Last Updated on 7 May 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
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.
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our Naturopaths dig deeper. We don’t rely on basic testing alone. Instead, we consider your symptoms, full pathology panels and health history to create a Wellness Plan that works.
“Thyroid issues are increasing at a fast pace, particularly within Western society. It appears to be multifactorial in its pathogenesis, thus, it is important to be reviewing the person holistically to understand WHY the autoimmune condition has synthesised.”
Amy Angus, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic
We use herbal medicine, nutrients, stress support and gut health strategies to restore thyroid health and rebuild energy.
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
Testing Your Thyroid Properly
Basic TSH testing doesn’t give enough information. At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we recommend a full thyroid panel, which includes:
TSH
Free T4
Free T3
Reverse T3
Thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG)
We also test nutrients such as iron, selenium, iodine, and zinc. This tells us how your thyroid is functioning, if your body is converting hormones properly, and whether autoimmunity is present.
How Naturopath Herbs Support Thyroid Health
Herbal medicine has long been used to support thyroid health. Different herbs work in different ways—some help increase thyroid hormone levels, some improve how hormones are converted, and others reduce inflammation or calm the immune system.
Very few herbs work in isolation. Our Naturopaths combine them based on your specific test results and symptoms.
“In combination, these herbs have shown to work synergistically to help with thyroid issues.”
Amy Angus, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic“A 2012 study confirmed Blue Flag root (Iris), Guggul Myrrh Gum (Commiphora), Bladderwrack, Nettle leaf (Urtica), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Triphala, and Bacopa provide synergistic mechanisms of action to support general thyroid functionality and nourishment.”
Dominique Johanson, Naturopath, Brisbane Livewell Clinic
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
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we only prescribe practitioner-grade supplements and liquid herbs. These are:
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.
In Our Experience
In the Experience of Our Practitioners
Our Naturopaths see consistent improvement in energy, mood, skin, and concentration in thyroid patients when using targeted herbs and nutrients, combined with proper testing and regular review.
In the Experience of Our Patients
“I felt like I was stuck in fog. No one believed me because my thyroid was ‘normal’. But after working with my Naturopath, I finally started to feel human again.”
Maree B, Patient
Start Your Thyroid Health Recovery with Naturopath Herbs
If you’re experiencing fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, or cold sensitivity, your thyroid may not be functioning properly, even if your basic test results appear normal.
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our experienced Naturopaths use full thyroid testing, practitioner-grade supplements and liquid herbs, and customised Wellness Plans to help you restore balance.
We’ll assess your symptoms, pathology and nutrient status to create a targeted herbal treatment plan that supports long-term thyroid health.
Book your initial consultation today and take control of your thyroid health with expert Naturopath support.
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.
12. Can stress worsen thyroid symptoms?
Chronic stress reduces thyroid function by disrupting hormone signalling. Stress management is a key part of our thyroid treatment plans.
13. Do you offer video consultations for thyroid support?
We offer video consultations across Australia, allowing you to access Naturopath herbs and support to improve your thyroid health from anywhere.
Our Amazing Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Shella Hall (Sunshine Coast and online)
Amy Angus (Wavell Heights and online)
Jen Strachan (Cannon Hill and online)
Nicole Odlum (Wavell Heights and online)
Dominique Johanson (Wavell Heights and online)
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