Graves' disease is one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism. This disease was first described by Sir Robert Graves hence it is named Graves' disease. This is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland physically as well as physiologically, it results in an enlarged thyroid and causes it to secrete more thyroid hormone. Thus leads to various problems related to metabolism, heart, bones, muscles, eyes, menstrual cycle, etc.
Graves' disease is one of the leading causes of hyperthyroidism in the United States. The index ratio is higher in the middle age group but it can occur at any age.
As per Ayurveda it is a pitta pradhan tridoshaj vyadhi. Sroto dushti takes place in the form of atipravritti state. It leads to dhatu kshaya. In Ayurveda it can be correlated to "Galaganda". Galaganda is defined as –
Reference – Sushruta Samhita / Nidana sthana / Chapter no 11 / Shloka no. 23
Vitiated Vata and Kapha dosha get localized in Meda and Majja dhatu and produce extra growth of the thyroid gland along with that they also impair its functions.
WHAT CAUSES GRAVES' DISEASE?
The exact cause is still unknown, but there are some factors that are responsible for this disease, they are –
- Aahara karanas (Dietary habits) – Excessive consumption of sour, spicy and oily foodstuffs like – tomatoes, chilies, cruciferous vegetables, etc. and lack of Iodine intake gives rise to thyroid problems.
- Vihara Karanas (Lifestyle habits) – Leading a sedentary lifestyle is one of the causes of auto immune disorders.
- Mansik karanas (Mental factors) – Taking excessive stress and strains directly affect our endocrinal system thus, imbalance the hormones.
- Anuvanshik karanas (Genetic factors) – A person is more likely to be affected if he has a family history of grave’s disease.
- Immune system – Our immune system mistakenly attacks our healthy tissues by creating antibodies against the healthy cells thus, impairs the normal functions of the thyroid gland.
- Risk factors – History of any auto immune disease, Impaired and weak digestive fire, The habit of alcohol and smoking
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GRAVES' DISEASE?
The signs and symptoms of this disease are –
- Symptoms related to eyes are - Exophthalmos (Bulging of eyes), redness, swelling, conjunctivitis, excessive lacrimation, lid lag, etc. collectively they are considered as Grave’s ophthalmopathy.
- Pretibial myxedema (Reddish thickening of the skin in front of shin)
- Irritability
- Muscle weakness
- Insomnia
- Irregular and rapid heartbeat
- Drastic weight loss – despite increased appetite
- Irregular menstrual periods especially Oligomenorrhea
- Tremors
- Palpitations and chest pain
- Excessive sweating
- Heat intolerance
- Hair loss
- Hyperactivity
- Hypertension
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Tiredness
- Mania
- Diarrhea (Due to increased bowel movement)
- Osteoporosis
HOW TO DIAGNOSE GRAVES' DISEASE?
We can suspect Graves' diseases based on symptoms but laboratory investigations can confirm the diagnosis they are –
- Thyroid profile
- Radioactive iodine uptake test
- Thyroid scan
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
As per Ayurveda, we can manage this condition as follows -
- Treatment to reduce the extra growth or size of the thyroid gland
- Management of thyroid hormone level.
- Rejuvenating the affected cells
- Maintaining the agni.
- Enhancing the immunity
All these things can be achieved by balancing the Sharirik doshas (Vata – Pitta - Kapha), Mansik doshas (Raja - Tama), Trimalas (Sweda – Mutra - Purisha), Saptadhatus (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra), Agni (all 13 types of agni) and Ojas
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF GRAVES' DISEASE TREATMENT
Planet Ayurveda offers the best and effective herbal formulations for the treatment of Graves' disease. These formulations are easy to use, pure, free from chemicals and have no side effects.
1. Kanchanaar Guggulu
This Ayurvedic preparation is very effective in thyroid problems and other abnormal growths. The ingredients of this formulation are – Kanchanaar (Bauhinia variegata), Guggulu (Comiphora mukul), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), etc. It also eliminates the toxins from the body.
Dosage – 2 capsules twice or thrice a day with plain water.
2. Shatavari Capsules
These capsules are the pure extract of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). It is a generalized tonic that has rejuvenating and antioxidant properties. It is also considered as vyasthapana (promotes longevity) and balya (strength promoting) herb. It helps to manage complications of grave’s disease.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
3. Weight Gain Formula
It helps to improve stamina, provides strength and increases weight. It relieves tiredness and fatigue. Weight gain formula consists of Ashwagandha, Triphala, Pippali, Vidanga, Saunf, etc herbs. They also maintain the digestive fire, which is considered as the main cause for all the diseases in Ayurveda.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.
4. Immune Booster
These capsules are composed of – Bhumi amla, Amalaki, Grape seeds, etc. As discussed earlier it is an auto immune disorder thus these capsules are helpful in boosting immunity. It is an effective medicine in Graves' disease.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com, Call at +91-172-5214030, Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604
SOME EFFECTIVE HOME REMEDIES
- Desi ghee (Clarified butter) - Taking 1 tablespoon of cow ghee twice a day is very beneficial in grave’s disease.
- Even you can drink cow milk by adding a few drops of cow ghee in it.
- Turmeric – Take a pinch of turmeric powder and boil it in milk. Taking this milk twice a day is helpful in the treatment of grave’s disease.
- Take decoction prepared from equal quantities of Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), and Jeera (Cuminum cyminum). This decoction is helpful in correcting the function of digestive fire.
- Fenugreek Seeds – Soak some fenugreek seeds over overnight in water and take these seeds with water once a day.
- Dates – Take 2-3 dates and boil them in milk. Take this milk once or twice a day. It helps in gaining weight.
- Coriander – Decoction prepared from fresh coriander (Dhaniya) leaves is also very effective in thyroid problems, it helps in balancing pitta dosha in the body. Thus pacifies the symptoms like sweating, heat intolerance, etc.
COMPLICATIONS OF GRAVES' DISEASE
If not treated on time it may lead to various problems like – Goiter, Infertility and leads to metabolic disorders.
SOME USEFUL TIPS
- Prefer green vegetables and fresh fruits. Avoid taking sour foods, fermented foods like curd, beverages, etc
- Avoid stress and strain.
- Add Yoga, Pranayam and Meditation as a part and parcel of your life. Pranayam and Asanas that are helpful in this condition are - Bhujangasana, Surya namaskara, Halasana, Anuloma – viloma, etc.
"Enhance Your Immunity In A Natural Way"
