17 Effective Home Remedies For Goiter

Goiter is characterized by swelling of the thyroid gland. Though this condition may appear to be a frightening illness, you can easily treat it with the right combination of medical care and home remedies. In this article, we have listed the most effective home remedies for goiter. We have also discussed the causes of goiter, its symptoms, and who is most at risk of developing it. Scroll down to check them out!

About The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland present in the lower front of the neck (1). This gland is responsible for secreting thyroid hormones, which maintain our body’s metabolism. Insufficiency or excess of thyroid hormones leads to malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.

Did You Know?

Leonardo Da Vinci drew the first depiction of the thyroid gland in 1511.

What Is Goiter?

Goiter is a medical condition that is characterized by the enlargement or swelling of the thyroid gland (2). This may happen due to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid glands), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid glands), or euthyroidism (normal thyroid functioning). In simpler words, the lack of and also the excess of 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 .

Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, a specialty registrar at Addenbrookes Hospital, says, “If goiter is left untreated, it can continue to grow and cause compression of nearby structures, such as the trachea or esophagus. This can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing.”

Medical intervention is the most sought-after method for goiter treatment. Dr. Afzal says, “The treatment for goiter depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, it may not require treatment if it is small and does not cause symptoms. If it is causing symptoms, treatment may involve medications, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy.”

He adds, “Medications may be used to treat an overactive thyroid or an underactive thyroid, which can cause goiter. Surgery may be necessary if the goiter is causing compression or breathing difficulties. Radioactive iodine therapy may be used to shrink the goiter by destroying the overactive thyroid cells.”

Hence, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment for a goiter, as the fastest way to treat it may depend on the underlying cause.

But, with the use of simple home remedies, you can alleviate the symptoms and assist the prescribed 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.

Iodine is one of the most important minerals to make thyroid hormones. The gland cannot make enough thyroid hormones if it does not get enough iodine from diet. Hence, iodine deficiency is the primary cause of developing goiter (3).

Dr. Afzal says, “Salt that is fortified with iodine can help to prevent goiter caused by iodine deficiency. However, if goiter is caused by another underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disorder, simply increasing iodine intake may not be effective in treating it.”

Some of the other causes of goiter are as follows:

• Autoimmune diseasesⁱ  XA condition in which the body’s immune system cannot differentiate between healthy cells and foreign cells and attacks its own cells. , such as Hashimoto’s diseases and Graves’ disease, wherein the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid hormone production
• Genetic defects
• Injury or any infection to thyroid glands (3)
• Radiation therapy for cancer
• Certain medications
• Benignⁱ  XA term used to indicate an abnormal growth of cells or tumors that is non-cancerous and cannot invade nearby tissues. tumors or thyroid cancer (3)

Dr. Afzal notes, “Not all goiters are cancerous, but some types can be a symptom of thyroid cancer. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and rule out any potential malignancies.”

Who Are At Risk Of Goiter?

• Women over the age of 40
• Family history of autoimmune disease
• People with low iodine in diet (4)

Goiter Symptoms

If you notice the following symptoms, it is quite possible that you have goiter:

• Coughing for no reason
• Having a constricted feeling in the throat
• Hoarseness of voice
• Discomfort or pain while swallowing
• Mood swings
• Difficulty in swallowing (2)
• Visible swelling at the base of your neck
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Difficulty in breathing (2)
• Puffy face (2)

Please remember that many of these symptoms are also associated with other health conditions. Hence, do not assume you have goiter without getting a confirmed diagnosis from your doctor. In the interim, you may take some precautionary steps to prevent goiter and thyroid-related health issues. Check them out in the next section.

How To Prevent Goiter?

Here are a few prevention tips to keep a tab on your thyroid hormones and steer clear of goiter:

• Incorporate iodized table salt and iodine-rich foods into your diet.
• Get your thyroid function tested annually to ensure early detection of abnormalities or symptoms.
• Get in touch with your doctor immediately if you notice any of the symptoms of goiter or feel a lumpy presence in your throat.
• Consider taking iodine supplements for goiter. Discuss this with your doctor first to get checked for an iodine deficiency as it can be helpful in preventing dietary goiter.
• Opt for frequent medical follow-ups if you are taking certain medications, such as immunosuppressants, as they may leave your body vulnerable to the condition.

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.

Home Remedies For Goiter

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 the mixture, 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 and restores the pH balance in the body  (5). It detoxifies the body, and this indirectly helps to increase iodine absorption and reduce the thyroid swelling.

2. Castor Oil

You Will Need

A few drops of castor oil

What You Have To Do

1. Massage the neck area with the oil gently.
2. 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 can help reduce swelling in the thyroid gland (6). It detoxifies the liver and helps in conversion of T4 to active T3.

3. Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil contains high levels of lauric acid, a medium-chain triglyceride, which is converted into monolaurin, and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as improves metabolism (7). You can add it to your hot drinks, smoothies, and use it as a salad dressing as well as cooking.

4. Bentonite Clay

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoons bentonite clay
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Make a paste by adding enough water to the clay powder and mix well.
2. Apply this paste on the neck and let it dry.
3. Wash it off with plain water.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this clay mask once every 2-3 days and observe the changes in the swelling.

Why This Works

It is a natural clay that helps to cleanse the body of toxin build-up and has effective antimicrobial properties (8).

5. Seaweed

You Will Need

A handful of seaweed

What You Have To Do

Boil a handful of seaweed to make a salad. Add dressing as per your choice.

How Often You Should Do This

Include it once or twice a week in your meal. Do not overdo it.

Why This Works

Seaweed is a good source of iodine that helps to produce thyroid hormones.(9). Seaweed also contains tyrosine, a supportive amino acid that aids the production of thyroid hormones (10).

6. Dandelion Leaves

You Will Need

• A handful of dandelion leaves
• 1 tablespoon clarified butter (ghee)
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Grind the leaves with some water to make a paste.
2. Add the ghee to this and heat the mixture for a few minutes until it becomes lukewarm.
3. Apply this on the neck and keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every day for a week or two.

Why This Works

Dandelion leaves have antioxidant properties and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects (11), (12). Hence, this paste can reduce the swelling of the thyroid gland and relieve the associated symptoms.

7. Juice Recipes

(a) Lemon Juice

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon honey

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the garlic and mix it with the lemon juice and honey.
2. 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 helps to remove any toxins that have accumulated in the body due to infections by eliminating the microbes with their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (13), (14).

(b) Pineapple Juice

You Will Need

• 4-5 pineapple pieces
• 1 medium-sized carrot
• 2 tomatoes

What You Have To Do

1. Blend everything to get a smooth juice. You can add some water to adjust the consistency.
2. 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 ingestion can improve the hormonal thyroid status and reduce the size of the goiter (15).

8. Ashwagandha

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons ashwagandha bark powder
• 160 ml water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the Ashwagandha bark powder to water and boil this until the concoction reduces to 40% of its original volume.
2. Strain and divide the concoction.
3. Drink one portion early in the morning, before breakfast, and the second part in the evening.
4. You can also add this powder to milk or smoothies.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every day.

Why This Works

Ashwagandha is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that helps to boost the functioning of the thyroid gland. It increases the production of T3 and T4 hormones (16). Normally, chronic stress increases the levels of cortisolⁱ  XA steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps the body deal with stressful situations. , which impairs proper functioning of thyroid hormones. Ashwagandha powder fights this stress to stimulate endocrine secretions (16).

9. Moringa (Malunggay)

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon dried moringa leaves
• A cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Steep the leaves in hot water for a few minutes.
2. Strain and drink this decoction.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink moringa tea once every day.

Why This Works

Moringa leaves can help regulate the production of thyroid hormones (17). This herbal tea has an earthy taste and is very refreshing for the body.

10. Turmeric

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

1. Heat the water in a pan and add turmeric powder to it.
2. Cook this slowly for 5-10 minutes until you get a thick paste.
3. Add the black pepper and oil and stir well.
4. Remove from the flame and store in an airtight container.
5. Have a teaspoon of this paste.

Note: This golden paste can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

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. Studies have found that turmeric could be useful in goiter treatment (18).

11. Flax seeds

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoons flaxseeds
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Grind the flaxseeds and make a paste with a little bit of water.
2. Apply this paste on your neck and let it stand for 20-25 minutes.
3. 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

Flax seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid, which forms resolvins that have anti-inflammatory properties (19). These properties may help reduce swelling.

Caution: Do not consume flax seeds without consulting your doctor as they may have a contrary effect.

12. Neck Exercise

Stretching exercises for the neck are also known to aid in the treatment of goiter. These exercises can help stretch the muscles that are connected to the thyroid gland and reduce the swelling.

• 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.
• 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.

Note: Do not exert yourself when trying to do these neck exercises. Stretch as much as you can without causing any discomfort to yourself. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop the exercise immediately.

13. Garlic

You Will Need

3-4 garlic cloves

What You Have To Do

Chew garlic cloves as they are in the morning. If you feel that they are too pungent, crush the cloves 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 stimulates the production of glutathione in the body as it contains selenium, which is required for the healthy functioning of the thyroid (20).

Quick Tip

You can also mix crushed garlic with lemon juice and warm water. Drink it every morning.

14. 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

1. Pour the hot water over the herb and let the tea steep for a few minutes. Make sure to keep the lid on while making the tea as it will prevent the aromatic oils of the balm from escaping with the steam.
2. Strain the decoction and add honey for taste.
3. Sip on this warm herbal tea.

Be sure to keep the lid on while making the tea, as it will prevent the aromatic oils of the balm from escaping with the steam.

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 is an effective stress management booster. It reduces psychological stress, which is the most common reason for developing thyroid disorders (21).

15. Nuts

You Will Need

A handful of nuts

What You Have To Do

Soak a handful of nuts overnight or munch on them as it is.

How Often You Should Do This

Have a handful of nuts either as a wake-up snack or in between meals.

Why This Works

Nuts are not only rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids but also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties (22). Among all nuts, Brazil nuts are the richest sources of selenium (23). Selenium acts as a stimulating factor in the conversion of T4 hormone to the most active form – T3 hormone (24).

16. Fish Oil

You Will Need

Fish oil supplement either in capsule form or in liquid form

What You Have To Do

Take a teaspoon of fish oil every day.

How Often You Should Do This

Once a day.

Why This Works

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to metabolize thyroid hormone in liver (25).

17. Motherwort

You Will Need

• 1/2-1 teaspoon motherwort herb
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• A cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Brew motherwort tea and add honey for taste.
2. Drink this.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink motherwort tea twice a day for best results.

Why This Works

Many people experience palpitations and fast heartbeat due to hyperthyroidism. These symptoms of goiter can be alleviated with motherwort (26).

Besides these remedies, it is important to make a few lifestyle changes to improve your health. Sushmita, a beauty and lifestyle vlogger, elaborated the necessary changes she had to make to improve her thyroid condition. She started sleeping early, switched to a balanced and healthy diet and an active lifestyle, and improved her water intake. She said, “These changes and natural remedies really worked for me (i)”

We would like to reiterate that 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 goitrogenicⁱ  XA substance that triggers the pituitary gland to release excess thyroid-stimulating hormones and cause goiter. foods. And don’t forget the neck exercises!

Infographic: Most Easy Home Remedies To Treat Goiter

As you now know, there are many home remedies you can use to manage goiter. However, we’d like to highlight a few remedies that are easy to make right from your kitchen pantry. And they are made with all natural ingredients like turmeric and coconut oil.

Check out the infographic below to learn some incredibly easy to make home remedies that may help treat goiter.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Tips For Treating Goiter

• Take a cold shower twice a day. This is supposed to stimulate the thyroid gland to function properly.
• Keep a tab on the medication you generally use as these can also trigger goiter. You can share the list (with the dosage) with your doctor to determine if any of these medications are the cause.
• Do the neck exercises regularly, but also keep in mind that these exercises should not be causing you any pain.
• Try to gently massage the swelling and the surrounding area using carrier oils like almond oil or olive oil.
• Give acupuncture or aromatherapy a try if you are more inclined to the alternative medicine and therapy for goiter treatment.

What Is The Best Food For Goiter?

There are certain foods that you can include in your diet to speed up recovery from goiter. These food items provide nutrition and replenish the iodine and selenium levels in the body causing a healthy amount of thyroid hormone to be produced. They also contain anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants which reduce the swelling and other symptoms. Here is the recommended diet for goiter.
• Iodine-Rich Diet – If your goiter is caused due to iodine deficiency, you need to replenish your body with an iodine-rich diet. Try using iodized salt or consume more seafood, cod fish, tuna, eggs, natural yogurt, milk, navy beans, baked potato with skin, and cranberries. Adults should consume about 150 micrograms of iodine every day to keep goiter away.
• Lettuce – Do not confuse this green leafy vegetable with cabbage, which is a cruciferous vegetable (and is not recommended for goiter patients). Lettuce is rich in iodine and is apt for consumption by goiter patients.
• Selenium Rich Foods – Your thyroid gland requires selenium to function at its optimal level. Some foods are naturally rich in this mineral like Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, shellfish, onions, mushrooms, wheatgerm, barley, meats, poultry, eggs, and fatty fish. Even meat items like kidney and liver can be consumed as they contain a good amount of selenium in them. Make these foods a part of your daily diet to help cure goiter.
• Bananas and pineapples are also recommended for goiter treatment.

What Food To Avoid For Goiter?

Goitrogenic foods are those that hinder normal functioning of the thyroid gland. As a result, the gland is unable to synthesize iodine properly. So, there are some foods that you should eat in moderation, and these include:

• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Turnip
• Brussels sprouts
• Mustard greens
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Soy beans
• Peanuts
• Radish
• Sweet potatoes
• Strawberries
You can cook goitrogenic foods to negate their effect on your thyroid. While it is not necessary to eliminate them from your diet completely, you should consume them in moderation.

What is the best vitamin for a goiter?

Studies have found a link between vitamin A deficiency and a goiter (27). Apart from iodine-rich foods, you should consume vitamin A-rich foods like eggs, oily fish, and cheese to help keep your goiter under control.

Is coffee good for a goiter?

No, studies indicate that coffee may block the absorption of the thyroxine hormone (28). Hence, consult your doctor to understand if you can consume coffee in case you have a goiter or other associated conditions.

Can a goiter become cancerous?

Yes, nodules in your goiter may hint towards cancerous growth. Consult a doctor and get the right tests done to understand your situation.

What happens if a goiter is not treated?

Untreated goiter can lead to hyperthyroidism (excess level of thyroid hormone) or Graves’ ophthalmopathy (inflammation of the tissues and muscles around the eyes) (29).

Can a goiter burst?

While it is very rare, a goiter can burst due to severe neck trauma.

Do goiters keep growing?

Yes, they can continue to grow, even in different directions, making it difficult to swallow or breathe. A person may also develop cellular growths, called thyroid nodules, in the goiter (which may be either cancerous or benign).

Can a goiter shrink on its own?

Yes, it is possible for a goiter to shrink and heal on its own. However, this depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, it warrants proper treatment.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. SabaBHMS, MD

   

Dr. Saba is a gold medalist with 6+ years of clinical experience. She specializes in treating both chronic and acute illnesses of all kinds. She also has three years of experience as a homeopathic editor, instructional designer, and subject matter expert.more

• 

  Dr. Zeeshan AfzalMD

  Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, is a specialty registrar at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, UK. He has a background in clinical science and has been featured in CNBC. Dr. Afzal has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Leicester.
  
  Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, is a specialty registrar at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, UK. He has a background in clinical science and has been featured in CNBC. Dr. Afzal has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Leicester.

Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing. She writes articles on home remedies and ensures to present a balanced perspective to the reader. When she is not...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications. She writes articles that provide guidance on natural remedies for common health concerns, empowering readers to embrace the healing power of...more