The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. This gland is essential for your body's metabolism - the process by which your body converts everything you eat and drink into energy. It does this by creating thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate your body’s energy consumption.
Ayurveda associates these thyroid disorders with conditions called galaganda and gandamala. These terms refer to nodular outgrowths in the thyroid gland, similar to goitre and its variants in modern medical parlance. Unlike some thyroid problems with prominent nodular growths, the thyroid gland in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may simply become swollen and palpable without distinct nodules.
In addition, Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita mention conditions such as “sthoulya” (obesity) and “karshya” (emaciation) which are similar in aetiology and symptomatology with thyroid dysfunction. These texts show how imbalances in the body's energies may present as metabolic disturbances in accordance with contemporary understandings of thyroid-related metabolic issues.
Understanding these relationships between Ayurvedic principles and modern endocrinology may help prescribe better treatments combining traditional and modern medical wisdom.
The hormones that the thyroid gland produces help regulate a number of body functions. If it does not work correctly, it could result in various health issues. Thyroid issues may occur for many different reasons, from autoimmune disorders to environmental factors.
Autoimmune disorders: The most common cause for thyroid problems. In conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (leading to hypothyroidism) and Graves' disease (leading to hyperthyroidism), the body mistakenly attacks its own thyroid gland.
Iodine imbalance: The production of thyroid hormones requires iodine. Not enough iodine can result in hypothyroidism and too much could cause hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid surgery: Removal of a portion or all of the thyroid gland can significantly alter hormone production.
Radiation therapy: Radiation can interfere with normal thyroid function, especially in cancer treatments.
Medications: Some medications affect thyroid hormone production. For example, lithium, which is used for bipolar disorder, can lead to hypothyroidism.
Thyroiditis: This is an inflammation of the thyroid gland which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism and subsequently hypothyroidism.
Pituitary gland abnormalities: As the pituitary gland manages thyroid hormone production, any disorder in this gland can also hinder thyroid function.
Pregnancy: Thyroid hormone levels change during pregnancy, sometimes leading to temporary thyroid disorders.
Genetic Predisposition: A family history of thyroid disorders raises your risk of developing a thyroid disorder.
Thyroid disorders can affect many body functions and the symptoms reflect the gland's important role in metabolism regulation. Recognising these symptoms is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment because they could impact your quality of life.
Unexpected weight gain is typical in hypothyroidism, and unexpected weight loss could suggest hyperthyroidism.
People with thyroid disorders generally have mood changes. An underactive thyroid is related to depression, and an overactive thyroid with anxiety.
Unusual fatigue despite adequate sleep is typical of an underactive thyroid.
An overactive thyroid may result in a much faster heart rate compared to normal heart rate, while a slow heart rate could suggest an underactive thyroid.
Hypothyroid individuals generally feel cold, while hyperthyroid people feel too warm or sweat more.
Dry, thinning hair and dry skin are typical in hypothyroidism; thin, fragile skin can occur in hyperthyroidism.
Women with thyroid problems might experience lighter or heavier periods during their menstruation cycles.
A visible swelling or goiter around the neck may be symptomatic of thyroid disease.
Hyperthyroidism may lead to trembling hands and weakness in the upper arms and thighs.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic thyroid treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically developed blends to rebalance the body and improve emotional steadiness.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These practices calm the mind, promote mental wellness and support overall health.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and therapeutic massages that cleanse the body and promote emotional balance.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on changing your eating habits and lifestyle for better health results.
Ayurveda provides a natural approach to thyroid disorders, using natural herbs that are known to restore equilibrium in the body and improve thyroid gland function. These traditional remedies target imbalances in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) associated with thyroid problems.
Kanchanara (Bauhinia Variegata): Mainly used for treatment of nodular diseases and thyroid swellings. Kanchanara bark is externally used for swelling of the neck called Gandmala and is an important agent in thyroid disorders.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): This Ayurvedic herb is known to reduce stress hormones and balance thyroid hormones. It's particularly helpful for managing symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Shigru (Moringa Oleifera): The root bark and seeds of Shigru are used in pastes and applications for thyroid swellings and to support thyroid health.
Varuna (Crataeva Nurvala): Varuna bark and root are traditionally used with honey for neck swellings and are believed to have anti-tumour properties, beneficial for thyroid function.
Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul): This Ayurvedic resin is known to improve thyroid function by normalising thyroid hormone levels (especially for treating hypothyroidism).
Jalakumbhi (Pistia Stratiotes): Jalakumbhi is topically applied or taken in ash form for reducing thyroid gland swellings and helping with thyroid imbalances.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): This nervine herb can help promote thyroid activity (increasing T4 hormone levels) and also supports cognitive functions and memory.
Aaragvadha (Cassia Fistula): The root bark of Aragvadha is used in nasal and topical applications for thyroid swellings and related symptoms.
Apamarga (Achyranthes Aspera): Research shows that Apamarga can help increase T3 and T4 levels, making it useful for managing thyroid hormone levels.
Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo): Nirgundi is used in Ayurveda to treat thyroid swellings and related thyroid symptoms.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)/Black Cumin (Nigella sativa): Both these herbs are known to support thyroid function through their anti-inflammatory action and, in the case of Black Cumin, due to its bioactive compounds.
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): This is a diuretic herb that helps to balance water levels in the body, beneficial for thyroid health.
The two major types of thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism (where the thyroid gland produces less hormones) and hyperthyroidism (gland overproduces hormones).
Avoid soy products, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, gluten and processed food items which might hinder thyroid function.
Ayurveda diagnoses thyroid problems through assessment of doshic imbalances and symptoms. It examines physical signs and lifestyle factors.
A thyroid diet must be rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Iodine, selenium, and zinc are minerals necessary for thyroid wellness.
Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts, iodine-rich seaweeds and zinc-containing pumpkin seeds are considered good for thyroid health.
Specific yoga poses like Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) can stimulate the thyroid gland and regulate thyroid function.
A thyroid diet chart ought to include the following-
For breakfast: Oatmeal with nuts; Lunch: Bajra roti, Paneer Bhurji & steamed vegetables; Dinner: Soup of lentils with quinoa salad.
Monitor diet, control stress, avoid toxins and maintain regular check-ups to track thyroid function.
Circulation and thyroid gland function may be improved by gentle neck stretches and neck rotations.
Exercises for thyroid control include walking, swimming and strength training to help control symptoms and increase the rate of metabolism.
Ayurveda stresses on a healthy diet, regular detoxification, regular yoga and specific natural herbs to support thyroid function.
Using herbal medicines like Ashwagandha and Kanchanar, following a balanced diet, regular exercise and reducing stress are suggested to manage thyroid disorders.
