Home Remedies & Neck Exercises To Treat Goiter Naturally

There is a condition in human beings where there is an enlargement of the thyroid gland in an abnormal manner. This condition is known as goiter and it is in fact one of the common thyroid disorders. However, it is generally harmless. Goiter is also termed as the iodine deficiency disorder, since it is mostly caused due to the lack of iodine in the body. ⁽¹⁾ In patients with goiter, the thyroid glands swell and it further results in the swelling of their neck and the larynx or the voice box. Coughing, hoarseness, problems in breathing and swallowing, and a kind of noticeable swelling, are some of the symptoms of goiter.⁽²⁾ It must be noted that goiter can occur at any age, and in some people it might also be present right from their time of birth. There are several ways to treat goiter and there are even some of the most effective home remedies to treat the condition. In this article we have mentioned some of the home remedies and neck exercises to treat goiter naturally.

It is important for you to note that medical attention is very much required to treat goiter. However, you can try out some of the home remedies for the condition and see if they work for you. Below are some of the home remedies to treat goiter naturally.

1. Virgin Coconut Oil:

   One of the best home remedies to treat goiter naturally is virgin coconut oil. There is a rich amount of lauric acid present in the coconut oil and it is greatly helpful at reducing swelling. Once we consume the coconut oil, the lauric acid found in it gets converted into monolaurian. This Monolaurin has got antimicrobial properties and it improves the absorption of iodine from the food. This oil has even got anti-inflammatory properties in it, which benefits in reducing the swelling. One can get benefit from the virgin coconut oil by adding the oil in hot drinks, smoothies, soups, and also by using the oil for cooking.

2. Castor Oil:

   Castor oil is another type of oil, which can be used as one of the best home remedies to treat goiter naturally. It helps in reducing the swelling of the thyroid gland in goiter patients because of the anti-inflammatory properties.⁽³⁾ This has got an impressive impact in reducing the swelling.

   For using this oil as a home remedy to treat goiter naturally you need to take just few drops of the oil and massage it gently on the swollen area of your neck in a circular manner and leave the oil overnight. You must continue the same every night until the swelling is reduced.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar:

   Another home remedy to treat goiter naturally is by using apple cider vinegar. This is beneficial because the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps in restoring the body’s pH levels, it detoxifies the body, and it also indirectly aids in increasing the absorption of iodine, which in turn reduces the swelling of thyroid.⁽⁴⁾

   Simply take 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar or ACV, ½ tsp of honey and then mix them well in water and drink the prepared solution every morning before taking any food.

4. Dandelion Leaves:

   One more of the several home remedies to treat goiter naturally, is dandelion leaf. In Ayurvedic medicine, the dandelion leaves have been used for getting relief from symptoms of goiter since many years. These leaves are greatly beneficial in ancient ayurvedic medicine and are known as powerful healers.

   Simply take 2 or 3 leaves of dandelion and prepare a paste out of it. Add 1 tspn of ghee and warm the prepared paste. This paste is to be applied over the goiter affected area of your neck and allowed to remain for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off. This process is to be repeated twice in a day, for about 2 weeks to get desired results.

5. Bentonite Clay:

   There is another home remedy to treat goiter naturally. Bentonite clay is one remedy which can work as an effective home remedy for goiter. The clay has got toxin absorption nature and this, benefits in treating goiter. It is a natural clay, that aids in sucking out the toxins and also in reducing the swelling in case of goiter.⁽⁵⁾

   Add water to the clay to prepare a smooth paste and apply the paste on the swollen area quite evenly and leave it to dry. Rinse it off thoroughly with water and repeat the same process again after 3 days.

6. Watercress:

   Watercress is one of the beneficial home remedies to treat goiter naturally. The iodine content, minerals and essential vitamins found in watercress helps in treating the swelling in goiter.⁽⁶⁾ The antioxidants found in the herb are also quite essential for reducing the goiter size.

   You can use watercress by adding 2 tsp of the dried herb into one glass of water and drinking it. You can also use watercress in another way by preparing a paste of fresh watercress and applying it to the affected area of the neck for 2-3 times in one week.

7. Dried Kelp:

   There is another home remedy for treating goiter naturally; and it is the dried kelp. This seaweed contains high level of iodine which helps in improving the function of thyroid gland. Kelp also helps in maintaining proper balance in the levels of thyroid.

   For using this home remedy you need to prepare a powder out of dried kelp or can purchase the powder from stores. You can mix it with any smoothie and can consume it.

   NOTE: Make sure not to consume it for long time as it can increase the levels of your thyroid hormone, which can result in hyperthyroidism.

8. Gotu Kola:

   This is one more effective home remedy for treating goiter. It is taken in the capsules form and is found to be beneficial if two capsules of Gotu Kola are taken every day.

9. Kanchanar Bark:

   Kanchanar bark has detoxifying nature and this makes it quite essential for the treatment of goiter. This detoxifies the lymphatic system and even helps in reducing the goiter symptoms. In fact Kanchanar bark is one common ayurvedic remedy for the treatment of goiter; because it balances the thyroid hormone production and also reduces the swelling.

   For using this as a home remedy to treat goiter you must take about 10 to 15 grams of the bark powder in one glass or 160 ml of water and boil the water till it gets reduced to 40 ml. then, strain the liquid and drink the concoction, at least twice daily; 30 minutes prior to meals. Continuing this for about 3 months would show desired results.

10. Turmeric:

    One of the best home remedies to treat goiter naturally is turmeric. It is considered as a powerhouse of various health benefits. Turmeric has got antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in it and incorporating it in the goiter treatment would help in reducing the inflammation and even help the cells of the body in case of any imbalance of the thyroid hormone levels.

    For using this as a remedy to treat goiter you need to heat one cup of water and add about ½ cup of turmeric powder to it to prepare a thick paste and then add ½ teaspoon of black pepper along with 70 ml of olive oil to it. Then, you need to take it off from the heat and store the prepare paste in an airtight jar and consume 1 tsp of the paste daily.

11. Flax Seeds:

    Another effective home remedy for treating goiter naturally is flax seed. These flax seeds are anti-inflammatory in nature and thus benefits in treating goiter, especially in reducing the swelling.⁽⁷⁾

    For using this as a home remedy you must take 2 teaspoons of the seeds and grind them well and then mix the powder with water to prepare a paste. This paste is to be applied on the neck or the affected area and to be left for about 20-25 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

12. Sorrel Leaves:

    These leaves are also known as spinach dock and have a rich amount of iodine in them, which make these sorrel leaves quite beneficial in treating goiter. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory nature of sorrel leaves help in reducing any kind of swelling and also act as a cooling or soothing agent.

    You can simply take a handful of sorrel leaves and prepare a paste out of it by adding water. This paste can be applied on the affected area of your neck and washed off after about 30 minutes. You can repeat this process regularly for few weeks to see the results.

13. Bladderwrack Powder:

    It is packed with iodine which makes it pretty beneficial in treating goiter naturally. Consuming bladderwrack powder can solve the issue of low levels of iodine in the body, which is the primary reason for the goiter development.

    You can add bladderwrack powder in one cup of hot water and steep it for about 10 minutes and then strain it and drink. You can get relief from symptoms of goiter by drinking this every day.

14. Motherwort:

    Motherwort is the herb containing high amount of tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. It aids in enhancing the existing levels of the phyotochemical compounds, and thus helps in reducing the size of goiter.

    You can prepare a tea out of the herb, by taking 1 teaspoon of motherwort, and honey in one cup of hot water and drink the tea twice in a day for desired results.

15. Lemon Balm Tea:

    There are studies which have revealed that lemon balm tea is beneficial in the treatment of goiter naturally. It helps in reducing the levels of thyroid stimulating hormones and in slowing down the functioning of pituitary gland, and thus resulting in treating several symptoms of goiter.

    For using this as a home remedy to treat goiter naturally, you need to boil one glass of water and then add 2 teaspoon of the dried lemon balm and allow it steep for few minutes, after which you need to strain and add a half teaspoon of honey to it. You can drink this lemon balm tea, 2-3 times every day until you find the symptoms of goiter are gone completely.

    NOTE: You must note that you should avoid lemon balm in case you have glaucoma.

16. Bugleweed Tea:

    Taking bugleweed tea can also help in treating goiter. This has been used for treating several health conditions, including breast pain, hyperthyroidism, weak heart, and oedema. Bugleweed contains rich amount of phenolic acids, flavonoid, and tannins. It can inhibit the TSH or the Thyroid stimulating hormone so as to help reduce the symptoms of goiter.

    For using this as a remedy to treat goiter, you can prepare the tea by steeping the bugleweed tea bag in one cup of hot water for about 5-7 minutes. You can also add honey to your tea and drink it thrice in a day to see desired results.

17. Green Tea:

    There is another effective home remedy to treat goiter naturally. Green tea, being packed with essential antioxidants as well as natural fluoride, is one of the best home remedies to treat goiter naturally. Drinking this daily not just helps in treating goiter but also helps in preventing the condition. The fluoride content found in green tea helps in proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

    For using this as a home remedy you need to boil one cup of water and put the green tea bag in it for 5-7 minutes. You can then add honey to it and drink the tea 2-3 times daily.

18. Barley Water:

    Barley water is also considered to be one of the best home remedies to treat goiter naturally. It is loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients that are required for our body. That is the reason why barley helps in alleviating symptoms of goiter.

    You need to wash half cup of barley and soak it in water for some time and boil it for few minutes. To this, you need to add grated lemon rind, one cup of sugar, one cup of lemon juice and mix it well. Strain it and store it in your refrigerator in one airtight container. Drink the chilled barley water regularly.

19. Moringa Leaves:

    Moringa, also known by the name Malunggay, is the herb that inhibits the body’s inflammation and helps in recovery. Morninga leaves are known to reduce the swelling of thyroid gland caused in goiter.

    Simply take one teaspoon of dried moringa leaves in one cup of boiling water and steep them for a few minutes before straining the solution to drink the concoction once daily.

20. Garlic:

    Garlic is very well known for its tremendous medicinal properties. It is used in treating several health conditions. Garlic is also known to stimulate the glutathione production in our body, as it has selenium in it, which is essential for the healthy functioning of thyroid.⁽⁸⁾

    You can add garlic to your regular diet by directly eating it or you can add to your cooked foods, such as curry, soups, lemon juice, and also can take it along with a teaspoon of honey as it is.

21. Beetroot:

    One of the most effective home remedies to treat goiter naturally is beetroot. The betalain pigment present in beetroot has got anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. Thus, beetroots are excellent remedy for treating inflammatory diseases, such as goiter. Eating beetroots might help you reduce the inflammation in goiter disease.

    You can either consume the beetroots by boiling, or by steaming or by baking it. You can also make beetroot juice or can add it to your smoothies.

22. Dried Oak Bark:

    Dried oak bark is known for its anti- inflammatory properties which help in shrinking the size of your goiter. These barks help in alleviating several other symptoms of goiter too. ⁽⁹⁾ Dried oak bark, being anti-inflammatory in nature, is beneficial in reducing the swelling.

    For using this as a remedy, you must take 2-3 tspn of dried oak bark powder and then mix it along with water for preparing a paste which is to be applied on the affected area of your neck and allowed to stay overnight. Doing this daily would give you desired results.

23. Swamp Cabbage:

    The leaves of swamp cabbage are known to be highly beneficial in the treatment of goiter. Consuming these leaves can help in increases the levels of thyroid hormones, and thus curb the onset of goiter. Take the swamp cabbage leaves and prepare a juice of it and consume one teaspoon of this juice along with tea almonds twice, every day.

24. Coleus Leaves:

    These leaves are known to have medicinal properties and that makes them quite beneficial in reducing the symptoms of goiter. Eating coleus leaves will help in reducing the size of your goiter and it even helps in easing several other related symptoms. These leaves can be added to salads.

25. Pineapple Juices:

    Pineapple juices are also one of the best home remedies to treat goiter naturally. They contain rich amount of minerals and vitamins and thus are effective enough in reducing several symptoms of goiter, like coughing.⁽¹⁰⁾

    You need to drink the pineapple juice regularly to get desired results.

26. Lemon Juice:

    Lemon juice contains anti-inflammatory properties in it and that makes it very much important for treating goiter naturally. It not only shrinks the size of goiter, but even detoxifies the body. Lemon juice eliminates the unwanted microorganisms because of the antimicrobial properties present in it.

    To use this, just take 1 tspn of lemon juice and 1 clove of garlic (crushed) along with honey and drink the mixture every morning.

27. Egg Whites:

    The egg whites have got natural astringent properties which are known to shrink large pores. So, applying this on the affected area of the neck can work by shrinking the pores and by tightening the tissue.

    Simply whip 2 egg whites and then apply them to the affected area and leave it for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.

28. Iodine-Rich Fruits And Vegetables:

    Lack of iodine is the primary cause of goiter. So, you must consume foods rich in iodine, and that includes fruits and vegetables.

    Eat fruits like strawberries, bananas, cranberries, and vegetables like potatoes, corn, and green beans, which have lots of iodine content in them.

29. Selenium-Rich Foods:

    It is important for you to consume foods rich in selenium. The thyroid functioning is directly impacted by the levels of selenium in the body. It is thus necessary for you to consume foods having fair content of selenium, as the thyroid glands require selenium for proper functioning.

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

There are some stretching exercises for neck which might help in treating goiter. These exercises help you stretch the muscles which are connected to the thyroid gland and are known to reduce swelling. Below are some of the neck exercises which might work as a good home remedy for treating goiter naturally.

For doing this, you need to sit on a stable chair and lift the chin upwards. You need to stretch your neck as much as you can and then remain in the same position for at least a few seconds. Repeating this stretching exercises 10 times and doing it daily dedicatedly can help you treat goiter.

This is another neck exercise that can help you treat goiter naturally. For this, you must bend your neck slowly to your side, in a way that your ear touches the shoulder. Stretch as much as you can and then switch to the other side. It is good to perform 10 such repetitions on each side.

NOTE: Do not exert yourself by performing these exercises. It is recommended for you to stretch as much possible by you without causing any kind of discomfort to your neck. You need to stop the next stretching exercise immediately in case you feel any pain or discomfort.

There are some tips which work as good home remedies to treat goiter naturally. Below are some of them:

• Take a shower in cold water, twice in a day. This stimulates your thyroid gland to function in a proper way.
• Do the neck stretching exercises daily; however without causing pain or discomfort.
• Massage the neck swelling and its surrounding area gently by using carrier oils, such as olive oil or almond oil.
• You can also give aromatherapy or acupuncture a try for treating goiter naturally.

So, as we are now aware of some of the home remedies to treat goiter naturally, if you experience any symptom of goiter or if you have been suffering from the condition, you can try out any of these remedies and see the benefits by yourself. However, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor and take the necessary treatments.

References:

Also Read:

• What is a Goiter, Know its Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
• 28 Best Home Remedies To Treat Goiter Naturally