All about Hypothyroidism (Part 9): Treatment of Hypothyroidism with Ayurveda

Although the thyroid gland is not directly mentioned in Ayurveda, the physiological and biochemical actions of thyroid hormone can be likened to the description of Agni, specifically Dhatvagni (the agni maintaining body metabolism).

There’s also an illness called Galaganda, which Charaka describes as a singular swelling in the neck among 20 sorts of Kaphaja disorders.

Galaganda, according to Susrutha, is an encapsulated swelling in the anterior angle of the neck that can be linked to a goitre or tumour, with or without thyroid dysfunction.

In Ayurvedic perspective, the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism can be understood as where the dhatvagni (which is paramount for a healthy metabolic function) is severely affected.

And this informs us about the necessity of a treatment wherein, by the correction and regulation of dhatvagni wholesome normal thyroid gland activity can be obtained.

The goal of treatment should be to go to the base of the problem by settling the immune system and reducing inflammation.

The primary concepts of treatment are as below.

• Srotoshodhana (cleaning of macro and microchannels)

• Agnideepana (stimulating digestion and metabolism)

• Pachana (digestion of ama/toxins)

• Vatanulomana (appropriate excretory system regulation)

Trayambaka Churna of Shreshtha Herbals has been formulated to achieve all these actions and hence is a very effective Ayurvedic medicine for Hypothyroidism.

Although modern medicines are effective at lowering TSH levels, they do have certain side effects.