Ashwagandha, is an adaptogenic herb popular in Ayurvedic medicine that has shown incredible results for lowering cortisol and balancing thyroid hormones. This is a reason why I have chosen to add it as a staple to my adrenal/thyroid protocols.

Apply nicknamed “strength of the stallion” it is used to strengthen the immune system after illness.

The stress relieving properties are astounding and with over 200 studies so far, there is definite credibility to the statements that follow. 

It has the ability to reduce anxiety and depression, help to control the effects of stress, reduce brain cell degeneration, stabilize blood sugar, lower cholesterol and boost immunity

Ashwagandha thyroid benefits:  is a superstar when it comes to improving the health of your thyroid.  

One of the most incredible aspects about adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha is that it can help people with both hypo and hyper thyroid issues.  It has been shown to support a sluggish thyroid for people diagnosed with Hashimotos, and has been shown to improve the health of those with an overactive thyroid or Graves disease.

Adaptogenic herbs work with your body to bring you back into balance whether your levels are high or low. Isn’t that great?

Animal studies reveal ashwagandha has a thyroid hormone balancing effect.  In a 20 days study mice were give ashwagandha and their T3 and T4 levels were analyzed along with lipid peroxidation (anti-oxidant protection).  Significant increases in serum T4 were found which indicates this herb has a stimulatory effect on a sluggish thyroid. Ok so it isn’t a human study, but it works in clinical practice for many practitioners so I’m going to keep it in my protocols.

Ashwagandha has also been proven effective in supporting adrenal function helping you overcome adrenal fatigue and chronic stress. Your adrenal glands are responsible for releasing hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) in response to stress on your body.

If your adrenals are overtaxed due to an overabundance of emotional, physical and mental stress, it can lead to a condition known as adrenal dysfunction. When your adrenals become exhausted it can also disrupt your other hormones, including your sex hormones leading to a condition known as pregnenolone steal.

Medical studies have shown that ashwagandha improves cortisol levels, improves insulin sensitivity and naturally balances hormones. There is also now evidence that ashwagandha is effective at treating both anxiety and depression. 

The other major benefit of ashwagandha is that there are no adverse reactions by taking it compared to anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications which can have terrible side effects.

So how much should you take? Personally I like to add it into my decoctions/ warm brews or teas with a few other ingredients like maca or other amazing herbs. 

Commonly people use 500 mg up to 1000 mg per day, but this must be accompanied by a diet high in healthy fats, adequate protein and of course fiber. You will want to remove all grains and sugar from your diet to see the full benefits of supplementing with this along with reducing as much stress as possible on your own.