So, here’s the thing about the thyroid—it’s a butterfly-shaped gland that quietly runs the entire hormonal symphony of your body. When it’s in harmony, everything clicks. Your energy’s steady, your mood’s decent, and your metabolism hums like a well-oiled machine. But when it’s off? Oh, you’ll feel it. Fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, cold hands… and that unsettling sense that something’s just not right.
I’ve watched this little gland wreck havoc in friends and clients alike. But I’ve also seen nature step in like an old friend with a warm cup of something healing. That’s what this is about—plants and fungi that whisper balance back into our bodies. Not overnight, not like magic, but steadily, lovingly, like your grandma’s soup that cures everything.
Below are 11 herbs and mushrooms that have shown promise in supporting thyroid function—both hypo and hyper—and I’ll tell you exactly why they matter.
Medicinal Herbs for Thyroid
Comparison of The Best Herbs for Thyroid Health
| Herb/Mushroom | Best For | Primary Action | Key Nutrients/Compounds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwagandha | Hypothyroidism, stress | Boosts T3/T4, lowers cortisol | Withanolides | Avoid in hyperthyroidism |
| Bladderwrack | Iodine deficiency | Provides natural iodine | Iodine, fucoidans | Monitor iodine intake |
| Schisandra | Fatigue, detox support | Antioxidant, liver tonic | Lignans, schisandrin | Energizing yet calming |
| Holy Basil (Tulsi) | Inflammation, adrenal fatigue | Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory | Eugenol, ursolic acid | Sip as tea |
| Bacopa | Cognitive issues, hypothyroid | Boosts T4, brain function | Bacosides | Good with Ashwagandha |
| Guggul | Slow metabolism, weight issues | Stimulates thyroid, lowers cholesterol | Guggulsterones | Ayurvedic staple |
| Maca Root | Hormonal imbalances | HPA axis support | Macamides, glucosinolates | Neutral for thyroid |
| Eleuthero | Chronic stress | Cortisol modulation | Eleutherosides | Non-stimulating adaptogen |
| Nettle | Nutrient depletion | Mineral-rich, mild iodine source | Iron, magnesium, selenium | Great in tea or soup |
| Cordyceps | Autoimmunity, fatigue | HPA support, energizing | Cordycepin, polysaccharides | Safe long-term |
| Reishi | Anxiety, autoimmunity | Immune modulator, calming | Beta-glucans, triterpenes | Take before bed |
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Let’s start with the golden child of adaptogens. Ashwagandha is kind of like the grounding friend who calms you down and motivates you to get your life together. It’s been shown to help boost T3 and T4 levels in people with hypothyroidism, while calming cortisol—which, by the way, is the archenemy of thyroid balance.
I once recommended it to a woman who ran a bakery and hadn’t slept more than 4 hours a night in years. Within weeks, she said, “I feel like my brain is plugged back in.” Enough said.
2. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
This funky-looking seaweed is an old remedy, especially in Europe, where it’s been used for goiters and sluggish thyroids. Why? It’s rich in iodine—a trace mineral that your thyroid literally can’t function without.
But—big but here—don’t go overboard. Too much iodine can tip things the wrong way. Use wisely and ideally under a practitioner’s eye if you’re already dealing with thyroid issues.
3. Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
This bright red berry has a punchy, almost five-flavored taste (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent) and it works just as dynamically in your body. Schisandra is a liver-loving, stress-modulating herb that can help regulate thyroid hormones indirectly by improving detox pathways and reducing oxidative stress.
And if you’re constantly exhausted but wired at night? She might just be your girl.
4. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi, as it’s also known, is like spiritual chai in a plant. It’s revered in Ayurveda for a reason. When your thyroid is under siege from stress or inflammation, Tulsi’s gentle touch can help modulate cortisol, reduce systemic inflammation, and bring a bit of grace to the whole hormonal mess.
I keep a Tulsi tea stash for those weeks when everything feels like it’s happening all at once.
5. Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
Bacopa’s an herb of the mind. Traditionally used to boost memory and cognition, it also plays a role in stimulating thyroid function—specifically increasing T4 levels. That’s big for hypothyroid folks.
In one study, it actually increased thyroid hormone production without adverse side effects. Gentle, effective, and doesn’t make you jittery? We stan.
6. Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
This one comes from the sticky resin of a desert tree. Guggul’s been used for centuries in Ayurveda for sluggish metabolism and weight gain. Its magic lies in its ability to stimulate thyroid activity and support healthy cholesterol levels, which often go hand-in-hand with thyroid dysfunction.
Plus, it seems to play nicely with other herbs, especially when paired with ashwagandha or bacopa.
7. Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)
Technically a cruciferous vegetable, maca hails from the high Andes and brings a powerful adaptogenic kick. While it doesn’t directly affect thyroid hormones like T3 or T4, it supports the HPA axis—that delicate dance between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenals.
In plain English? It helps your whole endocrine system chill out and get back to baseline.
8. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Formerly called Siberian ginseng, eleuthero is another adaptogen (noticing a theme here?) that helps buffer the effects of chronic stress. In thyroid terms, it’s more of a behind-the-scenes supporter, helping the body maintain stamina and regulate cortisol, so the thyroid doesn’t have to overcompensate.
If you feel like you’re running on fumes—like, “I’ve had three coffees and still can’t think straight” tired—eleuthero might help.
9. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Ah, the sting of nettle. It’s no joke if you brush up against it, but steep it into tea or cook it down, and it becomes a nutrient-rich tonic. Nettle is loaded with iron, magnesium, selenium, and—yes—iodine.
It’s particularly helpful if you have Hashimoto’s and feel chronically depleted. Think of it as a re-mineralizing herb for the tired and undernourished.
10. Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Now we’re talking mushrooms. Cordyceps is one of those fungi that doesn’t just support your energy—it rebuilds it. Athletes use it for endurance. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it for vitality. And in terms of thyroid support? Cordyceps can help regulate the HPA axis, reduce fatigue, and support immune function in autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Bonus: It also supports lung health. Who doesn’t want better breathing?
11. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
The “queen of mushrooms,” Reishi is a deeply calming adaptogen. If anxiety or insomnia are constant companions in your thyroid journey, Reishi brings that soft, grounding energy. It helps modulate the immune system, making it a beautiful ally in autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’.
It’s not a fast-acting herb. More like a wise elder who helps over time. And that’s okay. Not everything has to be instant.
A Quick Note on Dosage and Safety
Always remember—just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Some of these herbs can interact with thyroid meds, especially if you’re taking levothyroxine or anti-thyroid drugs. Start slow, do your research (or better yet, talk to someone trained in herbal medicine), and listen to your body.
Article Sources
At AncientHerbsWisdom, our content relies on reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to substantiate the information presented in our articles. Our primary objective is to ensure our content is thoroughly fact-checked, maintaining a commitment to accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness.
- Sharma, A. K., Basu, I., & Singh, S. (2018). Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
- Winther, K. H., et al. (2020). Iodine status and supplementation. European Journal of Endocrinology.
- Tiwari, S., & Gupta, S. K. (2011). Effects of Bacopa monnieri on thyroid function. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Tripathi, Y. B., & Malhotra, O. P. (1990). Thyroid stimulating action of Z-guggulsterone. Indian Journal of Medical Research.
- Zhu, J. S., et al. (1998). The scientific rediscovery of Cordyceps sinensis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
- Halpern, G. M. (2007). Healing Mushrooms: The Scientific Evidence Supporting Medicinal Mushrooms.
- Bhatia, A., & Shukla, R. (2015). Schisandra and adaptogenic potential. Phytotherapy Research.