Hyperthyroidism according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Hyperthyroidism can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like hyperthyroidism here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here hyperthyroidism is often associated with irritability, difficulty swallowing and stuffiness of chest and diaphragm in the pattern “Qi-Phlegm”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of hyperthyroidism we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Qi-Phlegm, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause hyperthyroidism
In Chinese Medicine hyperthyroidism is a symptom for the pattern "Qi-Phlegm". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) is the king ingredient for Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, a formula used for Qi-Phlegm
Qi-Phlegm
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Thick white coating
Also often called "plum-stone" or "plum-pit" syndrome, the main characteristic of Qi-Phlegm is a feeling of swelling in the throat and a swallowing difficulty. It typically originates from emotional problems and it appears and disappears according to mood swings.
In addition to hyperthyroidism, other symptoms associated with Qi-Phlegm include irritability, difficulty swallowing and stuffiness of chest and diaphragm.
Qi-Phlegm is often treated with Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, a herbal formula made of 5 herbs (including Crow-Dipper Rhizomes - Ban Xia - as a key herb). Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that promote qi movement", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Regulates the flow of Qi, treats esophageal spasm".
A herbal formula that might help with hyperthyroidism
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Regulates the flow of Qi, treats esophageal spasm. Clears Phlegm.
Why might Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang help with hyperthyroidism?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Qi-Phlegm' of which hyperthyroid is a symptom.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat hyperthyroidism
Why might Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye) help with hyperthyroidism?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Qi-Phlegm' (a pattern with hyperthyroidism as a symptom)
Perilla Leaves is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Promotes the circulation of Spleen and Stomach Qi. Calms a restless fetus. Detoxifies seafood poisoning
Why might Poria-Cocos Mushroom (Fu Ling) help with hyperthyroidism?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Qi-Phlegm' (a pattern with hyperthyroidism as a symptom)
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit.
Why might Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang) help with hyperthyroidism?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Qi-Phlegm' (a pattern with hyperthyroidism as a symptom)
Fresh Ginger is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning.
Why might Crow-Dipper Rhizome (Ban Xia) help with hyperthyroidism?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Qi-Phlegm' (a pattern with hyperthyroidism as a symptom)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention.
Why might Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) help with hyperthyroidism?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Qi-Phlegm' (a pattern with hyperthyroidism as a symptom)
Houpu Magnolia Bark is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Moves Rebellious Qi downward, dries Dampness and relieves Food Stagnation. Transforms Phlegm and redirects Rebellious Qi of the Lung.
Other symptoms often associated with hyperthyroidism
Irritability Diminished hearing Dizziness Difficulty swallowing Stuffiness of chest and diaphragm Menopausal symptoms Hypertension Irregular menstruation Hot flushes Fatigue