Goitre refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland which results in the swelling of the throat region. Though it is non-cancerous and usually painless, if the colloid nodules becomes too large, it starts causing difficulty in swallowing and breathing. The disease is more common among women and in people above the age of 50. Goitre may or may not be associated with the actual thyroid dysfunction i.e. hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In Ayurveda goitre is known as 'galaganda'.
Ayurvedic treatment for colloid nodular goitre and diffuse goitre focuses on addressing the root-cause of the problem for long term relief with natural herbal medicines, diet and lifestyle modifications.
According to Ayurveda, galaganda is caused mainly by vitiated kapha, though sometimes vata might be also involved. Vitiated kapha mixes with meda dhatu (fat tissue) causing an immobile, heavy swelling in front of throat which is then called galaganda. It is classified into three types, viz. vataj, kaphaj and medoj. Vataj galaganda (caused mainly by vitiated vayu) is blackish in colour, slightly painful and is marked by dryness in throat and mouth and tastelessness in the mouth. Kaphaj galaganda (caused mainly by vitiated kapha) is large in size, cold in touch, causes very little pain and sweetness in mouth. Medoj galaganda (caused mainly by vitiated meda dhatu) is unctuous, whitish in colour, has offensive odour and may cause staggering speech and oilyness in the mouth.