Tuesday 9 October 2012

Homeopathy and Bach Remedies For Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid Gland refers to the over secretion of thyroid hormone by thyroid gland .It  is the opposite of hypothyroidism, as the name suggests. It is a condition where in the thyroid   gland increases   in size with abnormal secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone. It is defined by weight loss, increased BMR and sensitivity to tremors. An overactive thyroid gland, or hyperthyroidism, can trigger restlessness, hyperactivity, insomnia and irritability .

The main causes leading to hyperthyroid are  :-
 
General Causes
  • Life style today is one of the major cause of thyroid imbalance. Chronic  stress is one of the root cause. Psychological trauma, emotional disturbance or prolonged illness are few reasons.
  • Bad eating habits. Eating too many refined foods and sugars which causes problems with blood sugar levels which affect adrenal gland and also cause malfunctioning of of thyroid gland.
  • Environmental Factors like pollution and toxins all around even at home i.e. toxins present in the form of chemicals in food which our body can not handle. There are many food products for which we do not have awareness of the ingredients before we consume them which act as toxins for our body.

Therapeutic Causes


  • Excess secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone.
  • Other causes could be Grave’s disease, Plummer’s disease
  • Toxic adenoma (Benign non cancerous lump)
  • Post-par tum thyroditis (after birth of a child)
  • Thyrotoxicosis (addiction to thyroid hormones)
  • Problem with the pituitary gland  

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism :- 
  • Extreme nervousness, fear, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, excitability
  •  Speech defects , Speech is rapid ,and temper alternating with weeping in women.
  •  Loss of weight despite good appetite
  • Trembling hands while holding cup
  •  Palpitations, dyspnea, and angina on slight exertion.
  •  Swelling in the neck (Goitre).
  • Bulging of eyeballs and photo phobia.
  • Diminished menstrual flow .
  • Pulse and heart rate are increased.
  • Increased metabolic rate so canine hunger but there is weight loss.
  • Patient looks ill.

Most Common Treatment suggested and  it's Consequences 

Allopathic line of treatment is Beta blockers in mild cases and in some cases the oral intake of Radioactive Iodine, which not only destroys many cells of Thyroid but also have to be taken for rest of life. Taking RAI long term can lead to hypothyroidism . It makes the immune system weak which may lead to other autoimmune diseases in future. When hyperthyroid is detected then intake of RAI should be the last option. A very effective answer to thyroid imbalance is Homeopathy .
 
Homeopathic Treatment For Hyperthyroidism
 
For the treatment of hyperthyroidism , the symptoms of the body are always kept in mind as we consider for every other case. The most common homeopathic remedies that play an important role in the treatment of hyperthyroidism are: - 
 
Belladonna  
Belledona best acts on  heart and the circulation, nerves , the brain, and the eyes. For Easily excitable , emotional patients. There is throbbing, dilated pupils, dry mucous membrane. The patient is plethoric, aggressive and intellectual  individuals. The patient complains of violent heat, Burning and redness .The patient has a sensation of dryness. The patient has an irritable state of mind affecting the urinary tract.The patient’s symptoms are aggravated from exposure to draft of air , wants to be wrapped up, light and noise aggravates suffering. 

Calcarea Flour
Swelling of thyroid , constricted feeling in thyroid region, digestive troubles 
 
Ferrum phos  
The remedy ,basically for anaemic and extremely nervous patients.Even the least excitement causes flushing of face. The remedy to be used in first stage of all inflammatory infections.In women, the menses are too frequent and too profuse . The patient is worse at night, early morning , by touch, jar, motion and lying on the right side and feels better by cold applications. The remedy to be taken in acute state of thyroid dysfunction and that has to be followed by a proper constitutional remedy.
 
Lycopus virginicus 
It helps to normalise the overactive thyroid.  In goitre also , it is well indicated . A good remedy for overactive thyroid gland and for patients with irritability and mental tiredness. Patients with increased heart rate and palpitation  It’s good for hyper thyroids patients who have ongoing respiratory problems and coughs.The remedy also useful in lowering the blood pressure. Sensation of eye being pushed out. 
 
Pilocarpus  microphyllus 
It's  a powerful remedy for glandular stimulation.It is useful for goitre, with increased heart action and pulsation of arteries; tremors and nervousness; heat and sweating. Excessive salivation and perspiration is a leading symptom of the remedy.
 
Thyroidinum 
Remedy good for thyroid dysfunction . Patients with lot of emaciation and trembling hands. Nervous Temperament

Lapis Albus
Good for hyperthyroidism where in symptoms include enlargement of the thyroid gland , fatigue , sluggishness , and mental dullness.

Spongia
The remedy good for hyperthyroidism .Protruding eye with heart symptoms. Other symptoms may be palpitation , contracting pains, faintness , anxiety , worse in warm room .

Magnesium Flouratum
Hyperthyroidism , metabolic complaints , Chronic suppuration, Neuralgia.

Bach Flower Remedies for Hyperthyroidism

In the case of Thyroid dysfunction we could think of giving individual flower remedies or a combination of the remedies depending on the individual patients  requirement . The disease of Hyperthyroidism has been linked with an exaggerated sense of service and suppression of self-centred impulses .
 
Hyperthyroidism is also linked with the stressful mental state , a stress of higher altitude leading to emotional breakdown. Here in the Bach Remedy " Vervain " is of great help as it helps release muscle tension.
 
Aspen, Cerato, Hornbeam, Olive, Larch Mustard, Mimulus, Star of Bethlehem are some of the remedies which could be thought of considering the mental symptoms of the patient of thyroid disorders.
 
 A combination of Cherry Plum, Impatiens, Pine, Vervain and Willow helps a hyperthyroidism patient  to focus and concentrate better.
 
Managing Hyperthyroidism

Natural Herbs  and Diet Good for Hyperthyroidism

-Bugleweed ( Homeo Remedy Lycopus is from this herb)
-Vitamin D (Avoid Sunblocks)
-Selenium (Source : nuts)
-Vitamin B (Source : Whole Foods)
-Magnesium (Source : Organic Vegetables)
-Omega 3 Fatty Acids
-Increase Calcium intake
-All those with hyperthyroidism are prone to pernicious enema so intake of Vitamin B along with 
  other nutrients should be taken good care of.
-Fish contains iodine, omega-3 fats, and vitamin D. Mustard, and other dark leafy greens contain
  vitamin A.

Do's And Don't

-Avoid tea, coffee,
-No smoking, alcohol and caffeine .
-Avoid Sour and deep fried eatables.
-Never Skip meals as it may lower blood sugar levels which lead to tiredness
-Positive Thinking
-Anger Control
-Control of Anger

Yoga
 


Yoga helps in the balances of the neuro hormones and metabolism besides improving the endocrine metabolism.The most effective yoga exercise for thyroid dysfunction is "Ujjayi Pranayam" and "Kappal Bhati Pranayam ".


Home Remedies

-Mixture of Pudina (Mint) paste and Saunf (Fennel Seed) powder .. 1 table spoon to be taken with
  water every morning , empty stomach.
-Silver has very good healing powers for treating hyperactive thyroid. Having milk at bedtime 
  especially when it is heated in a silver container will yield better results.
-Brahmi powder mixed with half teaspoonful of honey should be taken in the morning