Effective Natural Remedies For Goiter

Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland by producing too few hormones (hypothyroidism) or too much hormone (hyperthyroidism). It is characterized by difficulty in breathing, discomfort while swallowing, and swelling at the back of the neck.

The thyroid gland produces two types of hormones, called triiodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine(T4), which help to regulate blood circulation and metabolism. When too much or too little of T3 and T4 hormone is produced, goiter occurs.

Home Remedies For Goiter

Garlic

Aside from reducing swelling, garlic also encourages the production of glutathione, a molecule that helps maintain a healthy thyroid gland. It has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and plant chemicals that help body cells to function and help treat the problem.

Here are some of the ways wherein you can use garlic to remedy this problem:

  1. Just chew 3 to 4 raw garlic cloves in the morning or add these cloves to your diet.
  2. Simply mince garlic and sprinkle on a homemade buttered toast. Eat this toast regularly to strengthen the immune system and get relief from pain caused by goiter.
  3. Make a salad dressing by mixing garlic, chop parsley, and squeeze some fresh lemon juice. Use this as a salad dressing to treat goiter.
  4. Make salsa by adding together minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, onions, and olive oil. Have this daily to get rid of goiter.
  5. Also, you can mince garlic and mix it in a mashed ripe avocado. Mice garlic can even be added to your sauces or in mashed potatoes to get the best taste.
  6. Lastly, boil a cup of water. Stir in ½ teaspoon of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Steep for a few minutes, strain, and drink daily.

Watercress

Watercress or scurvy grass is rich in iodine, vitamin B17, sulfur, germanium, and antioxidants. Prevent goiter by adding it regularly in your cooking.

Also, you can crush, grind, or blend enough watercress to make 2 tablespoons of paste and then, apply it to your neck and leave on 15-20 minutes. Rinse with water and pat dry.

Or, simply mix the 2 tablespoons of crushed watercress into a ½ glass of water and drink it 3 times daily for at least 5-6 weeks. Follow this regularly to prevent goiter.

Dandelion Leaves

Dandelion leaves reduce swelling in the neck.

Make a paste by adding water into a handful of crushed dandelion leaves. Mix the paste with clarified butter and heat it slightly in a pan. Apply to swollen areas of the neck and leave for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off with water. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks.

Flaxseed Paste

Tons of vitamins and minerals can be found in flaxseed. It can help your body heal and reduce inflammation and swelling. In Ancient Indian Medicine, flaxseed paste is used to reduce the pain and inflammation of any health ailments.

Crush 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds to make a powder or you can use flaxseed powder. Mix it with water to make a paste and apply to the neck and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with water and pat dry.

Another way of using flaxseed is by boiling it in water for a few minutes. Use this warm water to wash the throat and neck to reduce swelling.

Kelp Or Seaweed

Kelp or brown algae is packed with iodine that can help regulate your thyroid gland. It also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried kelp powder to your smoothies that are made from milk, fruits or ice. Drink this smoothie regularly.

Or you can just soak kelp buds in water for few hours and add them to the salads and wraps.

Green Tea

Green tea can help enhance the proper functioning of the thyroid gland as it contains stimulating and energy-boosting properties. It has naturally-occurring fluorides and anti-oxidants that protect your glands from toxins and free radicals.

Boil a cup of water and stir in 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and drink. Drink this tea three times a day. You can also use a tea bag to prepare the tea.

Coconut Oil

The lauric acid found in coconut oil has anti-protozoa, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties that treat thyroid problems. It also has medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides that the body converts into energy, and it reduces inflammation and heals damaged tissues.

Prevent goiter by simply using coconut oil in place of your regular cooking and try the following coffee recipe.

Mix equal quantities of coconut oil and organic, unsalted butter. Stir this mixture into hot coffee until it dissolves. Stir in honey and vanilla to taste. Drink this mix daily in the morning and evening to help treat the goiter problem.

Foods Rich In Iodine

The major cause of goiter is iodine deficiency. Having proper dosages of iodine as well as adding iodine-rich foods to your regular diet will help prevent goiter.

The proper dosage of iodine:

For adults, that means 150 micrograms a day.
For kids under 6, use 50 micrograms.
For kids 7-12, use 90 micrograms.
For pregnant women, the recommended dosage is 200 micrograms.

Iodine-rich foods:

Seafood
Iodized salt
Turkey
Eggs
Cod
Baked potato with peel
Navy beans
Tuna
Cranberries
Kelp
Plain yogurt
Kale
cabbage
Shrimp
Milk

Selenium-Rich Foods

Selenium also plays a major role in keeping the thyroid gland healthy and functioning properly. During the synthesis process, selenium converts into various types of selenoproteins and help the production of thyroid hormones, and protects the thyroid gland against goiter.

Here are some of its sources:

Shellfish
Mushrooms
Brazil nuts
Sunflower seeds
Kidney
Crab
Liver
Meat
Eggs
Poultry
Fish, especially salmon
Onions
Brown rice, wheat, barley, and oats