Introduction
Although ancient Ayurvedic texts like Ashtanga Hridayam don't mention the "thyroid" directly (since the gland's anatomical identity came later), Vagbhata’s concepts about Agni (metabolic fire), Ojas (vitality), and Vata-Pitta-Kapha balance map perfectly onto thyroid health. Disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be understood and treated through an Ayurvedic lens by correcting metabolism, digestion, and hormonal harmony.

🌿 Ayurvedic Understanding of Thyroid Health

Vagbhata identifies that Agni malfunction leads to Mandagni (low digestion) or Tikshnagni (sharp digestion)—similar to low or high thyroid functions.

  • Hypothyroidism = Mandagni + Kapha imbalance (sluggishness, weight gain).

  • Hyperthyroidism = Tikshnagni + Pitta-Vata imbalance (overheating, anxiety).

Vagbhata emphasizes balancing Agni as the first principle in managing such disorders.

⚖️ Dosha Involvement in Thyroid Disorders

  • Kapha dominance → Leads to slow metabolism, weight gain, depression.

  • Pitta dominance → Causes overheating, anger, rapid heartbeat.

  • Vata dominance → Results in restlessness, hair loss, dryness.

Understanding the dominant dosha is critical for proper management.

🌿 Ayurvedic Herbs to Support Thyroid Function

  • Kanchanar Guggulu – Classic formulation for dissolving glandular swellings and regulating thyroid functions.

  • Ashwagandha – Adaptogen that stabilizes thyroid hormone levels, especially beneficial in hypothyroidism.

  • Brahmi – Reduces mental stress and anxiety.

  • Guggulu – Boosts metabolism and clears Ama (toxins).

  • Punarnava – Reduces water retention and supports kidney function.

These herbs are often combined into churnas (powders), tablets, or ghritas (medicated ghee).

🥗 Diet for Thyroid Balance

Vagbhata recommends foods that support strong digestion and lightness:

  • For Hypothyroidism (Kapha dominance):

    • Light, warm, and dry foods.

    • Barley, millets, moong dal, green leafy vegetables.

    • Spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon.

  • For Hyperthyroidism (Pitta-Vata dominance):

    • Cooling foods like amla, coriander, cucumber.

    • Milk boiled with cooling herbs (e.g., Brahmi, Shatavari).

    • Avoid hot, spicy, and fermented foods.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Processed foods

  • Excessive dairy and sugar

  • Iodized salt in excess (for Pitta disorders)

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle Support for Thyroid Health

Daily rituals (Dinacharya) advised by Vagbhata:

  • Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Daily massage with calming oils like Brahmi or Ksheerabala oil.

  • Pranayama: Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Sheetali (cooling breath).

  • Meditation: Reduces cortisol and balances the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis).

  • Sun exposure: Early morning sunbathing to enhance Vitamin D and Ojas.

🌿 Panchakarma Therapies

Vagbhata emphasizes deep detoxification for stubborn hormonal issues:

  • Vamana (therapeutic vomiting): Cleansing excess Kapha.

  • Virechana (purgation): Clearing excess Pitta.

  • Basti (medicated enema): Correcting Vata imbalances.

Shirodhara (warm oil streaming on the forehead) is also deeply balancing for hyperthyroid conditions.

🔮 Spiritual Practices for Inner Balance

Vagbhata also notes that mental stress and emotional instability impair metabolism. Practices like:

  • Chanting mantras (like Om Namah Shivaya),

  • Listening to calming music,

  • Practicing gratitude and mindfulness, help heal not just the thyroid but the whole mind-body system.

🏁 Conclusion

From an Ayurvedic perspective, thyroid health reflects the deeper balance of digestion, emotions, and the doshas. Vagbhata’s path to healing is not about suppressing symptoms but about awakening the body's natural intelligence through balance, detox, and nourishment.

"Let Agni burn bright, and life shall flow effortlessly." — Acharya Vagbhata