“Ayurvedic Management of Graves Disease”: A Case Report

Abstract

A 24-year-old male patient presented to Shri Jayachamarajendra Hospital on January 2024 with a 3-year history of symptoms, including palpitations, fatigue, tremors, exophthalmos, increased appetite, decreased sleep, anxiety, and weight loss. The patient had no family history of similar conditions and was previously diagnosed with Graves’ disease. In ayurveda there is no direct response for Graves’ disease, but the symptoms and causes correlate with ojokshaya and Ojo visramsa induced by vikruta pitta. Contributing factors for Ojokshaya includes Patient was born in the condition of ojo asthira (preterm baby born in 8th month), along with irregular and increased consumption of processed and deep-fried foods, excessive physical activity including cycling, prolonged exposure to sun and wind, and chronic stress due to family issues. These factors were found to be the cause of Ojovisramsa along with Pitta Prakopa, which in turn triggered autoimmune responses resulting in Graves’ disease. The treatment strategy focused on increasing Vyadhikshamatva by normalizing the aggravated Pitta. Shamana therapies were employed, beginning with Dipana and Pachana, followed by Sukumara Ghrita Pana and Pancha Tikta Ghrita Pana, along with the administration of Amritaprasha ghrita. External therapies included Mahanarayana Taila Abhyanga and Shiroabhyanga with Brahmi Taila. By March 2024, the patient’s thyroid function had improved, with T4 levels decreasing from 17.80 to 14.11 and TSH remaining stable at 0.008. The patient reported significant improvement in both physical and mental well-being. This case highlights the effectiveness of a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach in managing Graves’ disease by addressing the underlying Pitta Prakopa and ojas