⁹¹⁾
Selenium	Question: How can selenium help with hypothyroidism? Answer: Diseases that lead to hypothyroidism are often related to the immune system. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the immune system and may be helpful.^(32, 37) Research also indicates that selenium is related to or can directly help thyroid function: Clinical studies show that taking 200 mcg/day of selenium with the hypothyroidism drug levothyroxine significantly improved outcomes by up to 30% more than in the control group.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾ Selenium deficiency may cause hypothyroidism.⁽⁹¹⁾	RDA for adults is 55 mcg, but 100-300 mcg/day of selenium has been used for hypothyroidism.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾ Pregnancy and lactation increase selenium needs, so in these women the RDA is 60 mcg/day if pregnant and 70 mcg/day if nursing.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾
Thyrocap (combination of guggul, licorice, and B. variegata)	Question: Is there evidence that Thyrocap can help with hypothyroidism? Answer: In a 3-month study, the Ayurvedic herbal formula Thyrocap significantly increased thyroid hormone levels and improved symptoms (e.g., fatigue, neck swelling) in patients with hypothyroidism.⁽⁹¹⁾	Formula contains 100 mg of each extract; one capsule of Thyrocap three times a day was used successfully in a clinical study.⁽⁹¹⁾
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)	Question: Can turmeric help with hypothyroidism? Answer: Preclinical studies suggest that turmeric extract, in combination with vitamin C and vitamin E, can help improve thyroid hormone levels. Curcumin compounds also show beneficial effects on protecting thyroid cell mitochondria, which could help preserve thyroid function. Moreover, optimized turmeric supplements do not interfere with conventional thyroid hormone therapy.^(453-455)	Turmeric can be used as a spice or taken as a supplement. If taken as a supplement, look for a brand that contains compounds such as black pepper extract (piperine) to improve bioavailability.
Vitamin B Complex Vitamins B2 and B12	Question: How can vitamin B help with hypothyroidism? Answer: The water-soluble B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, and cobalamins) are essential to metabolic processes.⁽³⁷⁾	Experts recommend the following dosages of vitamin B for hypothyroidism: 100 mg of a vitamin B complex three times a day⁽³⁷⁾ 1000 to 2000 mcg of vitamin B12 three times a day on an empty stomach⁽³⁷⁾ 50 mg of vitamin B2 twice a day⁽³⁷⁾

Herb

HOW IT WORKS

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OR USE

Ashwagandha

(Withania somnifera)

Question: Can ashwagandha help treat hypothyroidism?

Answer: Evidence from a small, 8-week clinical study suggests ashwagandha may be a good herb to use to boost thyroid function. Daily ashwagandha significantly boosted thyroid hormone levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.⁽⁴⁵⁰⁾

In the study, patients took 600 mg/day of ashwagandha supplements.⁽⁴⁵⁰⁾

Gentian

(Gentiana lutea)

Question: How can gentian extracts help treat thyroid conditions?

Answer: Gentian is considered a cold and bitter herb in Ayurveda medicine and is used to pacify pitta-related conditions.⁽¹⁷⁴⁾

Research suggests gentian offers the following benefits:

Stimulates the thyroid gland.⁽⁹⁰⁾
Helps improve nutrient absorption.⁽⁹⁰⁾

Gentian is also a source of iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, selenium, thiamine, vitamin C, and zinc—all essential nutrients for hair.⁽³⁷⁾

Simmer 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely powdered root in ½ cup of water for 5 minutes and drink; can be taken 4 times a day.⁽¹⁷⁵⁾

Guggul

(Commiphora mukul)

Question: Can guggul help treat thyroid conditions?

Answer: When combined with bark powder from Bauhinia variegate in the Ayurvedic formula kanchanara, guggul has been shown to improve enlarged thyroid by 40-100% over a period of 10-20 months.⁽⁹¹⁾

Ayurvedic experts recommend 237 mg three times a day along with topical ointment of same extracts.⁽⁹¹⁾

Iodine

Question: Why is iodine important for thyroid health?

Answer: Iodine deficiency impairs thyroid function (as well as other organs) and can cause hypothyroidism.⁽⁹¹⁾

150 mcg of iodine daily is recommended to maintain a healthy thyroid.⁽⁹¹⁾

Most people in Westernized countries obtain enough iodine in their diet without supplementation.⁽¹³⁴⁾

Kelp

(Fucus vesiculosus)

Question: Can kelp keep your thyroid healthy?

Answer: Kelp is an edible seaweed that contains high amounts of iodine. It is also high in B vitamins, which are helpful in preventing hair loss.⁽⁹⁰⁾

Kelp can be added to your diet, and also be taken in supplement form. The recommended kelp supplement dosage for hypothyroidism is 660 mg three times a day.⁽⁹¹⁾

L-Tyrosine

Question: How can L-tyrosine boost thyroid hormone levels?

Answer: When combined with iodine, L-tyrosine forms the thyroid hormone thyroxine.⁽¹⁷⁶⁾

Important cautions:

Do not use L-tyrosine for hyperthyroidism as it may make the condition worse.⁽¹⁷⁶⁾

Do not take if taking MAO inhibitor antidepressant drugs; the combination could cause dangerous increases in blood pressure.⁽³⁷⁾

Taking 500 mg twice a day with water or juice (not with milk), vitamin B6 (50 mg) and vitamin C (100 mg) may help maintain appropriate levels of thyroid hormones.⁽³⁷⁾

Orchid tree

(Bauhinia variegata; Bauhinia purpurea)

Question: How can Bauhinia extracts help treat thyroid conditions?

Answer: Bauhinia extracts are used in traditional medicines (including Ayurveda) to treat thyroid conditions. Preclinical studies show that Bauhinia can significantly increase both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels, including in diabetic patients with hypothyroidism linked to the diabetes drug metformin.^{(91, 451, 452)}

Integrative researchers suggest 2 g/kg body weight.⁽⁹¹⁾

Selenium

Question: How can selenium help with hypothyroidism?

Answer: Diseases that lead to hypothyroidism are often related to the immune system. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the immune system and may be helpful.^(32, 37)

Research also indicates that selenium is related to or can directly help thyroid function:

Clinical studies show that taking 200 mcg/day of selenium with the hypothyroidism drug levothyroxine significantly improved outcomes by up to 30% more than in the control group.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾
Selenium deficiency may cause hypothyroidism.⁽⁹¹⁾

RDA for adults is 55 mcg, but 100-300 mcg/day of selenium has been used for hypothyroidism.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾

Pregnancy and lactation increase selenium needs, so in these women the RDA is 60 mcg/day if pregnant and 70 mcg/day if nursing.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾

Thyrocap

(combination of guggul, licorice, and B. variegata)

Question: Is there evidence that Thyrocap can help with hypothyroidism?

Answer: In a 3-month study, the Ayurvedic herbal formula Thyrocap significantly increased thyroid hormone levels and improved symptoms (e.g., fatigue, neck swelling) in patients with hypothyroidism.⁽⁹¹⁾

Formula contains 100 mg of each extract; one capsule of Thyrocap three times a day was used successfully in a clinical study.⁽⁹¹⁾

Turmeric

(Curcuma longa)

Question: Can turmeric help with hypothyroidism?

Answer: Preclinical studies suggest that turmeric extract, in combination with vitamin C and vitamin E, can help improve thyroid hormone levels. Curcumin compounds also show beneficial effects on protecting thyroid cell mitochondria, which could help preserve thyroid function. Moreover, optimized turmeric supplements do not interfere with conventional thyroid hormone therapy.^(453-455)

Turmeric can be used as a spice or taken as a supplement. If taken as a supplement, look for a brand that contains compounds such as black pepper extract (piperine) to improve bioavailability.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamins B2 and B12

Question: How can vitamin B help with hypothyroidism?

Answer: The water-soluble B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, and cobalamins) are essential to metabolic processes.⁽³⁷⁾

Experts recommend the following dosages of vitamin B for hypothyroidism:

100 mg of a vitamin B complex three times a day⁽³⁷⁾
1000 to 2000 mcg of vitamin B12 three times a day on an empty stomach⁽³⁷⁾
50 mg of vitamin B2 twice a day⁽³⁷⁾

Herbal and Nutritional Remedies for Hyperthyroid Conditions

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HERB	HOW IT WORKS	RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OR USE
Bugle Weed (Lycopus verginicus)	Question: Can bugle weed help with hypothyroidism? Answer: Whole plant extract of bugle weed used for 50 days in a clinical study lowered thyroid hormone levels in patients with hyperthyroidism.⁽⁹¹⁾	1-2 g/day of bugle weed was successfully used in study.⁽⁹¹⁾
Conch Flower (Convolvulus pluricaulis)	Question: Can conch flower help with hypothyroidism? Answer: In a 9-month clinical trial, syrup made from conch flower extract (Sankhapushpi) demonstrated 73-93% improvement of hyperthyroid symptoms (e.g., tremors, weakness, and palpitations). These were better results than those treated with 15 mg/day of the conventional drug NeoMercazole®.⁽⁹¹⁾	125 mg twice daily of conch flower syrup was used successfully in clinical trial.⁽⁹¹⁾

HERB

HOW IT WORKS

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OR USE

Bugle Weed

(Lycopus verginicus)

Question: Can bugle weed help with hypothyroidism?

Answer: Whole plant extract of bugle weed used for 50 days in a clinical study lowered thyroid hormone levels in patients with hyperthyroidism.⁽⁹¹⁾

1-2 g/day of bugle weed was successfully used in study.⁽⁹¹⁾

Conch Flower

(Convolvulus pluricaulis)

Question: Can conch flower help with hypothyroidism?

Answer: In a 9-month clinical trial, syrup made from conch flower extract (Sankhapushpi) demonstrated 73-93% improvement of hyperthyroid symptoms (e.g., tremors, weakness, and palpitations). These were better results than those treated with 15 mg/day of the conventional drug NeoMercazole®.⁽⁹¹⁾

125 mg twice daily of conch flower syrup was used successfully in clinical trial.⁽⁹¹⁾

Color Therapy

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If you practice color therapy, Ayurveda experts suggest that the color orange can help with thyroid issues.⁽¹⁷⁴⁾

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed physician. If you require any medical related advice, contact your physician promptly. Information presented on this website is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard medical advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.

Also known as levothyroxine.⁽²⁾

Also known as bladderwrack.⁽⁹⁰⁾

Also known as tyrosine, acetyl-L tyrosine, and N-acetyl L-tyrosine.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾

Also known as Synthroid®.⁽²⁾

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