According to ayurveda, a thyroid problem is caused due to an imbalance of the vata (air), kapha (water) doshas, and meda (fat) dhatu. Treatment, therefore, hinges on restoring this balance through the use of all-natural ayurvedic herbal remedies. Amongst which, best picks include ashwagandha, guggul, makandi, triphala, brahmi, and kanchnar guggul.
Do you have a thyroid problem? If you’re looking for all-natural herbal remedies to ease your symptoms or improve the balance in your body, Ayurveda may have just the right answers in some ancient herbs. These simple remedies may not only set right the levels of your thyroid hormones but also address some associated problems like cholesterol levels.
Ayurveda And Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems usually stem from inadequate production of thyroid hormones T4 or thyroxine and T3 or triiodothyronine. This could be due to an iodine deficiency or an autoimmune problem like Hashimoto’s disease. According to Ayurveda, a thyroid problem is a result of an imbalance of the doshas, which relate to the elements of air, fire, and water in the body. When your vata (air) and kapha (water) doshas, and meda (fat) are not in balance, you develop an enlarged thyroid gland. Treatment, therefore, hinges on restoring this balance through the use of Ayurvedic formulations.
Ashwagandha To Stimulate The Thyroid
Ashwagandha, Ayurveda’s wonder remedy, has a place in thyroid treatment as well, helping normalize its function. Studies have found it can help stimulate the activity of the thyroid.With thyroid function and autoimmune problems being closely linked, the herbal remedy’s immunomodulatory effects make it especially potent.
Guggul To Treat Autoimmune-Linked Hypothyroid
Ayurvedic remedy guggul or Commiphora mukul is used to treat autoimmune-linked hypothyroid disorders. While T4 is present in greater abundance in your body, it is T3 that binds less tightly to plasma proteins, making it readily available for uptake by cells. This makes it more biologically active as well as faster acting. Guggul increases T3 concentration and also stimulates the conversion of T4 to the more active T3 form.
Brahmi To Improve T4 Levels
Brahmi or Bacopa monnieri has been used down the ages in Ayurveda to treat thyroid problems. Scientific studies now confirm its effectiveness. One study explored the use of the remedy, in a dosage equivalent to 200 mg/kg, and found that it helped stimulate the thyroid, causing a 41 percent increase in T4 levels.
Triphala For An Antioxidant Boost
Triphala, comprising amalaki or Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry), bibhitaki or Belliric Myrobalan, and haritaki or Chebulic Myrobalan, is a famed antioxidant-rich formulation. Consuming foods and herbs high in antioxidants is recommended for those with a thyroid problem, to help the body cope better with the stress and fatigue that accompany the condition.
Kanchnar Guggul To Overcome Thyroid Swelling
According to Ayurveda, if you have a swollen neck (a condition named galganda in old Ayurvedic texts) – a sign of an enlarged thyroid or goiter, you should be treated with the herbal formula kanchnar guggul (made with kanchnar, guggul, and several other herbs). The remedy used alongside Ayurvedic decoction varanadi kashayam has been seen to deliver results.The kashayam or liquid medication can help treat hypercholesterolemia, a problem that sometimes develops alongside thyroid trouble. In one case study, treatment combined the intake of kanchnar guggul, varunadi kashayam, and trivrit avleha alongside a diet modification that excluded cruciferous cauliflower and cabbage, and included kanchnar flowers. In just 15 days of beginning the treatment, symptoms had already eased, with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels dropping. A further 15 days of treatment was suggested, after which the patient was to keep up only kanchnar guggul and kanchnar flower consumption on an ongoing basis. Follow-ups thereafter revealed the TSH levels stayed at lower levels even six months down the line.
Other Herbal Remedies From Ayurveda
Makandi or Coleus forskohlii is useful for treating low thyroid function. It helps increase thyroid hormone secretion.
Guduchi or Tinospora cordifolia helps improve immune function.
