Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by Grave's disease, a functioning adenoma of the thyroid gland, excessive intake of thyroid hormones, abnormal secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroiditis and an excessive iodine intake. Grave's disease is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism and is precipitated by stress, smoking, radiation to the neck, medications and viral infections. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include excessive sweating, heat intolerance, increased bowel movements, tremor, nervousness, agitation, palpitation, weight loss, fatigue, decreased concentration, and an irregular and scanty menstrual flow.
The Ayurvedic treatment of hyperthyroidism is aimed at controlling the symptoms and treating the basic cause or pathology of the disease. Palpitation is treated using Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna). Excessive sweating and heat intolerance is treated using Kamdudha Ras, Praval-Panchamrut, Praval-Bhasma, Chandrakala-Ras and Sutshekhar-Ras. Increased bowel movement is treated using medicines like Kutaj-Parpati, Panchamrut-Parpati, and Bilva-Avelaha. Fatigue can be treated using Makardhwaj, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Kharjur-Manth, Drakshasav and Lohasav. An irregular and scanty menstrual flow can be corrected using medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Boladi-Vati, Kumaryasav and Gandharva-Haritaki. Nervousness, tremor and agitation can be treated using medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Saraswatarishta and Dashmoolarishta.
To treat the basic pathology of the disease, medicines are used which can control the inflammation of the thyroid gland. These include Arogya-Vardhini, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis), Chandan (Santalum album), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris). To bring about a faster therapeutic response, medicines like Suvarna-Sutshekhar-Ras, Suvarna-Sameerpannag and Abhrak-Bhasma are added in minute doses to the above-mentioned medicines. Grave's disease is an auto immune disorder and hence, immunity boosting medicines like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bala (Sida cordifolia) and Naagbala (Grewia hirsuta) are used.
Medicines need to be taken for a long time in order to have a good and long lasting effect. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of cells and therefore have a direct effect on the entire body. Hyperthyroidism, left untreated, can have disastrous consequences in terms of both morbidity and mortality. This condition should therefore be taken seriously.