Issue : 01 DOI :

INTERNATIONAL

JOURNAL

DIAGNOSTICS

AND

RESEARCH

Volume : 02

144

Abstract

Hypothyroidism—a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones—is

increasingly common in today’s world. Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, depression,

and menstrual irregularities are just a few of its many symptoms [1]. While modern medicine attributes it to

autoimmune conditions (like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, and stress, Ayurveda offers a

unique lens through which we can understand not just the symptoms, but the root causes behind the

understanding Hypothyroidism in Modern lifestyle.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Thyroid hormones, Ayurveda, Modern lifestyle

ISSN No. : 2584-2757

Volume : 02

Issue : 04

Publisher

ROGANIDAN VIKRUTIVIGYAN PG ASSOCIATION

FOR PATHOLOGY AND RADIODIGNOSIS

DOI

: 10.5281/zenodo.16045052

Reg. No. : MAHA-703/16(NAG)

Year of Establishment – 2016

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH

Corresponding author: Dr.Aanchal Gupta Article Info: Published on : 15/07/2025

Impact Factor : 1.013

Hypothyroidism and Ayurveda: Bringing Modern Causes with Ancient Texts

Dr.Aanchal Gupta1, Dr. Sanjay Shukla2, Dr. Rupendra Chandrakar3

1PG Scholar, Shri N.P.A Govt Ayurved College, Raipur (C.G.)

2Reader, Dept. Of Roga Nidana Evam Vikruti Vigyan,Shri N.P.A Govt Ayurved College, Raipur(C.G)

3Reader, Dept of Samhita Siddhant, Shri N.P.A Govt Ayurved College, Raipur (C.G.)

Cite this article as: - Dr.Aanchal Gupta (2025) ; Hypothyroidism and Ayurveda: Bringing Modern Causes with Ancient Texts

;Inter.J.Dignostics and Research 2 (4) 144-148, DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.16045052

Introduction :

In allopathic terms, hypothyroidism is a hormonal

disorder characterized by :

 Underactive thyroid hormone production (T3,

T4)

 Elevated TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

 Most commonly caused by autoimmune

inflammation of the thyroid (Hashimoto’s)

However, Ayurveda doesn't name the thyroid gland

specifically in ancient texts. Instead, it analyzes

diseases through Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha),

Dhatus, Agni (digestive/metabolic fire), and srotas

(channels). Many aspects of hypothyroidism mirror an

imbalance of these elements.

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Lensing hypothyroidism through Ayurveda :

Hypothyroidism as a Disease of Kapha and Meda

Dushti. - Kapha Dominance and Hypometabolism

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Hypothyroidism Symptoms: lethargy, cold

intolerance, weight gain, water retention,

sluggishness—are clear signs of Kapha aggravation

[2]. Ayurveda describes Kapha as heavy Guru (heavy),

Sheet (cold), Manda (slow), and Sthira (stable), all of

which reflect a low metabolic rate similar to

hypothyroid conditions [3].

Kapha vitiation leads to Manda Agni (low digestive

fire), which is the root of Ama (toxic, undigested

metabolic waste) formation. This Ama obstructs the

Srotas (channels), impairs Dhatu nourishment, and

results in systemic sluggishness—paralleling

hypothyroid physiology.

Meda Dhatu and Obesity :

Meda (fat tissue) is often involved in metabolic

diseases in Ayurveda. In hypothyroidism, weight gain,

puffiness, and increased fat accumulation point toward

Meda Dhatu Dushti. When Meda becomes excessive

or improperly formed, it creates further heaviness,

hormonal imbalance, and toxin retention-amplifying

Kapha Dosha and slowing metabolism.

Rasa Dhatu Dushti and Hormonal Imbalance

Ayurveda views Rasa Dhatu as the plasma and

lymphatic system, the primary carrier of nutrition and

hormones. Improper formation of Rasa Dhatu due to

Manda Agni and Ama leads to poor hormonal

secretion. Since the thyroid is part of the endocrine

system, this impairment may result in under

functioning of glands like the thyroid.

Manas (Mind) and Agni: Role of Stress

Modern science recognizes stress as a trigger for

autoimmune thyroiditis. WHO also recognizes

complete mental and emotional well-being essential

for health and not merely the absence of diseases [4].

Ayurveda, too, links emotional imbalances (stress,

grief, over thinking) with deranged Agni and Dosha

imbalance [5] - especially Vata aggravation and

subsequent Kapha blockage. Prolonged mental stress

weakens Ojas (vital immunity) and derails the mind-

body balance [6], creating a breeding ground for

systemic dysfunction including thyroid disorders.

Nidana Relevant to Modern Hypothyroidism

Ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and

Ashtanga Hridaya enumerate certain causes (Nidana)

that align closely with modern triggers of

hypothyroidism:

Ayurvedic cause

Modern correlation

Ati-snigdha Ahara

Junk food, processed fats

Alpa vyayam

Sedentary lifestyle

Diwaswapa

Disturbed biological

rhythem

Mandaagni

Poor metabolism, gut

dysfunction

Manasika hetu

Chronic stress, anxiety,

depression

Ama Janya

Systemic inflammation,

autoimmunity

Beeja Dushti

Hereditary predisposition

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Hypothyroidism and Galaganda : An Ayurvedic

Connection :

In certain cases, when the thyroid becomes visibly

enlarged (goiter), Ayurveda equates this with

Galaganda, a condition described in classical texts as

a swelling in the throat region due to Kapha and Vata

imbalance [7]. Though not a complete description of

hypothyroidism, Galaganda covers the structural

manifestation of thyroid issues and is managed with

herbs that are still effective today. Ayurvedic

Management Approach for Hypothyroidism

Ayurveda focuses on root-cause elimination, balance

restoration, and Agni strengthening. A typical

protocol includes:

1.Agni Deepana and Ama Pachana:

 Herbs: Trikatu, Chitraka, Dry Ginger, Hing

 Purpose: Restore digestive fire & clear toxins

2.Kapha and Meda Shamana:

 Herbs: Guggulu, Triphala, Musta, Punarnava

 Purpose: Regulate fat metabolism and reduce

excess Kapha

3.Liver Stimulation:

 The liver plays a key role in converting T4

to active T3 hormone.

 Formulations: Arogyavardhini Vati, Liv-

52, Bhumi Amla etc

4.Stress Management:

 Rasayanas: Ashwagandha, Brahmi,

Mandukaparni

 Help in adrenal balance, stress control, and

rejuvenation

5.Panchakarma Therapies:

 Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and Basti

(medicated enemas) are used for detox and

dosha balance.

 Abhyanga (oil massage) and Nasya (nasal oil)

nourish the nervous system and throat region.

5. Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations:

Favorable Foods -

 Warm, light, and easy-to-digest meals

 Use spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon

 Include vegetables like bottle gourd, ridge

gourd, drumstick

6. To Avoid:

 Cold, raw, oily, and dairy-heavy foods

 Excess sugar, processed snacks

 Daytime sleep and night awakenings

7. Lifestyle Tips:

 Daily exercise like brisk walking or yoga

 Pranayama and meditation to reduce stress

 Sun exposure for natural Vitamin D and

hormonal rhythm

Discussion:

As Ayurved always says that naming each and every

disorder is not possible. Diseases emerging in modern

era might seem new and challenging, but are always

sooner or later found embedded in concepts of

ayurved. Any disease occurring in the body are never

beyond the core principles of Ayurved (Tridosha

Siddhant, Dhatu Vaishamya Awastha). It only requires

the vision to understand and treat the Dhatu

Vaishamya in order to achieve Aarogya. As explained

above, the so called modern day issue,

Hypothyroidism has been previously correlated with

Galganda mentioned in Ayurveda by many

commentators.

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Conclusion :

Hypothyroidism may seem like a modern ailment

rooted in sedentary living, fast food, and stress—but

its true causes were already deeply understood by

Ayurvedic seers millennia ago. Whether it’s Manda

Agni, Ama, Kapha excess, or Manasika Hetu, all of

these factors lay the foundation for what modern

science today defines as thyroid dysfunction.

By acknowledging the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda

and integrating it with current diagnostics, we can

approach hypothyroidism not just as a hormone

deficiency, but as a multi-system imbalance that can

be corrected through natural, holistic, and

individualized care.

Reference :

1. Golwalla’s medicine for students, Aspi F

Golwalla & Shahrukh A. Golwalla, 5th

edition, 2016, Endocrine disorders, P- 430.

2. Golwalla’s medicine for students, Aspi F

Golwalla & Shahrukh A. Golwalla, 5th

edition, 2016, Endocrine disorders, P-431.

3. Charak Samhita, Savimarsha Vidhyotini

hindi Vyakhyapeta, P. Kashinath Shashtri,

Dr Gorakhnath Chaturvedi, 2020,

Sutrasthana, Eds Dirghana-jeevaniya

Adhyaya, P-31.

4. Sachitra Swasthvritta Vigyana, Dr Vijay

Kumar Ray, 2023, Swasthavrutta Parichaya,

P-6.

5. Shushruta Samhita,Ayurvedatatvasandipika,

Kaviraj Dr Ambikadatta Shashtri, 2022,

Part-1,Doshadhatumalakshayavruddhi

Vigyaniya Adhyaya, P-84.

6. Shushruta Samhita,Ayurvedatatvasandipika,

Kaviraj Dr Ambikadatta Shashtri, 2022,

Part-1,Doshadhatumalakshayavruddhi

Vigyaniya Adhyaya, P-80.

7. Shushruta Samhita,Ayurvedatatvasandipika,

Kaviraj Dr Ambikadatta Shashtri, 2022,

Part-1, Granthiapachyarbudagalagandanam

Adhyaya, P-355.

ISSN: 2584-2757

DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 6 0 4 5052

Dr. Aanchal Gupta Inter. J.Digno. and Research

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