5 natural remedies for managing goiter
The thyroid gland present in the lower front of the neck is responsible
for secreting thyroid hormones, which maintain our body’s metabolism.
Insufficiency or excess of thyroid hormones may cause malfunctioning of
the thyroid gland. Goiter is a medical condition that is characterized
by an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland. It may be caused by
various factors such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid glands),
hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid glands), or euthyroidism (normal
thyroid functioning). To put it in simple words, the lack or excess of
thyroid hormone can cause the gland to swell up. You may be aware that
iodine is one of the most important minerals that help produce thyroid
hormones. If your gland does not get enough iodine from diet, it may not
be able to make enough thyroid hormones. Thus, iodine deficiency is the
primary cause of goiter.Most goiters are usually painless, but a large
goiter can cause a cough and make it difficult for you to breathe or
swallow. It can also bring along many other symptoms that can disrupt
the normal functioning of your body. Goiter may lead to hoarseness in
the voice. Goiter can easily be managed with a proper medical treatment.
However, there are certain simple yet effective natural remedies that
can help reduce the size of your goiter and relief symptoms. Here are 5
natural remedies to manage your goiter.
Dandelion: Dandelion is rich in antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and circulatory disorders. The leaves of this herb can reduce inflammation and neck swelling. Take two to three leaves of dandelion and heat in a pan with ½ tsp clarified butter (ghee). Apply these leaves over the goiter to shrink it.
Pineapple: Pineapple is a rich source of iodine. Drinking a glass of pineapple juice every day can prove effective in improving iodine levels in the body and thus shrink the goiter.
Sorrel Leaves: Sorrel leaves (spinach dock) are rich in iodine and can help prevent a goiter. Prepare a fine paste by grinding four to five sorrel leaves with a little olive oil. Apply this mixture over the affected area to alleviate swelling. You can also add sorrel leaves to salads, soups or sauces.
Garlic: Garlic increases the production of glutathione, a molecule that helps maintain healthy levels of the thyroid hormone. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic can help reduce swelling of the thyroid. Crush two garlic cloves and take them with warm water every night before going to bed.
Neck Stretches: Neck stretches can help loosen the muscles close to the thyroid gland and improve blood circulation, reducing any swelling. Stretch your neck from side to side every two hours to find relief from the swelling.
Dandelion: Dandelion is rich in antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and circulatory disorders. The leaves of this herb can reduce inflammation and neck swelling. Take two to three leaves of dandelion and heat in a pan with ½ tsp clarified butter (ghee). Apply these leaves over the goiter to shrink it.
Pineapple: Pineapple is a rich source of iodine. Drinking a glass of pineapple juice every day can prove effective in improving iodine levels in the body and thus shrink the goiter.
Sorrel Leaves: Sorrel leaves (spinach dock) are rich in iodine and can help prevent a goiter. Prepare a fine paste by grinding four to five sorrel leaves with a little olive oil. Apply this mixture over the affected area to alleviate swelling. You can also add sorrel leaves to salads, soups or sauces.
Garlic: Garlic increases the production of glutathione, a molecule that helps maintain healthy levels of the thyroid hormone. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic can help reduce swelling of the thyroid. Crush two garlic cloves and take them with warm water every night before going to bed.
Neck Stretches: Neck stretches can help loosen the muscles close to the thyroid gland and improve blood circulation, reducing any swelling. Stretch your neck from side to side every two hours to find relief from the swelling.