Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition involving the thyroid gland in which there is excessive secretion from the gland, which causes symptoms like palpitation, diarrhea, nervousness, weight loss, excessive sweating, loss of concentration, and scanty menses in women. Hyperthyroidism usually results from inflammation and hyperactivity of the thyroid gland, which can result from extra growth of the thyroid, excessive intake of iodine, and overactivity of hormones in the blood. Stress, smoking, and different viral and bacterial infections can precipitate hyperthyroidism. The modern treatment for hyperthyroidism is unsatisfactory, since radioactively iodine can cause hypothyroidism, and other anti- thyroid drugs have serious complications like significantly reducing the white blood cells
The Ayurvedic herbal treatment for hyperthyroidism is aimed at treating the cause of the disease and also giving symptomatic treatment. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are used to treat any excess growth of the thyroid as well as treat or reduce the inflammation in the gland. This treatment usually suffices to treat the condition of hyperthyroidism in most people affected with this condition. If required, treatment is also given to treat the state of hyperactivity in the body and resulting symptoms such as palpitation, nervousness, weight loss, and excessive sweating. Excessive intake of iodine should be avoided and stopped completely in patients with hyperthyroidism. If there is overactivity of hormones in the blood, or excessive secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone, the cause for this should be investigated. Usually, this is due to overactivity of the pituitary gland in the brain, most resulting from a tumor. In such a situation, treatment needs to be given to correct the abnormality in the brain.
Most individuals affected with hyperthyroidism are successfully managed with modern medicines, though as mentioned above, side-effects or complications may be substantial. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be offered to individuals who do not respond to these medicines, or do not wish to take the risk of the side-effects of modern treatment. Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be given regularly for about three to six months in order to completely treat and cure people affected with hyperthyroidism.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
