Ashwagandha
$25.10 – $44.10
Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels, which is encouraging for people with hypothyroidism. However, people with hyperthyroidism should avoid ashwagandha to prevent possible thyrotoxicosis (excess of thyroid hormone in the body) unless recommended by a doctor.
If you often feel sluggish, tired, and experience unexplained weight gain, those may be symptoms of low thyroid hormones. Some people develop these symptoms even without a clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism—a condition called subclinical hypothyroidism. For these people, could ashwagandha—a supplement with wide-reaching potential health benefits—support thyroid hormone levels? Read on to learn more.
What is Ashwagandha?
Stress normally causes a surge in the adrenal hormones – adrenaline and cortisol – both of which increase alertness (sometimes known as ‘fight or flight’). Ashwagandha tackles the problem at the root as it acts directly on the trigger of stress by regulating the imbalanced cortisol level and nourishing the adrenal glands. It acts directly on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulating the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, from the adrenal glands.
Adaptogens like ashwagandha (or Withania somnifera) may help your body deal with all kinds of stress, whether chronic stress from a job or physical stress from a grueling workout.
It’s not exactly new, either. Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, has been used in Ayurvedic, Indian, and African traditional medicine. Traditional practices like Ayurveda used the root and berries of this plant to treat a wide range of health conditions, and modern research is finding evidence to support some of these uses.
The potential health benefits of ashwagandha root extract are surprisingly wide-reaching. Potential ashwagandha benefits range from cognition to joint health. But for many people who feel like they have a sluggish metabolism, this plant’s most exciting potential benefit may be how it interacts with your thyroid.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that fails to produce enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally. People with hypothyroidism may have no symptoms or symptoms so mild that they don’t realize they have the condition, especially if they have subclinical hypothyroidism (Gosi, 2021).
Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid include (Gosi, 2021):
- Low mood, depression
- Feeling cold most of the time and unable to warm up
- Forgetfulness
- Constipation—slowed bowel movements
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Slow heart rate
- Irregular menstrual cycles and/or fertility problems
- Joint pain
If you suspect you have hypothyroidism, it’s essential to first and foremost seek medical advice from a professional. Ashwagandha may interact with thyroid medication, which is why discussing your desire to add this supplement to your routine with a medical expert is important. With that said ashwagandha may be able to help those with low thyroid function. Supplementing with 600 mg of ashwagandha daily for eight weeks improved blood levels of TSH, T3, and T4 in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism in one small placebo-controlled study found (Sharma, 2018).
What about Ashwagandha and Hyperthyroidism?
Since ashwagandha may increase levels of thyroid hormones, it’s not suggested for patients with hyperthyroidism who are already overproducing T3 and T4 (Sharma, 2018).
What else is Ashwagandha used for?
The potential health benefits of ashwagandha go beyond the thyroid. Research suggests that ashwagandha supplements, such as powders and extracts, may (Mandlik Ingawale, 2021):
- Boost testosterone
- Boost male fertility by increasing sperm count
- Reduce blood sugar levels
- Reduce cortisol levels
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Decrease inflammation
- Increase muscle mass and muscle strength
- Improve sleep
- Help lower cholesterol
The potential effects of this plant are thought to come from beneficial compounds, including withanolides (like withaferin A), glycowithanolides, and alkaloids. Withanolides are most well-known for their anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties and potential ability to improve the effects of stress (Mandlik Ingawale, 2021).
Benefits & Features
- Helps moderate occasional stress‡
- May support cardiovascular, immune, cognitive and joint function‡
- Supports healthy glucose and lipid metabolism‡
- Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used extensively for over 4,000 years
- Tested for solvents, pesticides, heavy metals and microbial contaminants, as are all Pure Encapsulations herbal extracts
- Made with high-quality ingredients backed by verifiable science
Ashwagandha Dosage Recommendations for Managing Thyroid Health
The recommended ashwagandha dosage for managing thyroid health ranges from 300-500mg per day of a standardized extract containing 2.5-5% withanolides. However, before starting ashwagandha supplements, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or taking medication.
Indications
- Ages 18 and up
- Occasional stress‡
- Overall physical and mental well-being‡
Suggested Use
As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily, with or between meals, or as directed by a health professional.
Science & Research
Verifiable Science
Ashwagandha is one of the most revered and widely used Ayurvedic herbs. Withanolides are key constituents of this herb and play an important role in its physical and mental health benefits.1,2 In animal studies, ashwagandha has been shown to support the activity of lymphocytes and macrophages, moderate occasional stress, enhance memory and cognitive function, provide neuroprotection by scavenging free radicals and support thyroid function.3,4,5 A small human clinical trial demonstrated the ability of ashwagandha to support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.6‡
References
- Wankhede S, et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Nov 25;12:43.
- Auddy B, et al. JANA. 2008 11(1): 50-6.
- Mikolai J, et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Apr;15(4):423-30.
- Chandrasekhar K, et al. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul-Sep; 34(3): 255–262.
- Bhattacharya SK, et al. Phytomedicine. 2000 Dec;7(6):463-9.
- Andallu B, et al. Indian J Exp Biol. 2000 Jun;38(6):607-9.
5 Surprising Benefits of Ashwagandha:
1. Lowers stress hormones and calms anxiety
Stress normally causes a surge in the adrenal hormones – adrenaline and cortisol – both of which increase alertness (sometimes known as ‘fight or flight’). Ashwagandha tackles the problem at the root as it acts directly on the trigger of stress by regulating the imbalanced cortisol level and nourishing the adrenal glands. It acts directly on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulating the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, from the adrenal glands.
Ashwagandha has been well-researched in this regard with several studies supporting its effectiveness in managing the effects of stress [i],[ii]. However, this herb is unusual in that it is also a tonic, meaning it will strengthen an exhausted or agitated nervous system whilst calming it at the same time.
2. Improves sleep
Stress is often at the root of our sleeping problems. When we’re troubled, our sleep is too. Ashwagandha’s botanical name, Withania somnifera, gives us further clues as to its properties. The Latin word ‘somnifera’ is translated as ‘sleep-inducing’, reflecting its ability to support deeper sleep. By nourishing and strengthening a weakened and over-anxious nervous system, studies show that ashwagandha helps us to relax enough to get a better night’s sleep. According to our circadian clock (the body clock that naturally prepares us for sleep and wake), cortisol should naturally decrease in the early evening in preparation for sleep. Stress can overrule these rhythms and cortisol can stay elevated into the night and affect sleep success. So, the impressive thing about ashwagandha is it controls the production of the stress hormones and allows our body to retain natural sleeping rhythms [iv].
3. Improves energy, stamina and endurance
As a rejuvenating tonic, ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda to alleviate fatigue and improve general well-being for centuries. Its effects on increasing energy, stamina and endurance are becoming increasingly known. It has been shown to significantly enhance athletic performance by improving heart and lung capacity while increasing energy levels. This makes it a great support for those who struggle with energy or have fatigue-related conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.
4. Improves libido and sexual performance
Ashwagandha is traditionally used to improve sexual performance and libido in both men and women. When we are stressed, we produce a lot more adrenaline and place pressure on our adrenal glands and organs. Ashwagandha regulates the amount of adrenaline produced and strengthens organs, improving stamina as well as increasing sperm count and motility in men, and improving libido in women. One study showed that women [viii] who took a daily dose of ashwagandha over a month saw significant improvements in achieving orgasm and sexual arousal due to a significant reduction in sexually related distress. Beyond decreasing the effects of stress it was suggested that Ashwagandha’s role in increasing testosterone was also key as this is a factor in androgen deficiency syndrome, which in turn is also associated with female sexual dysfunction [ix].
5. Bolsters immunity
Most adaptogenic herbs have a positive effect on our immune system and ashwagandha is no exception. It is traditionally used to support a weakened immune system and it has now been shown to encourage anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting immune cells that help to ward off illness. More research is needed but early studies are encouraging, such as one showing a major change in immune cell activation after taking ashwagandha [xii].
References
[i] Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. 2019. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract. Medicine (Baltimore). 98(37): e17186.
[ii] Auddy B, Hazra J, Mitra A, Abedon B, Ghosal S. 2008. A standardized Withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. JANA 11(1):51-57.
[iv] Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, Debnath K, Ambegaokar D. 2019. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in insomnia and anxiety: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Cureus 11(9): e5797.
[viii] Azgomi RND, Zomorrodi A, Nazemyieh H, Fazljou SMB, Bazargani HS, Nejatbakhsh F, et al. 2018. Effects of Withania somnifera on reproductive system: A systematic review of the available evidence. BioMed Research Int article ID: 4076430.
[ix] Dongre, S., Langade, D. and Bhattacharyya, S., 2015. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in improving sexual function in women: a pilot study. BioMed research international, 2015.
[xii] Mikolai, J., Erlandsen, A., Murison, A., Brown, K.A., Gregory, W.L., Raman-Caplan, P. and Zwickey, H.L., 2009. In vivo effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(4), pp.423-430.
[xiii] Biswal, B.M., Sulaiman, S.A., Ismail, H.C., Zakaria, H. and Musa, K.I., 2013. Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Integrative cancer therapies, 12(4), pp.312-322.
Additional Information
Warning
Not to be taken by pregnant or lactating women. If you have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Source
- Ashwagandha extract is derived from Withania somnifera root and standardized to contain 2.5% withanolides
- Hypoallergenic plant fiber is derived from pine cellulose
| Quantity | 120 CT, 60 CT |
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Brand
pure encapsulations