Any advice on whether adaptogens such as ashwagandha, aloe Vera etc are good to take for hypothyroidism and Hashimotos? I recently read an article by Dr Izabella Wentz about how adaptogens can be good to take for people with Hashimotos. Wanted to know how you guys feel?
Adaptogens and thyroid problems : Any advice on... - Thyroid UK
Adaptogens and thyroid problems
ashwagandha is known to affect cortisol levels. It can lower them or it can raise them. Trouble is that you do not know which one it is going to do. So if your cortisol was low and it lowered it further it would make matters worse.Before taking any supplements it's best to have tests to show if you need them and know exactly what effect they will have
I took an adaptogen (Holy Basil) for several years, but gradually lowered my dose over that time. I stopped taking it regularly earlier this year and now I take it only when I get the symptoms I recognise from having high cortisol.
Holy Basil lowered my cortisol, and I think for most people that is what usually happens.
I remember that one person has said that adaptogens raised their cortisol but I don't have a reference to that.