Naturopath Herbs for Thyroid Health

Last updated on 2 December 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team

Naturopath herbs for thyroid health include Brahmi, Bladderwrack, Blue Flag and Ashwagandha. These work best when combined into a personalised formula by a Naturopath, helping regulate metabolism, support hormone conversion and reduce autoimmune triggers.

Naturopath Herbs for Thyroid Health

Thyroid conditions are becoming more common in Australia, especially among women. Many people experience fatigue, poor memory, weight gain, low mood, and feeling cold—yet are told their test results are normal.

Early Thyroid Symptoms to Watch For

Thyroid issues can start subtly. You may feel “off” for months or years before getting a clear diagnosis. Common early symptoms include:

Feeling cold, especially in hands or feet
Constant tiredness, even after rest
Slower thinking, brain fog or forgetfulness
Mood changes or low motivation
Difficulty losing weight
Dry skin or hair loss
Heavy or irregular periods
Constipation, bloating or sluggish digestion

The Key Naturopath Herbs for Thyroid Health

Below are the core herbs our Naturopaths use to support thyroid health.

1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi supports memory, mood and stress resilience. It also improves the conversion of thyroid hormones, helping your body use them more effectively. This herb is ideal when brain fog, fatigue or anxiety are linked to thyroid problems.

“Bacopa monnieri has been used traditionally in India for over 3000 years for nervine tonic, neurotonic, cardiotonic, sedative, nootropic, anxiolytic and thyroid stimulant actions. In animal studies, Bacopa appears to stimulate T4 to T3 conversion.”
Amy Angus, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

“Bacopa is especially useful for people who feel mentally flat or overwhelmed, as it supports both brain and thyroid function at the same time.”
Dominique Johanson, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

2. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

Bladderwrack is a seaweed that provides iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid hormone production. It is useful when test results show low iodine levels.

“This seaweed is high in iodine, providing a nutritive source of iodine to depleted individuals. Investigative pathology should be completed prior to utilising this herb to avoid further thyroid imbalances or shifts towards hyperthyroidism due to excessive iodine intakes.”
Amy Angus, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

“Bladderwrack has shown to inhibit thyroid tumour growth and induce apoptosis through enhanced expression of Bax and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 in the FTC133 human thyroid cells.”
Dominique Johanson, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

3. Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)

Blue Flag supports detoxification of the thyroid and helps calm autoimmune activity. It’s traditionally used for goitres and inflamed thyroid tissue.

“Blue Flag (Iris versicolor) has been used for centuries in the Native American cultures as an endocrine tonic used for autoimmune diseases, in particular for goitrogens and enlarged thyroids. Iris has been found to detoxify the thyroid gland and gently stimulate the thymus.”
Amy Angus, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

“This herb is especially helpful in Hashimoto’s cases where inflammation is present and detoxification is sluggish.”
Dominique Johanson, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

4. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha supports both thyroid and adrenal health. It may increase thyroid hormone levels and reduce stress, which often worsens thyroid symptoms.

“Withania somnifera displays thyroid stimulating effects through increasing both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) serum concentrations dependent upon the individual.”
Amy Angus, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

“Withania doesn’t interact with the enzyme iodothyronine 5’-mono-deiodinase utilised for T4 to T3 conversion, its mechanism of action is to be determined for thyroid stimulatory effects.”
Dominique Johanson, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

5. Nutrients That Work With Herbs

Certain nutrients are essential for thyroid health. These include:

Iodine – needed to make thyroid hormones
Selenium – helps convert T4 to T3
Iron – needed for hormone synthesis
Zinc – supports thyroid hormone receptors
Magnesium – supports hormone enzyme activity
L-Tyrosine – a building block for thyroid hormones

“Nutritional interventions with L-tyrosine, diiodotyrosine, magnesium, selenium and iron (if anaemic) are shown to be highly therapeutic for hypothyroidism.”
Amy Angus, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic

6. Practitioner-Only Herbs and Supplements

Prescribed based on pathology
Customised into single blends
Free from fillers and synthetic additives
Often stronger and more bioavailable
Dosed correctly for your condition

Practitioner-only products ensure you get exactly what your body needs. Your Naturopath will adjust your liquid herb formula as your health improves and they target different health issues.

Supplements are a critical part of thyroid care when nutrient levels are low. We ensure you get the right form, dose and combination to support your treatment outcomes.

How Naturopath Herbs Are Different

Naturopath herbs are chosen based on your test results and symptom patterns. Unlike over-the-counter products, practitioner formulas are made fresh for you and often target multiple body systems—such as thyroid, immune, and adrenal health—at once.

These formulas are designed to:

Improve hormone conversion
Reduce inflammation in autoimmune thyroid cases
Support the HPA axis and stress response
Improve fatigue, mood, digestion and metabolism

This level of care is not possible with shelf supplements or generic blends.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best herbs for thyroid health?

The most effective herbs for thyroid health are Brahmi, Bladderwrack, Blue Flag and Ashwagandha. These support hormone balance, energy and immune health.

2. How do herbs support hypothyroidism?

Herbs support hypothyroidism by increasing thyroid hormone production, improving hormone conversion and reducing inflammation in the thyroid gland.

3. Can Hashimoto’s be supported with herbal medicine?

Hashimoto’s can be supported with specific herbs that regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, such as Ashwagandha and Blue Flag.

4. Should I take iodine for thyroid support?

Iodine should only be taken if your test results confirm a deficiency. Unmonitored iodine use can worsen thyroid problems.

5. How long do herbal treatments for thyroid take to work?

Most people begin feeling better in 4–6 weeks. Full benefits often develop over 3–6 months, depending on the severity of symptoms and test results.

6. Can I use herbal medicine while on thyroid medication?

Herbs can be used alongside medication when prescribed by a qualified Naturopath. We monitor for interactions and adjust dosages as needed.

7. What is included in a full thyroid test?

A complete thyroid test includes TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG). These help identify both hormonal and autoimmune thyroid issues. Your GP usually doesn’t test thyroid antibodies, so you will either need to request this test specifically or ask your Naturopath for a blood test prescription.

8. Why do I feel tired even with normal thyroid results?

Tiredness despite “normal” results often indicates poor hormone conversion, hidden inflammation or nutrient deficiencies—all of which we test for and treat.

9. Are pharmacy supplements good enough for thyroid health?

Most pharmacy supplements lack therapeutic doses or contain poor-quality ingredients. Practitioner-only products are tailored and clinically tested.

10. Is herbal thyroid support safe to take long-term?

Herbs are safe long-term when adjusted regularly and prescribed by your skilled Naturopath. Your Naturopath will monitor your progress and change your formula as your body responds.

11. What should I eat to support my thyroid?

A whole food diet rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc supports thyroid function. Avoid processed foods, gluten (in autoimmune cases), and excessive caffeine.