One in 10 million people in America currently live with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. If this staggering statistic includes you or someone you love, take a few minutes to learn about Ashwagandha.
Adding this herb to your treatment routine is very easy. It may help reduce your symptoms and improve your health. Continue reading to learn about Ashwagandha’s thyroid benefits.
How Ashwagandha Helps Hypothyroidism
Ashwagandha is a saponin glycoside known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. It helps in stabilizing and regulating body functions.
According to Ayurveda, an increase in Vata and Kapha doshas are mainly responsible for hypothyroidism. A prolonged Vata and Pitta imbalance depletes strength and immunity and causes Vata to push Kapha out of its normal range of homeostasis.1
Ashwagandha counters hypothyroidism by pacifying Vata and Kapha.
It is one of the best adaptogenic herbs and is beneficial for increasing the very essence of life, called ojas, and restoring energy levels.2
READ MORE: Vata Diet: Everything You Need To Know
Ashwagandha Thyroid Benefits
Here is a list of seven ways that Ashwagandha may benefit from hypothyroidism (Ashwagandha thyroid benefits).
Ashwagandha Reduces Stress And Anxiety
Ashwagandha is a safe and effective adaptogen. Its roots aid in reducing stress and anxiety, and so it improves the self-assessed quality of life.3
A study conducted to test the ability of Ashwagandha to combat stress and male infertility resulted in several positive findings. A decrease in stress, improved levels of antioxidants, and improvement in overall semen quality were found.4
Another study involving mice showed that Ashwagandha weakened chronic stress-induced perturbations, including significant hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and an increase in plasma corticosterone levels. The study concluded that this herb has significant anti-stress adaptogenic activity.5
Ashwagandha Stimulates T4 Hormones
Ashwagandha stimulates the thyroid to produce more T4 hormone. At the same time, though, it keeps potential risks of excess T4 in check.
Researchers concluded that patients with hypothyroidism experience benefits after consuming Ashwagandha because of its T4-elevating, anti-inflammatory, nerve-protecting, antioxidant and antidepressant properties.6
High T4 levels on the other hand, may generate oxidative stress. Free radicals that form oxidize the lipid membranes of cells and damage the cells.
Ashwagandha is an effective antioxidant, able to scavenge free radicals and reduce lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.
Even as Ashwagandha stimulates the thyroid to produce more T4, it keeps potential risks of excess T4 in check.7
Ashwagandha Supports The Adrenal Glands
Ashwagandha has shown incredible results for lowering cortisol and balancing thyroid hormones. It has proven effective in supporting adrenal function helping sufferers overcome adrenal fatigue and chronic stress.8
Ashwagandha Supports HPA Functions
Ashwagandha corrects the imbalance between the immune and the neuroendocrine systems to normalize bodily functions under stressful conditions. It does so by targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis.9
The hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the adrenal glands all play a role in proper thyroid function.
Ashwagandha Boosts Immunity
Ashwagandha has immunomodulating effects.10
One study looked at its effects on the cellular immune response. Administration of this herb was found to enhance the proliferation of lymphocytes, bone marrow cells and thymocytes.11
Another study showed that Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties.12
These studies show that Ashwagandha may help to slow the growth of tumors and reduce inflammation in the body.
Ashwagandha Helps You Cope With Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism
Ashwagandha helps in increasing memory,13 concentration, and cognitive abilities and promotes an uplift of mood and restful sleep which are the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The effects of Ashwagandha intake are the same as that of the common pharmaceutical anxiolytic drugs diazepam, lorazepam and the antidepressant drug imipramine. Above all, Ashwagandha does not have any side effects.14,15
Ashwagandha acts like a GABAergic drug binding to GABA receptors. It produces calming, anti‐anxiety, anti‐convulsive, highly‐stabilizing effects.16
Ashwagandha promotes restful sleep.
Restful sleep naturally reduces stress levels, while lower stress levels lead to good sleep. Both have an overall positive effect on the body and mind.
Ashwagandha Has No Side Effects
Ashwagandha root extract can be safely and effectively used for long-term administration without any adverse side effects and withdrawal symptoms.17
If you wish to use Ashwagandha, consult your health care provider or a qualified Ayurvedic herbalist for assistance.
READ MORE: Ayurveda’s Natural Treatment For Low Thyroid
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