Hypothyroidism, An Ayurvedic Prospective

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the Thyroid gland is not secreting optimum amount of hormones, there are various causes.

The Thyroid’s main function is to maintain metabolism in the body.  Modern Medicine mentions the gland as early as the first century AD and states that its purpose is to lubricate the larynx.  The Thyroid was finally named in the 1600’s, at that time it was thought of as a beautification organ that filled the hollow spaces of the neck located on either side of the larynx. The thyroid was also thought of as a sort of valve that prevented excess blood flow to the brain.

Ayurveda had a different description.  Although the thyroid is not mentioned in the Vedic Texts however a disease called Galaganada is comparatively similar.  

Galaganada is described by Susutha as two big or small swelling in anterior angle of the neck.  Charaka mentioned it as a single swelling.

In the vedic texts there are specific nidana (causes) listed.  People that eat predominantly fish are at more risk.  Cold damp densely treed environment is listed as a contributor.  Water stagnation and heavy rains are also listed.

Hypothyroidism is not a localized disease, it affects many organs and systems due to it’s hormonal influence and that fact that it is responsible for kindling our bio fires or Agni.

When hypothyroidism is due to genetics it is considered “adibala Pravritta” and is considered Asadhya or non-curable.

If the condition is congenital it is considered “Jalakunbhi Pravritta Vyadhis” and this condition is preventable is if Pathya (things that are good) is followed during pregnancy and apathya (things to avoid) is also followed.

Pathya (do’s)

Coconut oil, Kelp, beetroot, radish, parsley, potato, oatmeal, banana’s are good.

Exercise 15 to 20 minutes per day minimum

Reduce stress

Yoga- Specifically:

shoulder stands. This puts pressure on the thyroid gland which has a large supply of blood.  Applying pressure will allow the thyroid to release stagnant hormonal secretions to function more normally.

Other Yoga poses (asana’s) to practice:

Marsyasana (fish pose)

Halasna (plough pose)

Sun salutations

Backward bending Poses (asana’s)

Apathya (avoid)

Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potato, lima beans, pearl millet, corn.

Smoking

Heavy foods.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism are non-specific and include a wide range encompassing many different systems.  Because of the non-specific nature of the symptoms, many times hypothyroidism goes undiagnosed.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism include but are not limited to the following because there is no stand alone characteristic symptoms:

vertigo, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, lethargy, slow memory and thinking, intellectual disturbances, menstrual disturbances, rough dry skin, horse voice, muscle stiffness, constipation, cramps, weakness, thin brittle falling out hair, intolerance to cold weather, goiter, swelling of the neck.

As you can see the symptoms can be quite diverse and that is what leads to the mis-diagnosis.  Hypothyroidism is considered a Vata and Kapha vitiation which can make it tricky to treat.

The thyroids job is to control and regulate our metabolism and it does that by producing thyroxine and that is the spark for our metabolism.  Thyroxine stimulates the mitochondria of our cells.  The amount of stimulation from the Thyroxine determines how quickly our cells do their work.

Hypothyroidism is a result from inadequate production of Thyroxine  due to a structural or a functional decline.

One of the main causes of hypothyroidism has been found to be a lack of Iodine.  Herbs containing Iodine are therefore suggested such as shigru and jalakumbhi.  Iodine levels vary from state to state, the most Iodine depleted soil is located in the mid west and great lakes region, Michigan being the leader.

Herbs that work at the glandular level and are considered hypothyroid herbs:

• Gulgulu
• Ashwagandha
• Trijataka
• Trikatu
• Triphala
• Varuna
• Brahmi
• gokshura
• punarnava
• shilajit

Foods that contain Iodine are highly suggested:

Dried Seaweed

cod

fortified iodized salt

baked potato with peel

milk

shrimp

baked turkey breast

cooked navy beans

tuna canned in oil

boiled eggs

cranberries

organic strawberries

coconut oil

essential fatty acids, omega 3’s and 6’s

At a metabolic level the following is helpful:

deepana, pachana, ushna, teekshan, sukshma, lekhana herbs to increase metabolism.

Always talk to your Doctor before a drastic change in diet or activity levels.  The encouraging word about Ayurveda is that is is natural and safe, it is also complimentary.

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Blog Post by Shelli Thompson

Diet modification is the first most step to control your Diabetes

Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes

Diet modification: The first step for the ayurvedic treatment of diabetes it is necessary to modify diet, which includes reduced intake of sugar and simple carbohydrates, and emphasizes on complex carbohydrates. Protein intake should be decreased as higher intake can damage the kidneys. Fat intake should be also limited as digestion of fat becomes difficult in these patients due to deficiency of other pancreatic enzymes. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, orange, lemons, bitter fruits and herbs.

List of some of the most effective #diabetes treatment herbs.
1.Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)
2.Bael (Aegle marmelos)
3.Gurmar Leaves (Gymnema sylvestrae)
4.Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
5.Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
6.Onion (Allium cepa)
7.Nayantatra (Vinca rosa)
8.Neem (Azadirachtha indica)
9.Garlic (Allium sativum)
10.Sagar gota (Ceasalpinia crista)

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Dandruff? Switch to Ayurveda

Dandruff – This term has become one of the commonly discussed term or condition with all working age groups today. One of the surveys says that working women and men with in the age group of 20-40 spends as much as 50-100 US $ a month to tackle this issue.

Dandruff is a skin disorders affects the scalp skin. It is characterized by itching scalp with falling of dry white flakes. It is clinically termed as Seborrheic dermatitis, where the sebaceous glands are affected and leads to excessive itchy scalp with high amounts of scales. Dandruff is one of the primary causes for hair fall and early baldness or patchy baldness.

Common causes
a. Hygiene
b. Stress and depression
c. Water and hard shampoo
d. Cold condition and higher hot conditions
e. Excessive intake of salty, spicy, sour, non vegetarian foods and drinks
Understand your Dandruff

1. Understand the allergies. Most of the cases allergic foods lead to Dandruff. Reduce intake milk, curd, butter, cheese, salted, spicy foods and drinks helps.
2. Diabetes usually related to Dandruff and itchy scalp. Check for Diabetes or maintain your blood sugar.
3. Many of the Indians are unaware of food allergies. Many surveys shows that people who are allergic to yeast, bread or backed foods, cheese, vinegar added foods and alcoholic beverages have more prone for dandruff. Avoiding such foods and drinks in diet heals them physiologically.
4. Check the water and shampoo. Most of the times, these two create a false Dandruff.
5. Alcohol can lead to Dandruff. Reduce the alcohol intake.
6. Reduced blood circulation can leads to sluggishness which in turn leads to itch and dandruff. Gentle oil massages can help resolving this issue.
7. Stress and depression are directly connected to itching which in turn leads to excessive scale formation
8. Consult a Physician to different diagnose weather it is just dandruff or psoriasis as most of the times both misunderstood.

Ayurveda remedies for Dandruff
a. Ayurveda texts recommend Sandalwood oil mixture with fresh lemon juice as scalp massage followed by warm water wash. This helps to improve the blood circulation and dead skin.
b. Ayurveda recommends a special therapy for Dandruff – “Shirolepa” which means head pack. Simple head pack with fresh Amla paste is very effective to reduce and prevent Dandruff. This also helps improving hair growth.
c. Application of water over night soaked Fenu Greek seeds as pack does help bringing the normalcy in no time.
d. One of the most effective and highly practiced home remedy is application of fresh Aloe Vera gel. Even today most of the Villagers do practice it for healthy scalp and hair.
e. Many Chinese tribal practitioners recommend fresh ginger processed olive oil before bath as day to day practice for prevention and to improve hair growth.

Ayurveda medicines like Dhoor doora patradi coconut oil, Karkunthal, Eladi coconut oil etc are very effective to improve the scalp health. In chronic conditions medicines like Khadira Arishtam, Loha asavam, Chandana asavam, Gandhaka Rasayanam, Bakuchi capsules, Keshmani Capsules, Haridra Kanda Choornam etc are prescribed.

Conclusion
Ayurveda medicines and therapies with changes in the lifestyle and food habits can cure this problem permanently. The results may be slow but it is without any side effects and permanent. Instead of using chemical based products for symptomatic relief, better use natural home remedies for prevention and easy permanent cure. 


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