Can Ayurvedic Medicine Effectively Treat Thyroid Disorders?

According to the American Thyroid Association, roughly 20 million Americans live with a thyroid condition. These disorders result from either excessive or insufficient production of thyroid hormones.

Conventional care for thyroid conditions typically centers on medications to restore hormonal balance. However, many people are curious about whether complementary approaches can assist in managing these conditions.

Ayurvedic therapies may be used alongside conventional treatments to support management of thyroid problems, but they should not replace standard medical care.

In this article, we’ll explore Ayurvedic medicine and review what current research indicates about its role in addressing thyroid disorders.

What is Ayurvedic medicine?

Ayurveda is among the world’s oldest traditional healthcare systems. It has its roots in India more than 3,000 years ago and focuses on preventing illness by maintaining balance among the mind, spirit, and body. Today, it remains a widely practiced form of alternative healthcare.

In Ayurvedic theory, the universe is composed of five elements:

• fire
• air
• space
• earth
• water

These five elements form the basis of the three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—which are considered the body’s principal humors. Disease is thought to arise when these doshas fall out of balance.

Ayurvedic practice emphasizes a holistic blend of physical activity, dietary choices, and lifestyle adjustments to ward off illness. Many herbs and minimally processed foods used traditionally in Ayurveda can be healthy additions to your diet, and some of these may offer supportive effects for thyroid conditions. For example, readers may find information on ashwagandha thyroid and arogyavardhini vati useful when exploring Ayurvedic options, and consider general guidance on thyroid vitamins as part of an overall plan.

Ayurveda and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

There’s currently no solid evidence that any specific Ayurvedic remedy can cure Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, frequently resulting in hypothyroidism.

Ayurveda promotes eating whole foods such as fruits and vegetables. Maintaining a wholesome diet supports overall health and helps prevent nutrient shortfalls that could exacerbate health problems.

Some studies indicate a possible association between high consumption of ultraprocessed foods and increased risk of autoimmune conditions, though further research is needed to confirm the connection.

Ayurvedic approaches for hypothyroidism

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb used to help regulate stress responses. Native to regions of Northern Africa and India, it is one of the principal herbs in Ayurvedic practice.

Several small trials suggest Ashwagandha might aid hypothyroidism by modulating stress-related hormones, but larger, more rigorous studies are required to establish its effectiveness.

In one double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers tested Ashwagandha in 50 participants with subclinical hypothyroidism. Subjects received 600 mg of Ashwagandha root daily for eight weeks.

By the study’s end, those taking Ashwagandha showed notably better thyroid hormone measurements compared with placebo.

A 2014 study assessed Ashwagandha’s impact on thyroid hormone levels in people with bipolar disorder. Over eight weeks, participants on Ashwagandha had significant improvements in thyroid markers relative to placebo, though researchers cautioned that limitations meant more study was necessary.

Ayurveda and hyperthyroidism

Evidence is limited that Ayurvedic treatments can relieve hyperthyroidism symptoms. One herb that has shown potential is Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (C. pluricaulis).

C. pluricaulis is traditionally used in Indian and Chinese medicine for conditions such as persistent cough, anxiety, and seizures.

The suggestion that C. pluricaulis might help hyperthyroidism is primarily based on a 2001 animal study. In that research, investigators induced raised thyroid hormone levels in rats, then administered C. pluricaulis extract and measured thyroid parameters.

They observed that the extract reduced thyroid hormones and decreased activity of hepatic enzymes such as 5′-monodeiodinase and glucose-6-phosphatase. The authors proposed that inhibition of hepatic 5′-monodeiodinase could explain improvements in hyperthyroid markers.

Human studies are necessary to determine whether these findings translate to clinical benefits for people with hyperthyroidism.

Should you use Ayurvedic medicine for thyroid conditions?

Ayurvedic therapies may complement conventional treatments and help you manage a thyroid condition, but they are not intended to replace established medical care. The current evidence supporting Ayurvedic effectiveness is limited, so use it as an adjunct rather than an alternative to prescribed treatment.

Always consult your physician before starting Ayurvedic herbs, since some can interact with prescription medications.

Standard treatments for hyperthyroidism

Common Western medical options for hyperthyroidism include:

• Radioactive iodine. The thyroid absorbs radioactive iodine, which reduces gland size and decreases hormone production.
• Anti-thyroid drugs. These medications block excess hormone synthesis. Symptoms often improve within weeks.
• Beta-blockers. These can ease specific symptoms like fast heartbeat and tremors.
• Surgery. Thyroidectomy is generally reserved for specific cases, such as pregnant patients who cannot receive radioactive iodine.

Standard treatments for hypothyroidism

The mainstay therapy for hypothyroidism is replacement with synthetic thyroid hormone, for example levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid). Many patients remain on this medication long-term.

Collaborate with your doctor on a whole-person plan

If you have a thyroid disorder, partnering with a doctor is essential to identify the most appropriate management plan. A clinician can measure your thyroid hormones periodically to track changes over time.

If hormone levels move outside the desired range, your clinician may adjust medication doses. They can also help you form a comprehensive approach that includes exercise and dietary guidelines.

When necessary, your doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist, a specialist in thyroid conditions. To locate an endocrinologist, consider using the American Thyroid Association’s search tool.

Takeaway

Ayurveda is one of the oldest healthcare traditions. Presently, only limited research exists on the effectiveness of Ayurvedic approaches for thyroid disorders.

Ayurvedic guidance to emphasize whole, unprocessed foods may benefit overall health. There is preliminary evidence that the herb Ashwagandha could help with hypothyroidism, but larger studies are needed.

Ayurvedic practices can complement conventional Western medicine through supportive diet, exercise, and lifestyle measures. Because some supplements can interact with pharmaceuticals, discuss any new Ayurvedic herb or supplement with your physician before use.