Botanical Database
Evidence-informed botanicals organized by the body system they support, with traditional preparation methods for educational purposes only. These are optional, supportive tools — not treatments or cures.
All Systems
🔥 Metabolic Support
🩸 Blood Sugar Support
🫁 Liver Support
💧 Kidney & Fluid Balance
🫃 Digestive Support
🧘 Stress & Hormonal Support
✨ Skin Elasticity Support
🛡️ Immune Support
❤️ Cardiovascular Support
🦴 Joint & Bone Support
🩻 Thyroid Support
🎯 Metabolic Syndrome Support
Traditional Use:
Thyroid and adrenal adaptogen
Explored For:
Withanolides studied for thyroid-stimulating activity; clinical trials show increased T3 and T4 levels in subclinical hypothyroidism. Also supports the HPA axis, which affects thyroid function through cortisol pathways
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Take 300–600 mg standardized root extract (KSM-66 or Sensoril) daily with food. As powder: mix 1 tsp into warm milk. Traditional: simmer root powder in milk for 15 minutes. Take consistently for 8–12 weeks for thyroid-related effects.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
⚠ May INCREASE thyroid hormone levels — do NOT use with hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease. If on levothyroxine, ashwagandha may alter your required dose — work with your endocrinologist. May lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Avoid during pregnancy.
Notes:
One of the most studied botanicals for subclinical hypothyroidism; always coordinate with thyroid medication
Traditional Use:
Natural iodine source for thyroid function
Explored For:
Iodine and fucoidans studied for thyroid hormone synthesis; iodine is an essential nutrient required for T3 and T4 production. Iodine deficiency is a leading cause of hypothyroidism worldwide
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 1 tsp dried bladderwrack in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink 1 cup daily. Also available as capsules (500 mg daily). Start with low doses — iodine requirements are small (150 mcg/day for adults).
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
⚠ CRITICAL: Excess iodine can WORSEN thyroid conditions — both hypo and hyper. Do NOT use if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroid) without medical supervision — iodine can trigger flares. May interact with thyroid medications, lithium, and blood thinners. Heavy metals may accumulate in seaweed — choose tested products.
Notes:
Only use under medical guidance if you have any thyroid condition
Traditional Use:
Traditional metabolic and thyroid support
Explored For:
Forskolin studied for activating adenylate cyclase (cAMP pathway), which may stimulate thyroid hormone release. Also studied for metabolic rate and body composition
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Take 250 mg standardized extract (10% forskolin) 2x daily with meals. Not commonly consumed as tea.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
May lower blood pressure significantly. May increase stomach acid — avoid with ulcers or GERD. May interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and calcium channel blockers. Avoid during pregnancy.
Notes:
Works through the cAMP pathway; may support thyroid signaling
Traditional Use:
Traditional Ayurvedic thyroid and metabolic support
Explored For:
Guggulsterones studied for stimulating thyroid function and enhancing T3 conversion; also studied for lipid-lowering effects. Traditionally used in Ayurveda for sluggish metabolism
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Take 25 mg guggulsterones (standardized extract) 3x daily with meals. Also available as guggul resin capsules (500 mg 2–3x daily). Traditional: mix guggul resin powder with warm water.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
May interact with thyroid medications (may increase thyroid hormone levels). May interact with blood thinners, oral contraceptives, and cholesterol medications. May cause GI upset, headache, or skin rash. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Notes:
Used in Ayurveda for thousands of years for metabolic sluggishness
Traditional Use:
Adaptogenic thyroid and stress support
Explored For:
Studied for supporting healthy cortisol levels, which indirectly supports thyroid function (chronic stress suppresses TSH and T3 conversion). Also studied for blood sugar regulation
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 1–2 tsp dried tulsi or 4–5 fresh leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups daily. Available in many blends.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
May slow blood clotting. May lower blood sugar. Avoid 2 weeks before surgery.
Notes:
Chronic stress is a major suppressor of thyroid function — adaptogens help
Traditional Use:
Natural iodine-rich sea vegetable
Explored For:
High iodine content supports thyroid hormone synthesis; also provides selenium, zinc, and other trace minerals important for thyroid enzyme activity (deiodinase enzymes require selenium)
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Add small amounts of kelp flakes (¼–½ tsp) to soups, salads, or rice. Kelp noodles are a low-calorie food option. Capsules: 150–300 mcg iodine daily. Do NOT exceed recommended iodine intake.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
⚠ Very high iodine content — easy to overconsume. Do NOT use with Hashimoto's or hyperthyroidism without endocrinologist approval. Iodine excess can trigger thyroid storm in susceptible individuals. May contain heavy metals — choose third-party tested products.
Notes:
Small culinary amounts are generally safe; supplemental doses require medical guidance
Traditional Use:
Thyroid-calming for overactivity
Explored For:
Rosmarinic acid studied for inhibiting TSH receptor binding, potentially calming overactive thyroid. Traditionally used for Graves' disease support (NOT as sole treatment)
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 1–2 tsp dried lemon balm in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups daily. Combines well with chamomile for calming effects.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
⚠ May REDUCE thyroid hormone levels — beneficial for hyperthyroidism but HARMFUL for hypothyroidism. Do NOT use if hypothyroid. May interact with thyroid medications and sedatives.
Notes:
Useful for HYPERthyroidism support — avoid in HYPOthyroidism
Traditional Use:
Essential trace mineral for thyroid enzyme function
Explored For:
Selenium is required for deiodinase enzymes that convert T4 to active T3. Selenium deficiency impairs thyroid function even with adequate iodine. Also studied for reducing thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto's
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Eat 1–3 Brazil nuts daily (each contains ~70–90 mcg selenium; RDA is 55 mcg). This is one of the simplest and most effective thyroid supports. As supplement: 100–200 mcg selenomethionine daily — do NOT exceed 400 mcg/day.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
⚠ Selenium is toxic in excess — do NOT take more than 400 mcg/day total from all sources. Symptoms of excess: garlic breath, hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue. 1–3 Brazil nuts daily is sufficient for most people. If supplementing, have selenium levels checked periodically.
Notes:
1–3 Brazil nuts daily is often all that's needed for selenium
Traditional Use:
Essential for thyroid and immune regulation
Explored For:
Vitamin D deficiency is strongly correlated with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). Vitamin D receptors are present on thyroid cells. Supplementation studied for reducing thyroid antibodies
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Sun exposure: 15–30 minutes midday sun on arms/legs (varies by skin tone and latitude). Supplement: 1,000–5,000 IU vitamin D3 daily with a fatty meal. Have blood levels checked (aim for 40–60 ng/mL). Food sources: fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified foods.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Have your 25-OH vitamin D level tested before supplementing. Excess vitamin D causes calcium buildup (hypercalcemia). Those with kidney disease or sarcoidosis should use with medical supervision. May interact with calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics.
Notes:
Most people with thyroid issues are vitamin D deficient — get tested
Traditional Use:
Essential mineral for thyroid hormone synthesis
Explored For:
Zinc is required for TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) synthesis in the hypothalamus and for T4 to T3 conversion. Zinc deficiency is associated with hypothyroidism
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Good food sources: oysters (highest), beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, yogurt. As supplement: 15–30 mg zinc picolinate or zinc glycinate daily with food. Take with copper (1–2 mg) to prevent copper depletion.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
High doses (>40 mg/day) can deplete copper, causing anemia and neurological issues. Always balance zinc with copper supplementation. May interact with antibiotics and diuretics. Take with food to avoid nausea.
Notes:
Always supplement copper (1–2 mg) alongside zinc (>15 mg/day)
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Botanicals are not drugs and are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- People with medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using any botanical.
- Many botanicals interact with prescription medications — always check with your pharmacist.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid most botanicals unless specifically cleared by their provider.
- Quality and sourcing matter — look for third-party tested products (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab).
- Start with low doses and listen to your body.
- "Traditional use" does not equal proven efficacy — it means historical usage, not clinical evidence.
— Dr. George Ekema, The Plateau-proof Diet™
