Hyperthyroidismaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Endocrine Disorders, Thyroid Disorders
Did you mean? Goitre
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces an excess of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate the body's energy use and when they are in overdrive, a host of symptoms can manifest.
Individuals may experience unintended weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability. It’s not uncommon for sleep disturbances to occur, and women may notice changes in their menstrual patterns.
In some cases, the physical signs are unmistakable: a swelling at the base of the neck signals a goiter, and the eyes may appear enlarged due to a condition associated with hyperthyroidism called Graves' ophthalmopathy.
How does TCM view Hyperthyroidism?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets hyperthyroidism through a different lens. Central to TCM is the concept of Qi (vital energy) and its balance within the body.
Hyperthyroidism, in TCM, is often seen as a result of an imbalance or disharmony in the body’s natural energy flow. Specifically, it may be attributed to a Yin Deficiency, leading to an excess of Yang, which manifests as heat symptoms. Alternatively, it could be viewed as a stagnation of Qi, causing the body's systems to accelerate.
TCM practitioners often emphasize the importance of diagnosing the specific disharmony pattern in each individual. For instance, a Yin Deficiency might be indicated by insomnia and night sweating, while Liver Qi Stagnation might present with irritability and menstrual irregularities. The correct identification of these patterns is critical, as it guides the subsequent treatment with herbal formulas and acupuncture.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hyperthyroidism
TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas for managing hyperthyroidism, tailored to the pattern of disharmony identified in the patient.
For instance, 'Da Bu Yin Wan' and 'Liu Wei Di Huang Wan' are formulas traditionally used to nourish Yin and suppress excessive Yang.
These formulas are part of a holistic TCM strategy that may also include lifestyle modifications and dietary advice to support the body's return to equilibrium.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hyperthyroidism, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Da Bu Yin Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hyperthyroidism
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Bu Yin Wan | Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban) |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these formulas if it is due to an imbalance where yin deficiency leads to a false heat syndrome.
One such formula is Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Zhi Gan Cao Tang, with liquorice as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.
One such formula is Er Xian Tang, with curculigo rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Zeng Ye Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hyperthyroidism
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hyperthyroidism, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for hyperthyroidism
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for hyperthyroidism
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Da Bu Yin Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan |
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for hyperthyroidism
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang |
| Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen) | Zeng Ye Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Er Xian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for hyperthyroidism
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao) | Er Xian Tang |
| Epimedium Herbs (Yin Yang Huo) | Er Xian Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Zhi Gan Cao Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Hyperthyroidism can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hyperthyroidism, like Da Bu Yin Wan.