Thyroid Health 101: Herbs, Foods, and Natural Solutions

Let’s talk thyroid.

It’s that little butterfly-shaped gland that quietly hums along at the base of your neck, but oh boy—does it hold power. It plays a leading role in your body’s metabolism, temperature regulation, hormone production, and even your mood. If your thyroid is sluggish or overactive, your whole body can feel it.

As an herbalist, I get a lot of questions about thyroid health—what it is, how to support it naturally, and what signs to watch out for. So let’s dive in together like we’re sipping tea and having a good heart-to-heart.

🧬 How the Thyroid Works — And Why It’s a Big Deal

Your thyroid may be small, but it has a mighty job. Located at the base of your neck just below your Adam’s apple, this butterfly-shaped gland is a key player in your endocrine system—the body's hormonal messaging network. The endocrine system includes glands like the pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries/testes, and of course, the thyroid.

So, what exactly does it do?

The thyroid produces two essential hormones:

• T3 (triiodothyronine) – the active form

• T4 (thyroxine) – the storage form, converted to T3 as needed

These hormones are made from iodine (an essential trace mineral) and tyrosine (an amino acid), and they affect nearly every cell in the body. Once released, thyroid hormones enter the bloodstream and help regulate:

• Metabolism – how your body converts food into energy

• Body temperature – whether you run hot or cold

• Heart rate – how fast your heart beats

• Brain development and function – mood, memory, and clarity

• Menstrual cycle and fertility – working in sync with estrogen and progesterone

• Digestive function – speed of digestion and elimination

• Muscle control and repair – from endurance to recovery

• Skin, hair, and nail health – healthy growth and regeneration

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🔄 The Feedback Loop: Hypothalamus → Pituitary → Thyroid

Your thyroid doesn’t act alone. It’s part of the HPT axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid), a self-regulating hormonal circuit.

1. The hypothalamus (in the brain) releases TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone)

2. That tells the pituitary gland to release TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)

3. TSH signals the thyroid to make and release T3 and T4 into the bloodstream

4. When enough thyroid hormone is circulating, a feedback message tells the brain to slow down production.

   
   

If this loop gets disrupted—due to stress, autoimmunity, nutrient deficiency, or even trauma—thyroid hormone levels can drop or spike, leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

⚠️ When the Thyroid Is Off, Your Whole Body Feels It

Because thyroid hormones influence so many systems, imbalances can feel all-encompassing:

• Tired no matter how much sleep you get? Could be low thyroid.

• Gaining weight while eating clean? Could be low thyroid.

• Feeling anxious, shaky, or racing thoughts? Could be high thyroid.

• Irregular cycles, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin? Yep—thyroid.

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And because the thyroid is so closely connected to the adrenals, sex hormones, and gut health, an issue in one area can ripple through the others. It’s not uncommon for someone to have both adrenal fatigue and thyroid dysfunction—or thyroid imbalance and estrogen dominance.

That’s why herbalists (like me!) aim to support the whole system, not just one gland. We want to bring the entire endocrine symphony back into harmony.

🔄 Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is far more common. It slows everything down—metabolism, heart rate, digestion, and energy.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) revs things up—causing anxiety, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and insomnia.

Both require unique care, but many herbs and foods can bring balance gently, especially when you’re working with a knowledgeable practitioner.

🌿 Herbs That Support Thyroid Health

As always, herbs work holistically. They don’t “replace” thyroid hormones, but they support the gland, modulate inflammation, nourish the nervous system, and gently guide the body back toward homeostasis.

🌟 For Hypothyroidism:

• Saw Palmetto: Helps balance sex hormones and reduce estrogen dominance that can suppress thyroid function.

• Holy Basil: An adaptogen that lowers cortisol and supports adrenal-thyroid balance.

• Damiana: Uplifts mood, boosts libido, and gently stimulates sluggish endocrine function.

• Nettles: A mineral-rich herb that nourishes and strengthens the thyroid and overall vitality.

• Artichoke Leaf: Supports liver detox and the crucial T4-to-T3 hormone conversion process.

• Chickweed: Stimulates sluggish metabolism and lymphatic flow, aiding weight balance and detox.

• Ashwagandha – Adaptogen that balances thyroid hormone levels and supports adrenal health

• Bladderwrack or Kelp (seaweed) – Rich in iodine, a key nutrient for thyroid hormone production

• Schisandra Berry – Liver-loving adaptogen that helps with detoxification, which supports the thyroid

• Rhodiola – Adaptogen that lifts fatigue and brain fog

• Gotu Kola – Supports circulation, focus, and glandular health

🌟 For Hyperthyroidism:

• Bugleweed – Helps reduce overproduction of thyroid hormones

• Motherwort – Calming to the heart and nervous system, supports palpitations and anxiety

• Lemon Balm – Gently relaxes and modulates excess thyroid activity

• Rehmannia – Nourishes yin, calms inflammation, balances the HPA axis

• Shepherd’s Purse: Helps reduce excessive bleeding and regulate heart rate, offering support for the cardiovascular symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

• Mistletoe: Acts as a gentle sedative and immune modulator that calms overactive glandular activity and supports nervous system balance.

  
  

💧Monarch Herbs Products to the Rescue

At Monarch Herbs, we’ve crafted two special formulas to help you nourish your thyroid and your entire endocrine system:

🔹 Jive Extract

Formulated for hypothyroidism, this extract includes herbs like Kelp, Saw Palmetto, Holy Basil, Damiana, Nettles, Artichoke Leaf & Chickweed —working in harmony to replenish energy, support hormone balance, and restore vitality.

🔹 Whist Extract

Formulated for hyperthyroidism, it includes Bugleweed, Lemon Balm, Motherwort, Mistletoe and Shepherd's Purse to gently calm the thyroid, soothe the nervous system, and reduce overactivity without suppressing the gland entirely.

Both are easy to take and can be seamlessly added to your daily routine.

🥬 Foods That Love the Thyroid

Diet plays a huge role in thyroid health. Here are some foods your thyroid adores:

• Iodine-rich foods (but not in excess): Seaweed, cranberries, and iodized salt

• Selenium: Brazil nuts, eggs, sardines

• Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, beef, chickpeas

• Vitamin D: Sunshine, mushrooms, fatty fish

• B vitamins: Leafy greens, whole grains, avocados

• Antioxidants: Berries, green tea, turmeric

Avoid these foods:

• Processed foods, refined sugar, and gluten (especially for Hashimoto’s)

• Excessive raw cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts (cooking deactivates goitrogens)

🧘‍♀️ Other Natural Remedies to Support the Thyroid

• Exercise: Gentle movement like walking, yoga, or resistance training boosts metabolism and lymph flow

• Reduce stress: Chronic stress throws off your HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) and HPT (hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid) axis—so breathe deeply, meditate, or spend time in nature

• Castor oil packs: Applied over the neck or liver can support detox and reduce inflammation

• Infrared saunas: Help support the lymphatic system and release toxins

• Sleep: Prioritize rest—it’s when your hormones heal

⚠️ Cautions & Contraindications

As much as we love herbs, it's important to be mindful of when and how to use them:

• Always consult your doctor before stopping or adjusting thyroid medications.

• Bladderwrack and other iodine-rich herbs may worsen hyperthyroidism—don't use unless iodine-deficient.

• Bugleweed and Lemon Balm may lower thyroid hormone production—avoid if you have hypothyroidism.

• Herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola may be stimulating in large doses—monitor for anxiety or sleep disruption.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check with your practitioner before starting thyroid-supportive herbs.

💛 Final Thoughts

Your thyroid is more than just a hormone factory—it’s your body’s internal thermostat, communicator, and energy manager. And when it’s out of whack, everything else feels off too. But there’s so much you can do, naturally and gently, to bring it back into balance.

If you’ve been dealing with low energy, mood swings, or that sense that your body just isn’t firing on all cylinders—don’t ignore it. Support your thyroid with herbs, food, movement, and rest.

And if you need a hand, Jive Extract and Whist Extract are always here for you—crafted with love and intention from my apothecary to your home.

Be kind to your thyroid. It’s been working hard for you.

Jive Extract - Hypothyroid

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Whist Extract - Hyperthyroid

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