Ayurveda Treatment for Graves Disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. The gland produces too much thyroid hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones regulate body temperature, heart rate and metabolism. An overactive thyroid causes problems with organs like the heart, as well as bones and muscles. Treatments can help.
What is Graves’ disease?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your thyroid gland for unknown reasons. It’s the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the front of your neck under your skin. Your thyroid’s main job is to regulate the speed of your metabolism (metabolic rate), which is the process of how your body transforms the food you consume into energy, by releasing certain hormones.
Types of Graves' disease
- Graves’ ophthalmopathy: Also known as Graves’ orbitopathy or thyroid eye disease, this condition affects the eyes. Symptoms include eyelid retraction, proptosis, and periorbital edema.
- Graves’ dermopathy: This condition causes a lumpy, reddish thickening of the skin on the shins. It’s usually painless and mild, but it can be painful for some people.
- Acropachy: This condition causes swelling in the metacarpal bones.
Who does Graves’ disease affect?
Graves’ disease affects women more than men. It typically occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can affect children and older adults.
Your risk of developing Graves’ disease increases if you have a family history of thyroid disease and or you smoke cigarettes.
You’re also more likely to get Graves’ disease if you have another autoimmune disease, such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Type 1 diabetes
- Celiac disease
- Vitiligo
How does Graves’ disease affect my body?
Thyroid hormone affects several parts of your body and bodily functions. Because of this, Graves’ disease/hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) can affect many parts of your body, including your:
- Heart
- Skeletal muscle (the muscles that help you move)
- Eyes
- Skin
- Bones
- Liver
Symptoms of Graves’ disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your thyroid gland for unknown reasons. It causes hyperthyroidism.
The onset of symptoms of Graves’ disease is usually gradual, often taking several weeks or months to develop.
- Feeling nervous and irritable
- Having a slight tremor of the hands or fingers
- Being sensitive to heat with an increase in sweating or warm, moist skin
- Losing weight, despite wanting to eat more
- Having an enlarged thyroid gland, also called goiter
- Having changes in menstrual cycles
- Not being able to get or keep an erection, called erectile dysfunction, or having less desire for sex
- Having bowel movements often
- Having bulging eyes — a condition called thyroid eye disease or Graves’ ophthalmopathy
- Being tired
- Having thick, discolored skin mostly on the shins or tops of the feet, called Graves’ dermopathy
- Having fast or irregular heartbeat, called palpitations
- Not sleeping well
- Gritty, irritated eyes
- Swelling of the tissues around your eyes (puffy eyes)
- Bulging eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Pressure or pain in your eyes
- Blurred or double vision
Doctors diagnose Graves’ disease through medical history, physical exams, and thyroid tests like blood tests, radioactive iodine uptake, thyroid scans, and Doppler ultrasound to check hormone levels and thyroid activity.
Conventional treatment for Graves disease
Allopathic treatments for Graves’ disease include:
- Beta-Blockers – Atenolol or Propranolol to control symptoms like rapid heart rate.
- Antithyroid Drugs (Thionamides) – Methimazole (preferred) or Propylthiouracil (for pregnancy or thyroid storm) to block hormone production.
- Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy – Used to shrink the thyroid and reduce hormone levels, except in pregnancy and certain conditions.
- Thyroidectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid, recommended for large goiters, nodules, or cancer risk.
- Adjunct Therapies – Iodide, glucocorticoids, cholestyramine, lithium, and rituximab in specific cases.
- Graves’ Orbitopathy Treatment – Glucocorticoids, orbital decompression, and FDA-approved teprotumumab for severe cases.
- Dermopathy & Acropachy Treatment – Topical steroids for skin issues, but no specific treatment for acropachy.
Ayurveda's Perspective on Graves Diseases
Ayurveda identifies Graves’ disease primarily as an imbalance of the Pitta and Vata doshas, characterized by excessive heat, restlessness, and metabolic overactivity. Ayurveda aims to address the root causes by restoring balance in the body’s doshas, especially Pitta and Vata, calming the nervous system, and supporting thyroid function naturally.
When should one choose ayurveda for Graves disease?
Ayurveda can be considered for Graves’ disease when:
- Mild to Moderate Symptoms – If the condition is not severe and does not require immediate intervention like surgery or RAI.
- Long-Term Management – Ayurveda focuses on balancing Pitta and Vata doshas, which may help in managing symptoms over time.
- Holistic Healing – For those seeking a natural approach that includes diet, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and stress management.
- Autoimmune Regulation – Ayurveda aims to strengthen the immune system and reduce autoimmunity using herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Kanchanar Guggulu.
- Managing Side Effects – Ayurveda may support individuals who experience side effects from allopathic medications like beta-blockers or antithyroid drugs.
- Post-Treatment Recovery – After surgery or RAI, Ayurvedic therapies can help in hormonal balance, digestive health, and emotional well-being.
- Preventing Recurrence – Ayurvedic detox therapies like Panchakarma may help prevent relapse by detoxifying the body and balancing thyroid function.
However, in severe cases with high heart rate, thyroid storm, or large goiter, Ayurveda should be used as a supportive therapy alongside modern medical treatment.
Can you move completely to Ayurveda treatment?
It is possible for some patients, especially those with mild or early-stage Graves’ disease, to transition completely to Ayurvedic treatment. However, this should always be done under careful supervision by qualified Ayurveda doctors in coordination with an endocrinologist. Regular monitoring of thyroid function is crucial during any transition.
Ayurveda Treatment for Graves’ Disease
UWAY follows classical Kerala Ayurveda medical protocols to ensure authentic and effective treatment. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach that aims to restore balance in Vata and Pitta doshas, support thyroid function, and strengthen overall health.
1. Dietary Recommendations for Graves’ Disease
- Include milk, pure ghee (clarified butter), and dairy products in your diet to nourish the body.
- Eat fresh fruits like bananas, melons, and dry fruits like dates and walnuts, which help pacify aggravated Vata and Pitta.
- Consume laghu (light) and madhura rasa (sweet) foods to maintain energy levels.
- Avoid spicy, fermented, and excessively hot foods, as they can increase Pitta dosha and aggravate symptoms.
2. Lifestyle Recommendations
- Maintain a regular daily routine with adequate sleep.
- Practice Yoga, Pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation to balance Vata and Pitta doshas and reduce stress.
- Avoid staying up late at night, excessive physical exertion, and stress, as these can worsen symptoms.
- Regular Abhyangam (warm oil massage) and gentle exercises can help maintain balance and promote relaxation.
3. Herbs That Help Manage Graves’ Disease
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Helps regulate thyroid hormone levels and reduce symptoms like palpitations and anxiety.
- Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Supports liver function and reduces hyperthyroidism symptoms.
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca): Reduces inflammation and regulates thyroid function.
- Rauvolfia serpentina (Indian Snakeroot): Helps lower excessive thyroid hormone levels.
- Amla (Emblica Officinalis): Supports overall thyroid health and balances metabolism.
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Regulates T3 hormone levels naturally.
- Bael (Aegle marmelos): Supports thyroid hormone regulation.
- Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Helps modulate thyroid function.
- Moringa (Moringa oleifera): Regulates the conversion of T4 to T3 and balances thyroid activity.
4. Classical Ayurvedic Medicines for Graves diseases
- Based on individual diagnosis, Ayurveda doctors at UWAY prescribe classical Ayurvedic medicines, including:
- Kashayams (Decoctions) – Herbal formulations that detoxify and balance doshas.
- Arishtams (Fermented Herbal Formulations) – Improve digestion and overall metabolism.
- Vati/Gulikas (Herbal Tablets) – Support thyroid function and reduce hyperactivity.
- Churnas (Herbal Powders) – Help regulate Vata and Pitta imbalances naturally.
5. Panchakarma for Graves’ Disease
- Vasti (Basti Therapy): Medicated enemas to cleanse toxins and balance Vata.
- Shirodhara: Continuous warm oil flow over the forehead to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
- Nasya Therapy: Herbal nasal administration to balance hormonal functions and clear channels.
- Pitta-Pacifying Therapies: Cooling therapies like Takradhara (medicated buttermilk therapy) to reduce excess heat in the body.
Holistic Ayurvedic Approach
Ayurveda emphasizes managing Agni (digestive fire) to regulate metabolism and thyroid function.
A balanced diet, stress management, and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in long-term management.
Herbs and therapies are selected based on individual body constitution (Prakriti) and dosha imbalances to ensure personalized care.
Integrative Approach to Graves’ Disease Management
UWAY integrates Ayurvedic wisdom with modern diagnostics to deliver personalized thyroid care. This integrative method helps regulate excessive thyroid activity, restores dosha balance, reduces dependency on medications, and promotes overall well-being.
FAQ's:
Thyroid hormones are crucial for the baby’s brain and nervous system development. Untreated Graves’ disease during pregnancy can lead to complications like low birth weight, miscarriage, preeclampsia, premature labor, infant hyperthyroidism, and even congestive heart failure. Regular monitoring of thyroid levels is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Untreated Graves’ disease can lead to heart problems (irregular heartbeat, stroke risk), osteoporosis (weak bones), thyroid storm (life-threatening hormone surge), and vision loss from thyroid eye disease.
Yes, diet plays a huge role. Foods that balance Thyroid function such as cruciferous vegetables and iodine-controlled diets may ease symptoms.
Ayurvedic treatments help in controlling the symptoms of the disease and restore body balance, potentially leading to remission.
Gentle exercises such as yoga and walking are suggested to control stress, which do not put too much strain on the body.
Consultations at UWAY can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
We require most of the medical records related to the current problem, the medicines you are on currently and for pre-existing conditions for diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, cardiac issues etc.
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