Hypothyroid is the most popular form of thyroid disease and millions of people are suffering with debilitating symptoms (weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, moodiness, PMS, dry skin, cold hands and feet, etc.).
The interesting thing is that hypothyroidism is not an incurable condition. It certainly can be uncomfortable, but it is not incurable.
There are many things you can do to help alleviate some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and one of my favorite things is to start enjoying a daily herbal tea. It’s simple and easy and can support your body to help feel a little bit better.
Below are the ingredients in this tea and why I think they are essential to improving thyroid health.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): member of the parsley family that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance cognitive performance and circulation. Many hypothyroid folks often complain of foggy memory and poor circulation.
Stinging Nettles (Urtica Dioica): Nettle leaf is used as a restorative tonic to help with sluggish thyroid function, and introduce a healthy dose of minerals to the body. Nettles has systemic anti-inflammatory properties, and evidence suggests it can reduce inflammation markers like C-reactive protein.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis): Schisandra helps the body adapt to stress. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can interfere with the pituitary gland’s ability to signal the thyroid to produce hormones. Schisandra is also known for its liver-protective qualities. It enhances the liver’s detoxification processes, which is crucial for converting the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into the active form T3.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis): calendula can be beneficial for managing skin issues that often accompany hypothyroid conditions (dry skin, thinning skin, itchy skin, eczema, psoriasis, etc.). Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and has wound-healing properties that make it helpful to soothe dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Licorice is a classic herb used in a wide variety of TCM herbal remedies to help harmonize all of the herbs and their ability to work together. But, beyond that, licorice is amazing for supporting the mucous membranes, healing the gastrointestinal tract, and nourishing the adrenals.
Of course there are many more thyroid supportive herbs that can be used in this daily tea, but this is a great place to start.
Drink 2-3 cups daily for best results.
- 1 tbsp. Gotu kola, cut and sifted
- 1 tbsp. nettle leaf, cut and sifted
- 1 tbsp. Calendula flowers
- 1 tsp. Schisandra berries
- 1 tsp. Licorice root, cut and sifted
- Place dried herbs in French press or 32 ounce mason jar.
- Fill with boiling water and steep 30-45 minutes.
- Drink 2-3 cups daily.
Andrea Beaman is an internationally renowned Holistic Health Coach, Natural Foods Chef, Speaker, Herbalist and best-selling author who helps people feel happier, healthier and in control of their health. She was named one of the top 100 Most Influential Health and Fitness Experts, is the recipient of the Natural Gourmet Institute’s Award for Excellence in Health-Supportive Education and a Health Leadership award from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Since 1999, Andrea has been teaching people how to harness their body’s own preventative and healing powers using food, herbal remedies and alternative medicine.
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