Is
this unpleasant thyroid swelling causing trouble in your daily life?
Though goiter may sound like a very intimidating ailment, it can easily
be managed with the appropriate combination of medical treatment and
home remedies. This article will enlist the different ways in which you
can aid the body in overcoming this thyroid gland problem with the help
of herbal remedies.
This medical condition is characterized by the thyroid gland growing in size (swelling up) due to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In simpler words, the lack of and also the excess of the thyroid hormone can cause the gland to swell up. It is usually not a painful disease but brings along many other symptoms that can disrupt the normal functioning of your body (1).
Medical intervention is the most sought after method for goiter treatment. But, with the use of simple home remedies, you can further alleviate the symptoms and assist the prescription medicines to treat the problem faster.
Let us look at the causes and symptoms of goiter first. We shall then delve into the home remedies for goiter.
This medical condition is characterized by the thyroid gland growing in size (swelling up) due to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In simpler words, the lack of and also the excess of the thyroid hormone can cause the gland to swell up. It is usually not a painful disease but brings along many other symptoms that can disrupt the normal functioning of your body (1).
Medical intervention is the most sought after method for goiter treatment. But, with the use of simple home remedies, you can further alleviate the symptoms and assist the prescription medicines to treat the problem faster.
Let us look at the causes and symptoms of goiter first. We shall then delve into the home remedies for goiter.
What Causes Goiter?
The lack of iodine in the body is the most common cause of goiter. For the thyroid hormone to be formed, iodine is an essential element that is required. When enough iodine is not present in our diet, lesser thyroid hormone is produced causing the thyroid gland to get inflamed. Some of the other causes of goiter are as follows –- Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s diseases and Graves’ disease, wherein the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid hormone production
- Radiation therapy for cancer
- Certain medications
- Thyroid cancer (1, 2)
Goiter Symptoms
- Coughing for no reason
- Having a constricted feeling in the throat
- Hoarseness of voice
- Discomfort or pain while swallowing
- Mood swings
- Visible swelling at the base of your neck
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Wheezing (1, 2)
If you are diagnosed with goiter, surgery or drugs are not the only solution. Fortunately, you can try several home remedies to reduce the size of the thyroid gland and get relief from the symptoms. These, as mentioned, work best if used in conjunction with the prescribed medicines.
Effective And Best Remedies For Goiter Cure
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- A glass of warm water
What You Have To Do
Mix the honey and vinegar with water and drink this, preferably on an empty stomach.How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day in the morning.Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar is mildly acidic, restores the pH balance in the body. It detoxifies the body, and this indirectly helps to increase iodine absorption and reduce the thyroid swelling (3).2. Castor Oil For Goiter
You Will Need
Few drops of castor oilWhat You Have To Do
- Massage the neck area with the oil gently.
- Leave the oil on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every night, before going to bed.Why This Works
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties that will help to reduce the swelling in the thyroid gland (4).3. Coconut Oil For Goiter
4. Bentonite Clay For Goiter
You Will Need
- 2-3 tablespoons bentonite clay
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Make a paste by adding enough water to the clay powder and mix well.
- Apply this on the neck and let it dry.
- Wash it off with plain water.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this clay mask once in every 2-3 days and observe the changes in the swelling.Why This Works
As strange as it may sound, bentonite clay can help treat goiter. It is a natural clay that helps to suck out the toxins and reduce the swelling (6).5. Watercress For Goiter
You Will Need
- Handful of watercress
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Grind the watercress with water to get a thick paste.
- Apply this on the neck and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply watercress paste on the neck 2-3 times a week. It is recommended to drink watercress juice twice every day for a few weeks to see results for alleviated goiter symptoms.Why This Works
Watercress is high in iodine and also contains many other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help in curing goiter (7).6. Dandelion Leaves For Goiter
You Will Need
- Handful of dandelion leaves
- 1 tablespoon clarified butter (ghee)
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Grind the leaves with some water to make a paste.
- To this, add the ghee and heat the mixture for a few minutes, until it becomes lukewarm.
- Apply this on the neck and keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Then, rinse it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every day for a week or two to notice results.Why This Works
Dandelion leaves have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (8). Hence, this paste can reduce the swelling of the thyroid gland and give you relief from the associated symptoms.7. Juice Recipes For Goiter
(a) Lemon Juice For Goiter
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon honey
What You Have To Do
- Crush the garlic and mix it with the lemon juice and honey.
- Drink this in the morning.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach.Why This Works
Both lemon and garlic contain anti-inflammatory compounds. This remedy also works to remove any toxins that have accumulated in the body due to infections, by eliminating the microbes with their antimicrobial properties (9, 10, 11).(b) Pineapple Juice For Goiter
You Will Need
- 4-5 pineapple pieces
- 1 medium-sized carrot
- 2 tomatoes
What You Have To Do
- Blend everything together to get a smooth juice. You can add some water to adjust the consistency.
- Drink this juice, either at room temperature or slightly chilled.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink a glass of this pineapple blend every day.Why This Works
Pineapple is rich in vitamins and minerals. It can help with the symptoms of goiter, particularly the coughing (12). Make pineapples a part of your everyday diet, and you’ll see a difference pretty soon.8. Kelp For Goiter
You Will Need
Dried kelp powderWhat You Have To Do
Add a tablespoon of this powder to any smoothie and consume it.How Often You Should Do This
Make kelp a part of your regular diet to treat goiter symptoms.Why This Works
There is a reason why the Japanese are mostly goiter-free! They eat plenty of kelp in their regular diet. Kelp is a seaweed and helps to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland, thanks to its high iodine content. You can buy kelp from a Japanese food store.Caution
Do not consume for longer periods of time as the thyroid levels can increase and cause hyperthyroidism (13).9. Kachnar For Goiter
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons kachnar bark powder
- 160 ml water
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
What You Have To Do
- Add the kachnar powder to water and boil this until the concoction reduces to 40% of its original volume.
- Strain and divide the concoction into two and add ginger powder.
- Drink one portion early in the morning, before breakfast and drink the second part in the evening.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every day.Why This Works
Also known as Kanchanara, Kachnar is indigenous to India and is a common Ayurvedic remedy for goiter. Prescribed by herbal practitioners for growth and swelling in the body, this herb reduces the thyroid swelling and also regulates the production of the thyroid hormone (14).10. Gotu Kola For Goiter
You Will Need
Gotu kola capsulesWhat You Have To Do
Ingest two capsules every day with water.How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day until the goiter heals.Why This Works
Like kachnara, gotu kola is also a herbal medicine prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners for goiter treatment.Caution
Pregnant women should not use this herb.11. Moringa (Malunggay) For Goiter
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon dried moringa leaves
- A cup of hot water
What You Have To Do
- Steep the leaves in hot water for a few minutes.
- Strain and drink this decoction.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink moringa tea once every day.Why This Works
This herbal tea has an earthy taste and very refreshing for the body. It has been shown to inhibit the chemicals that partake in the inflammation process (15). When used to treat goiter, it can reduce the thyroid gland swelling with the above-mentioned property.12. Turmeric For Goiter
You Will Need
- 1/2 cup turmeric powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper powder
- 70 ml cold pressed olive oil or coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Heat the water in a pan with turmeric powder in it.
- Cook this slowly for 5-10 minutes, until you get a thick paste.
- Now add the black pepper and the oil, and stir well.
- Remove from the flame and store in an airtight container.
- Have a teaspoon of this paste.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice a day.Why This Works
Turmeric is a potent spice that not only adds color and flavor to food but also possesses multiple beneficial properties that improve health. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce the goiter inflammation. It also helps to protect the body cells from the effects of these haphazard levels of thyroid hormone. Turmeric also possesses anti-cancer properties (16).13. Flax seeds
You Will Need
- 2-3 tablespoons flaxseeds
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Grind the flaxseeds and make a paste with a little bit of water.
- Apply this paste on your neck and let it stand for 20-25 minutes.
- Wash and pat the area dry.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once every day until the swelling goes away.Why This Works
This remedy will help reduce the swelling, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseeds (17).14. Neck Exercise For Goiter
- Upward Neck Stretch – Sit on a chair and lift your chin towards the ceiling. Stretch the neck as much as possible and then stay in that position for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise 10-12 times and do it every day religiously.
- Sideways Neck Stretch – Slowly bend your neck to the side, so that the ear touches your shoulder. Stretch as much as possible and then repeat on the other side. Do 10 repetitions on each side.
15. Beets For Goiter
You Will Need
Fresh beetrootsWhat You Have To Do
- Boil, steam or lightly bake the beets.
- Add some seasoning and consume them.
How Often You Should Do This
Eat beets often to improve the thyroid swelling.Why This Works
Betalain pigments found in beetroot have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (18). Hence, beets is an excellent remedy to treat inflammatory diseases like goiter.16. Garlic
You Will Need
3-4 garlic clovesWhat You Have To Do
Chew garlic cloves as they are in the morning. If you feel that they are too pungent to eat by themselves, crush the garlic and add some honey to them before ingesting.How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day in the morning.Why This Works
Garlic is known for its many medicinal properties and is used to treat several health conditions. Garlic stimulates the production of glutathione in the body as it contains selenium, which is required for the healthy functioning of the thyroid (19). Garlic can also be included in the diet in the form of salsa and chutneys.17. Green Tea
You Will Need
- A green tea bag
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- A cup of hot water
What You Have To Do
- Place the tea bag in hot water and let the herbal tea brew for a few minutes.
- Remove the tea bag, add honey, and mix well.
- Drink this tea warm.
How Often You Should Do This
Have 2-3 cups of green tea in a day.Why This Works
We all know that green tea is replete with antioxidants and that is why it is considered incredibly healthy. Daily consumption of green tea can not only cure goiter, but it can also prevent it. Green tea also contains a high amount of natural fluoride, which helps in supporting the healthy functioning of the thyroid (20).18. Lemon Balm Tea
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm (or 2 teaspoons fresh lemon balm)
- A cup of hot water
- Honey
What You Have To Do
- Pour the hot water over the herb and let the tea steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the decoction and add honey for taste.
- Sip on this warm herbal tea.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink 2-3 cups of this herbal tea every day until the goiter symptoms are gone.Why This Works
Lemon balm tea is known to help treat goiter by slowing down the functioning of the pituitary gland and lowering the levels of TSH (21).19. Bladderwrack
You Will Need
- 1/2-1 teaspoon bladderwrack powder
- A cup of hot water
What You Have To Do
Steep the tea for 8-10 minutes, strain, and then drink it.How Often You Should Do This
Drink bladderwrack tea every day for relieving goiter.Why This Works
This seaweed is rich in iodine and is commonly used for goiter treatment. Its iodine content caters to one of the main reasons because of which the thyroid gland swells up. The thyroid hormone levels are increased, and the swelling slowly starts to disappear (22).20. Sorrel Leaves (Spinach Dock)
You Will Need
- 1/2 cup sorrel leaves
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Add the oil to the leaves along with some water and make a paste.
- Lie down and apply this on the neck.
- Keep it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once every day.Why This Works
Sorrel leaves act as cooling agents while reducing the swelling with their anti-inflammatory properties (23).21. Bugleweed For Goiter
You Will Need
- 1 bugleweed tea bag
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- A cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Steep the tea bag for 5-7 minutes.
- Add honey and drink this.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink the tea three times a day for best results.Why This Works
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is indigenous to North America and has been used since time immemorial to treat hyperthyroidism, breast pain, weak heart, and edema. It is high in flavonoid, phenolic acids, and tannins. It can inhibit thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), but be sure to consult your doctor before you start using it to treat goiter (24).22. Motherwort For Goiter
You Will Need
- 1/2-1 teaspoon motherwort herb
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- A cup of hot water
What You Have To Do
- Brew motherwort tea and add the honey for taste.
- Drink this.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink motherwort tea twice a day for best results.Why This Works
Many people suffer from palpitations and fast heartbeat because of hyperthyroidism. These symptoms of goiter can be alleviated with motherwort. It is rich is flavonoid, tannins, and alkaloids, and can help reduce the size of your goiter (25).23. Oak Bark For Goiter
You Will Need
- 2-3 tablespoons dried oak bark
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Make a paste of the oak bark and apply on the neck.
- Let it sit for an hour or so. You can leave it on overnight as well.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every night, before going to bed.Why This Works
This will help reduce the size of your goiter with its anti-inflammatory propertes, thus alleviating many of the symptoms (26).24. Coleus Leaves For Goiter
Though coleus is an ornamental plant, its leaves are also used in salads in Asia. They have many medicinal properties (27). You can consume them in salads to help reduce the size of your goiter and ease the symptoms that come with it.25. Barley Water
You Will Need
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- Rind of one lemon
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- Water
What You Have To Do
Rinse the barley thoroughly. Then soak the barley in enough water and let this come to a boil. Strain the barley.- Add this barley to another pan with about 10 cups of water.
- Grate the lemon rind and add this to the barley-water mix.
- Add the lemon juice and sugar. Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Strain and store in the refrigerator in an air-tight bottle.
- Once chilled, drink a glass of this water.
How Often You Should Do This
Have a glass of barley water every day.Why This Works
Drinking barley water once a day reduces the swelling and alleviate other goiter symptoms as well. Barley is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants that build up the body’s immunity and help fight diseases. It also cleanses toxins from the body (28).We would like to reiterate this – While these home remedies for goiter will help, you should ensure that you use them in conjunction with the medications prescribed by your doctor. Also, make it a point to be extremely careful about your diet. You should be looking to eat foods rich in iodine and selenium, while eating limited quantities of goitrogenic foods. And don’t forget the neck exercises!
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