28 Amazing & Effective Home Remedies For Goitre

Disorders Cure

oi-Amritha K

By Amritha K

Thursday, December 6, 2018, 9:45

Goitre is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is one of the most common thyroid disorders and is mostly harmless. It is also termed as iodine deficiency disorder because the lack of iodine content in the body is the most common ^[1] cause of goitre. The thyroid glands get swollen up, which will lead to the swelling of the neck or the voice box (larynx). Diffuse small goitre and nodular goitre are the two types and do not necessarily show any symptoms in all cases.

The most common symptoms of goitre are coughing, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, and a visible swelling^[2] at the base of your neck. The enlarging of the thyroid glands are caused by iodine deficiency, Grave's disease, Hashimoto's disease, multinodular goitre, solitary thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and inflammation.

Goitre can develop during any age, it some cases it may be present from the time of birth. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism^[3] are also agents of goitre, which can cause weight loss, weight gain, fatigue, irritability and insomnia. Currently, there is an estimate of 1.5 Billion people^[4] (in India) who have been diagnosed with a goitre.

Generally, medical attention is the answer for goitre. However, what if we tell you that there are twenty-eight different ways in which you can help turn around the situation? These are simple, yet effective home remedies to treat goitre naturally.

Take a look!

1. Virgin Coconut Oil

The high amount of lauric acid in coconut oil ^[5] is highly beneficial for reducing the swelling. On consuming, the lauric acid is converted to monolaurin. Monolaurin has antimicrobial properties and improves iodine absorption from the food. Virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory ^[6] properties as well, which helps in reducing the swelling.

You can benefit from the goodness of virgin coconut oil by adding it in smoothies, hot drinks such as tea or coffee, soups and use it for cooking as well.

2. Castor Oil

The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil ^[7] helps in reducing the goitre swelling. It is said to have an effective impact in reducing the size of the swelling.

Take few drops of castor oil and gently massage the swollen neck area in circular motion. Leave the oil on overnight, and continue doing this every night until the swelling reduces.

3. Dandelion Leaves

The application of the leaves for relieving goitre has been prevalent in Ayurvedic medicine for many years. The leaves are considered highly beneficial ^[8] in ancient medicine and are termed as being powerful healers.

Take 2-3 dandelion leaves and make a paste of it. Add 1 teaspoon of ghee or clarified butter and warm the paste. Apply the paste over the goitre and allow it to stay for 15 minutes, and rinse off. Repeat the process twice every day for two weeks.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

The mildly acidic nature of the vinegar ^[9] is beneficial in maintaining and balancing the pH level in your body. It helps in improving the absorption of iodine and thus reducing the symptoms of goitre. The stimulative nature of apple cider vinegar is the central factor helping in alleviating the goitre symptoms.

Take 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of honey and mix it in water. Drink the solution every morning in an empty stomach.

5. Watercress

The iodine, essential vitamin and mineral ^[10] content in watercress helps in curing the swelling. The antioxidants in the herb are beneficial for reducing the size of the goitre.

One way to make use of watercress is by adding two teaspoons of dried watercress into a glass of water and drinking it.

The other way is by making a paste of fresh watercress by grinding the herb and adding water to it. Apply the paste on the neck for 2 to 3 times a week.

6. Bentonite Clay

The toxin absorption ^[11] nature of the clay makes it an effective remedy in the case of goitre. Bentonite clay absorbs the toxins from the goitre and aid in reducing the swelling.

Add water to the bentonite clay and make a smooth paste. Apply the paste evenly on the swollen area and allow it to dry. Thoroughly rinse with water and repeat the process after 2-3 days.

7. Dried Kelp

The high iodine content in the seaweed helps ^[11] to improve the thyroid gland function. Kelp aids in maintaining a balance in the thyroid levels as well.

Make a powder of the dried kelp, or you can buy dried kelp powder from stores. You can consume it by mixing it with any smoothie.

Caution: Avoid consuming it for a longer period of time as it can increase your thyroid hormone levels which can cause hyperthyroidism.

8. Gotu Kola

Another effective herbal medicine, gotu kola^[12] has been used as a medicine for goitre. It is recommended in Ayurvedic medicine as an effective cure for goitre.

Gotu kola is consumed in the form of capsules. It is beneficial to take two capsules every day.

9. Kanchanar Bark

The detoxifying nature of kanchanar makes it beneficial in the treatment for goitre. It detoxifies the lymphatic system and helps to reduce the symptoms^[13] of goitre. It is a common ayurvedic remedy for goitre, as it balances the production of thyroid hormone and reduces the swelling.

Take 10 to 15 grams of kanchanar bark powder in a glass of water (160ml). Boil the water and reduce it to 40 ml. Strain the liquid and drink the concoction twice every day, 30 minutes before your meals. You can continue it for 2 to 3 months.

10. Turmeric

A powerhouse of various benefits, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant^[14] properties. Incorporation of turmeric in the treatment of goitre will help reduce the inflammation and helps the body cells in the event of any imbalance in the levels of thyroid hormone.

Heat a cup of water and add ½ cup of turmeric powder. Let it become a thick paste, then add a half teaspoon of black pepper and 70 ml of olive oil to the paste. Remove from the stove and store the paste in an airtight jar. Take one teaspoon of the paste every day.

11. Flax Seeds

Another anti-inflammatory agent, the seeds^[15] are beneficial in the treatment of goitre. It helps reduce the swelling, thereby relieving the symptoms.

Take 2-3 teaspoons of flax seeds and grind it. Mix it with water and make a paste, and apply the paste on your neck. Let it rest for 20 to 25 minutes and rinse off with water.

12. Sorrel Leaves

Also called as spinach dock, the high content of iodine in the leaves make it useful in the treatment for goitre. Likewise, the anti-inflammatory property ^[16] of the leaves help in reducing the swelling and act as a cooling agent.

Take a handful of sorrel leaves and make a paste of it by adding some water. Apply the mixture on your neck and let it rest for 25 to 30 minutes and wash off. You can repeat the process on a daily basis.

13. Motherwort

The central benefit of the herb is its rich content of^[17] flavonoid, tannins, and alkaloids. It helps boost the existing levels of the aforementioned phytochemical compounds and thus reduces the size of the goitre.

You can make motherwort tea by taking 1 teaspoon of the herb, adding honey and a cup of hot water. Drink it twice a day for effective results.

14. Bladderwrack Powder

The rich content of iodine^[18] in this seaweed is beneficial in the treatment of goitre. Consumption of bladderwrack can solve the low iodine content in your body, the central reason for the development of goitre.

Add bladderwrack powder in a cup of hot water and steep it for 8 to 10 minutes. Strain it and drink. You can drink it every day for relieving goitre.

15. Bugleweed Tea

Having been used in the treatment for hyperthyroidism, breast pain, weak heart, and oedema, bugleweed has a high content of flavonoid, phenolic acids, and tannins. Bugleweed can inhibit the thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) to help relieve ^[19] the symptoms of goitre.

You can make the tea by steeping the bugleweed tea bag in hot water for about 7 minutes. Add honey to the tea and drink thrice a day for effective results.

16. Lemon Balm Tea

Studies have revealed the impact of lemon balm tea in treating goitre. It reduces the levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormones and slows down^[20] the pituitary gland functioning, resulting in treating the symptoms of goitre.

Boil a glass of water and add two teaspoons of the dried herb and let it steep. A few minutes later, strain it and add half a teaspoon of honey. You can drink 2 to 3 cups every day until the symptoms are completely gone.

Caution: Avoid lemon balm if you are suffering from glaucoma.

17. Green Tea

Tightly packed with beneficial antioxidants ^[21] and natural fluoride makes the drink one of the most effective home remedies for goitre. Drinking green tea on a daily basis not only helps in curing goitre but also in ^[22] preventing it. The fluoride in the tea helps in proper functioning of the thyroid.

Boil a cup of water and place the green tea bag in it for a few minutes. Remove the tea bag, you can also add honey - for taste. Have 2 to 3 cups on a daily basis.

18. Moringa Leaves

Also known as malunggay, the herb inhibits the inflammation in your body and helps in healing. It reduces the swelling ^[23] of the thyroid gland.

Take a teaspoon of dried moringa leaves and add to a cup of boiling water. Steep the leaves for a few minutes and strain the solution. You can drink the concoction once every day.

19. Barley Water

Rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants ^[24] that are essential for your body, barley helps in alleviating goitre. The antioxidants build up your body's immunity level, thereby aiding in fighting against conditions such as goitre.

Wash ½ cup of barley, soak it in water and boil it for few minutes. Add grated lemon rind, 1 cup lemon juice and 1 cup sugar into the water and mix well. Strain the barley and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight jar. Drink the chilled water every day.

20. Garlic

The medicinal properties of garlic are limitless. It is used for the treatment of various health conditions. In the case of goitre, garlic helps stimulate the production of glutathione. It is the selenium ^[25] content in garlic that helps in the production, which is critical for the healthy and proper functioning of the thyroid.

You can incorporate garlic in your diet by directly consuming it. To avoid the extreme pungent smell and taste, you can add a teaspoon of honey. Do this every morning.
You can also mix it with lemon juice.

21. Beetroot

The betalain pigments found in beets are proven to have antioxidant ^[26] and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial in the treatment of goitre. Consuming beetroots can help reduce the inflammation.
You can consume beetroot by boiling, steaming or baking it. It can also be made into juice or smoothies.

22. Coleus Leaves

The medicinal properties ^[27] adorned by this ornamental plant makes it beneficial in treating goitre. Consuming coleus leaves will help reduce the size of the goitre and also helps in easing the other related symptoms.

Coleus leaves can be added to salads.

23. Swamp Cabbage

Taken from the cabbage^[28] palm tree, it is considered as the heart of the tree. The leaves of swamp cabbage are useful in treating goitre. Consuming the leaves can help develop the thyroid hormones, and curb the onset of goitre.

Take the leaves of swamp cabbage and make a juice out of it. Consume a teaspoon of the juice with tea almonds once or twice, daily.

24. Dried Oak Bark

The anti-inflammatory property of the bark helps in shrinking the size of the goitre. Oak bark alleviates various symptoms ^[29] of goitre through its application. Substances that are anti-inflammatory in nature has been proven to be highly effective in reducing the swelling.

Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried oak bark powder and mix it with water to make a paste. Apply it on your neck and let it stay for about one hour or overnight. Do it every day to get effective results.

25. Egg Whites

The natural astringent ^[30] property of egg whites is proven to shrink large pores. Applying egg white on the goitre affected area works by shrinking the pores and tightening the tissue.

Whip two egg whites and apply it to the goitre affected area. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and rinse it off with warm water.

26. Fruit Juices

• Pineapple juice - The rich content of vitamins and minerals in pineapple are said to have an effective impact on reducing the symptoms of goitre, such as ^[31] coughing. Drink the juice on a daily basis.

• Lemon juice - The anti-inflammatory compounds present in lemon makes it highly beneficial for the treatment of goitre. It not only shrinks the goitre size but also removes the toxins deposited in the body. It eliminates ^[32] the unwanted microbes due to its antimicrobial property.Take 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 clove of crushed garlic and honey. Drink the mixture in the morning every day.

27. Selenium-rich Foods

As mentioned before, the functioning of your thyroid ^[33] is directly impacted by the selenium levels in your body. It is necessary to consume foods that have a good content of selenium, as your thyroid glands need selenium to function properly.

You can include foods like sunflower seeds, shellfish, onions, mushrooms, barley, meats, poultry, eggs, fatty fish, Brazil nuts, tuna, oats, wheat germ etc. in your diet.

28. Iodine-rich Vegetables & Fruits

One of the central causes of goitre is the lack of iodine in your body. It is important to consume iodine on a daily basis, so as to avoid the occurrence ^[34] of goitre. The primary way to get iodine into your body is through the consumption of iodine-rich vegetables and fruits.

Add vegetables such as potatoes, prunes, bananas, corn, cranberries, green beans, strawberries etc.

While these home remedies for goitre have been proven effective over time, it is advised that you consult with your doctor before considering it - especially if you are undergoing any specific medications.