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Heart, Blood, Hormones & Diabetes

Natural remedies for hypothyroidism

Indian costus, black seed, seaweed, garlic: the remedies Professor Akim Bouterra mentions in "The 7 Prophetic Remedies" to support an underactive thyroid — and what clinical studies, including a remarkable trial on black seed, say about them today.

The essentials in 30 seconds

An 8-week randomized trial in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis showed that 2 g of black seed per day reduces TSH and anti-TPO antibodies while increasing T3 — a finding that directly echoes the professor's teaching. Indian costus has been the subject of clinical work on the thyroid, selenium lowers antibodies (meta-analysis), and vitamin D often needs correcting. Caution, however, with seaweed: excess iodine can worsen autoimmune thyroiditis. And a prescribed treatment should never be stopped without the doctor's guidance.

I mentioned in my book "The 7 Prophetic Remedies" that Indian costus is a remedy for hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, since this plant increases the hormone called thyroxine, just like black seed, which is used in treating hypothyroidism.


Additionally, sea algae such as fucus or spirulina help with this condition.


Another powerful natural remedy for hormonal problems: garlic.
Finally, hypothyroidism can be treated with mushrooms like lion's mane, or the one that was widely used among the Arabs, the truffle.
Be careful not to exceed 4g per day, especially if the patient is a child, which is the equivalent of half a small teaspoon of Indian costus, with a glass of water. Black seed may also be given to a child, always under the advice of a pharmacist.


Someone suffering from hypothyroidism should favor foods rich in manganese, such as walnuts, almonds, chickpeas, sardines, or calf's liver.

What the science says about these remedies

Something rare for traditional remedies: the two pillars cited by the professor — black seed and costus — have each been the subject of clinical studies on the thyroid. Here is the state of the research, remedy by remedy.

Black seed: the trial that meets tradition

  • In 40 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 2 g of black seed powder per day for 8 weeks significantly reduced TSH, weight, and anti-TPO antibodies, and increased T3, compared to placebo (BMC Complement Altern Med, 2016).
  • Its broader metabolic effects (blood sugar, lipids) are confirmed by meta-analyses (Phytother Res, 2019) — useful when hypothyroidism slows the whole metabolism down.

Indian costus (qust hindi)

  • A Saudi team devoted a clinical study to the role of Saussurea costus in thyroid management, echoing its prophetic use (Saudi Med J, 2020). The research is still young, but it takes this remedy seriously — while respecting the cautious dose the professor recalls (half a teaspoon, not exceeding 4 g/day).

Selenium, vitamin D: the thyroid's cofactors

  • A systematic review with meta-analysis concludes that selenium reduces TSH and anti-TPO antibodies in untreated Hashimoto's patients (Thyroid, 2024). It is found in Brazil nuts, sardines, and eggs.
  • Vitamin D supplementation lowers thyroid antibodies and improves TSH according to a recent meta-analysis (Medicine, 2023) — all the more relevant since deficiency is common.

Seaweed and iodine: the remedy to handle with caution

  • Bladderwrack and spirulina provide iodine, needed to make thyroid hormones — but excess iodine can trigger or worsen thyroid dysfunction, especially in autoimmune thyroiditis (Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2019). Hence the rule: seaweed only if the cause of the hypothyroidism is known and intake is supervised.

The protocol in practice

RemedyThe professor's doseWhat is documented
Indian costus½ small teaspoon with a glass of water, max 4 g/dayClinical thyroid study (2020)
Black seed2 g/day (1 small teaspoon, ground)Randomized Hashimoto's trial: TSH and antibodies down
Selenium2 Brazil nuts/day or a supervised courseMeta-analysis: anti-TPO antibodies down
Manganese-rich foodsWalnuts, almonds, chickpeas, sardines, calf's liverGeneral nutritional support
Bladderwrack / spirulinaOnly if a confirmed iodine deficiency⚠ Excess iodine = risk of autoimmune worsening

Contraindications and precautions

Never modify or stop a levothyroxine treatment without your doctor: natural remedies are to be taken as a complement, spaced apart from the tablet (at least 4 hours for anything containing fiber or minerals, which hinders its absorption). Avoid seaweed in cases of Hashimoto's without professional advice. For children, half the costus dose, and always with the pharmacist's approval, as the professor specifies. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: medical supervision is essential, as the thyroid is strategic during this time.

Our recommendation

First have TSH, anti-TPO antibodies, and vitamin D tested to know where the hypothyroidism comes from. Then, over 8 weeks: daily black seed, costus at the prophetic dose, two Brazil nuts a day, and vitamin D correction if needed — followed by a lab check to objectively measure progress, as in the trials. The remedy works by Allah's permission; medical follow-up is part of the means to be taken.

Frequently asked questions

Indian costus: for hypo- or hyperthyroidism?

The professor is clear: costus supports hypothyroidism (it raises thyroxine), it is not suited to hyperthyroidism. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, ask for your latest blood test.

Can I take black seed with levothyroxine?

Yes, but spaced apart: keep at least 4 hours between the tablet (on an empty stomach) and any intake of seeds, fiber, or minerals that could hinder its absorption.

Is spirulina forbidden in cases of Hashimoto's?

Not forbidden, but to be supervised: its iodine content can sustain autoimmunity in some people. Have it validated by a professional based on your test results.

When does one see an effect on fatigue?

In the black seed trial, thyroid parameters moved within 8 weeks. Give yourself two months of consistency before judging, and confirm it with a blood test.

Are the lion's mane and truffle mentioned by the professor studied?

On the thyroid specifically, not yet: these are traditional leads. The best-documented remedies in the protocol remain black seed, selenium, and vitamin D.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice or personalized care.

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