Ashwagandha Tea for Thyroid Function
Ayurveda, the ancient tradition of herbal medicine in India, has a history dating back thousands of years, rivaling even traditional Chinese medicine in its long tradition. Its practices are still in use today, and its herbal remedies have gained worldwide attention and respect. Among the many herbs that have been used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is one of the oldest and most highly valued. With a variety of health benefits, ashwagandha tea made from the dried root of the plant is considered to be an effective remedy for everything from energy to brain function, even immune health. Recent studies have shown that ashwagandha tea may also be beneficial for promoting the health of an underactive thyroid.
The Effects of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, sometimes called underactive thyroid, is a medical condition occurring when the thyroid fails to produce sufficient amounts of important hormones in the body. This upsets the overall chemical balance of the body and can significantly affect many natural bodily functions. It is more commonly seen in women than men, particularly above the age of 60. In the early stages of hypothyroidism, patients are unlikely to experience any symptoms. As the thyroid begins producing less, the body will begin to experience fatigue, poor concentration, joint pain, weight gain, raised cholesterol levels and infertility or abnormal menstruation in women. The thyroid gland may also begin to swell, creating a lump or bulge in the neck. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a thyroid function test; once identified, standard treatment involves the supplementation of a synthetic hormone.
How Ashwagandha Tea Helps
Among its many benefits, research has shown that ashwagandha tea may be able to assist with hypothyroidism. In studies, ashwagandha root has helped to stimulate the release of thyroid hormones, helping to improve hormone balance throughout the body. While not yet fully understood, it is believed that this is at least partly caused by stimulating the release of certain glucose functions in the liver that affect thyroid activity. Research is still ongoing to learn more about this benefit of ashwagandha tea.
Caution
Ashwagandha tea can be very potent, regardless of its all-natural status. In some individuals with hypothyroidism, ashwagandha has resulted in a hormone spike that briefly overproduced thyroid hormones, disrupting the hormone balance in the body. It is advised to begin with smaller amounts of ashwagandha tea and increase gradually as needed. Ashwagandha tea should not be taken over long periods of time, but is better used periodically.
