Does Ashwagandha Improve Thyroid Health?

Ashwagandha is often promoted as a natural remedy for thyroid problems, yet for some individuals it might actually be detrimental. Here we explore the evidence and explain the nuances.

Known commonly as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, ashwagandha is a potent medicinal plant (1).

The root extract is the part most frequently used and is available in capsules, tinctures, and powders.

Classified as an adaptogen, ashwagandha is thought to help the body cope with stress. It’s also used to slow aging, support muscle growth and strength, and assist with neurological conditions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

Used for millennia in traditional healing systems, it has recently become popular as an alternative approach for thyroid support.

This article outlines whether taking ashwagandha is advisable for thyroid-related concerns.

Overview of thyroid conditions

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that regulates metabolism, bone integrity, and growth and development (7, 8, 9).

The three primary hormones involved in thyroid function are (10):

• thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• triiodothyronine (T3)
• thyroxine (T4)

TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure near the base of the brain. When T3 and T4 fall, TSH rises to stimulate production of more thyroid hormones. A mismatch among these hormones can signal thyroid dysfunction (10).

The two principal thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid produces insufficient hormone. Common causes include certain drugs, lack of iodine, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks thyroid tissue (10).

Typical signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, tiredness, constipation, goiter, and dry skin (10).

Conversely, hyperthyroidism is defined by excess thyroid hormone production. Those affected may experience breathlessness, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, hair thinning, and unintended weight loss (11).

In Western populations, roughly 1–2% have hypothyroidism and 0.2–1.3% have hyperthyroidism (12).

Both conditions are commonly managed with pharmaceutical therapies, although some people look to natural options like ashwagandha or complementary approaches such as ayurvedic medicine for thyroid.

Summary: Hypothyroidism involves low thyroid hormone levels, while hyperthyroidism involves excess. Some individuals turn to ashwagandha as an alternative to conventional drugs.

Can ashwagandha benefit thyroid function?

Although ashwagandha offers several possible health advantages, you might wonder whether it’s beneficial specifically for thyroid issues.

Ashwagandha and hypothyroidism

Overall, there’s limited research connecting ashwagandha supplements to thyroid outcomes.

Still, a few recent trials suggest it might help in cases of hypothyroidism.

In an 8-week randomized trial of 50 participants with hypothyroidism, daily supplementation with 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract produced notable improvements in thyroid hormone measures compared with placebo (5).

Those receiving ashwagandha showed increases in triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) by about 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, while thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) dropped around 17.5% (5).

These effects may be tied to ashwagandha’s ability to reduce cortisol.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol and can suppress T3 and T4. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha may indirectly stimulate the endocrine system and raise thyroid hormone levels (5).

Another 8-week trial involving adults with bipolar disorder reported that three participants had rises in T4 after taking ashwagandha, though the study had limitations (13).

Additional, longer-term research is necessary to clarify ashwagandha’s role in treating hypothyroidism.

Ashwagandha and hyperthyroidism

No controlled human trials have specifically evaluated ashwagandha for hyperthyroidism.

However, limited reports suggest ashwagandha could worsen hyperthyroid conditions by increasing T3 and T4, possibly precipitating thyrotoxicosis — a severe state of excess circulating thyroid hormones with low TSH (14, 15, 16).

Thyrotoxicosis, if untreated, can cause heart complications, significant weight loss, extreme thirst, and skin problems (15, 16).

Although evidence is sparse, it’s important to discuss any ashwagandha use with a healthcare professional, especially if you have hyperthyroidism.

Summary: Ashwagandha may increase T3 and T4, which could be beneficial in hypothyroidism but harmful in hyperthyroidism.

Safety considerations and adverse effects

For most otherwise healthy adults, ashwagandha is generally well tolerated (14, 15).

Still, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it, as should individuals with hyperthyroidism (16).

The herb can interact with sedatives, immunosuppressive drugs, and anticonvulsants. It may also affect medications for various conditions (16, 17, 18):

• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• psychiatric disorders
• hypothyroidism

Moreover, ashwagandha may enhance immune activity, which could aggravate autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. It can also elevate testosterone levels, so people with hormone-responsive prostate cancer should avoid it (1, 16).

Because of these potential interactions and effects, consult your healthcare provider before starting ashwagandha.

Summary: Although usually safe, ashwagandha is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people or those with hyperthyroidism. It can interfere with several medications, so professional guidance is advised.

How to take ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is commonly consumed as a dietary supplement. Typical products are 300-mg capsules taken twice daily after meals.

It’s also sold as a powder that can be stirred into water, milk, juices, or smoothies. Some mix it into meals or sprinkle it over yogurt.

Another option is preparing ashwagandha tea.

Most clinical research employs capsule/tablet extracts, so the effects of powders and teas versus pills aren’t fully established.

There’s limited human data on ashwagandha toxicity, and it’s generally regarded as safe when used at recommended doses. Follow the label instructions or your clinician’s advice (14, 15).

Summary: Ashwagandha is usually taken as 300-mg tablets twice daily; powders and teas are other options, though clinical evidence mainly concerns capsules.

Final thoughts

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in traditional medicine and shows promise for certain health concerns.

Preliminary trials suggest it may help raise thyroid hormone levels in people with hypothyroidism, but it could aggravate hyperthyroid conditions.

Always consult your healthcare practitioner before using ashwagandha for thyroid issues. If you’re exploring complementary approaches, consider related topics like ashwagandha for hair loss or whether rhodiola and ashwagandha together might be appropriate for your needs.