Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland by producing too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too less hormones (hypothyroidism). It is characterized by swelling at the back of neck, difficulty breathing, and discomfort while swallowing. The thyroid gland produces two types of hormones, called triiodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine(T4), which help to regulate blood circulation and metabolism.
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus control the rate at which the thyroid gland produces and releases these hormones. Goiter occurs when too much or too little of T3 and T4 hormone is produced and released. Goiter is also caused by Iodine deficiency, Graves’ diseases (thyroid gland produce excess thyroxine), Hashimoto’s disease (underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism), Multinodular goiter (solid or fluid filled lumps known as nodules develop on both the sides of thyroid gland), Solitary thyroid nodules (Single nodule develop on one part of the gland), Thyroid cancer (enlarge on one side of thyroid), Pregnancy (HCG cause the gland to enlarge), Inflammation (thyroiditis is the main cause that makes over or underproduction of T4)
Home Remedies for Goiter:
You’re about to learn how to prevent and treat goiter at home, using simple home remedies that involve familiar ingredients. Let’s get started!
1. Watercress
Watercress (Scurvy grass) is rich in iodine, and it contains sulfur, germanium, vitamin B17, and antioxidants. Use watercress regularly in your cooking to prevent goiter, and follow the remedy outlined below to treat it.
Process:
- Crush, grind, or blend enough watercress to make 2 tablespoons of paste.
- Apply to neck and leave on 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Or, mix the 2 tablespoons of crushed watercress into ½ glass of water.
- Drink it 3 times daily for at least 5-6 weeks.
- Follow this regularly to prevent goiter
2. Dandelion Leaves
Dandelion leaves reduce swelling in the neck.
Process:
- Crush a handful of dandelion leaves by adding water to make a paste.
- In a pan, mix the paste with clarified butter and heat slightly.
- Apply to swollen areas of neck and leave on 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks.
3. Flaxseed Paste
Flaxseed contains tons of vitamins and minerals that will help your body heal, and it reduces inflammation and swelling. In Ayurveda (Ancient Indian Medicine) also used this flaxseed paste to reduce the pain and inflammation for any health ailments.
Process:
- Crush 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds to make a powder.
- You can use flaxseed powder.
- Mix it with water to make a paste.
- Apply to neck and leave on 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Or Boil flaxseeds in water for few minutes.
- Use this warm water to wash throat and neck to reduce swelling.
4. Garlic
Garlic reduces swelling, and it encourages the production of glutathione, a molecule that helps maintain a healthy thyroid gland. It has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory property and plant chemicals help function body cell and cure the problem. Cook with garlic and chew fresh garlic cloves to prevent goiter, and follow the processes below to treat it.
Process 1:
- Chew 3 to 4 raw garlic cloves in the morning.
- Or add these cloves in your diet.
Process 2:
- Mince garlic and chop tomatoes and onions.
- Add olive oil mix them to make a salsa.
- Have this daily to get rid of goiter.
Process 3:
- Mince garlic, chop parsley, and squeeze some fresh lemon juice.
- Mix them to make a salad dressing.
- Use this as a salad dressing to treat goiter.
Process 4:
- Mince garlic.
- Make buttered toast and sprinkle garlic on it.
- Eat this toast regularly to strengthen immune system and get relief from pain caused by goiter.
Process 5:
- Mince garlic.
- Take ripe avocado and mash it well.
- Mix both to make a dip.
- Or you can add the minced garlic to your sauces or in mashed potatoes to get best taste and also to cure the goiter.
Process 6:
- 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 few minutes and strain.
- Drink daily to get complete relief from goiter.
5. Sorrel Leaves
Sorrel leaves (spinach dock) contain many minerals, including iodine, which helps to prevent and treat goiter.
Process:
- Crush a handful of sorrel leaves to make a paste.
- Mix them with olive oil.
- Lie down otherwise the paste will fall off after application.
- Apply to neck and leave on 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
6. Foods Rich in Iodine
Iodine deficiency is a major cause for goiter. Adding iodine-rich foods to your regular diet will help prevent goiter. As with all else, iodine must be used in proper dosages.
- For adults, that means 150 micro-grams a day.
- For kids under 6, use 50 micro-grams.
- For kids 7-12, use 90 micro-grams.
- For pregnant women, the recommended dosage is 200 micro-grams.
The foods listed below contain plenty of iodine.
- Seafood
- Iodized salt
- Kale
- cabbage
- Shrimp
- Milk
- Cod
- Baked potato with peel
- Navy beans
- Tuna
- Cranberries
- Kelp
- Plain yogurt
- Turkey
- Eggs
7. Kanchanara
Kanchanara (kachnar) is a traditional herb has been used for centuries in India to treat thyroid problems. It also treats sinusitis, sore throat, diarrhea, skin ulcers, and abdominal problems. It helps to regulate the rate at which the thyroid gland produces its two hormones. It helps to treat swollen gland especially on neck and head.
Process:
- Add 2 ½ teaspoons of Kanchanara bark powder to ¾ cup of water.
- Stir well and boil on medium heat until it reduces to 1/4th of its original quantity.
- Stir continuously while boiling this water till it forms like decoction.
- Remove from heat.
- Strain and take half of this and mix in ½ teaspoon of powdered ginger.
- Consume this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and remaining half before meal.
- Make sure not to re heat the decoction again.
8. Selenium-Rich Foods
Like Iodine, selenium plays a major role in keeping the thyroid gland healthy and functioning properly. During synthesis process, selenium convert into various types of selenoproteins and help the production of thyroid hormones and protects the thyroid gland against goiter. Eat below listed foods to prevent goiter.
- Shellfish
- Kidney
- Crab
- Liver
- Mushrooms
- Brazil nuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Poultry
- Brown rice, wheat, barley, and oats
- Fish, especially salmon
- Onions
- Meat
- Eggs
9. Kelp Or Seaweed
Kelp (brown algae) is packed with the iodine help to regulate your thyroid gland needs to function properly. It also contains potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Kelp also called as kombu in japan.
Process 1:
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried kelp powder to your smoothies that are made from milk, fruits or ice.
- Drink this smoothie regularly.
Process 2:
- Take raw kelp noodles and add this to any raw soups or salads.
- Have regularly to get complete relief from the goiter.
Process 3:
- Soak kelp buds in water for few hours.
- Add them to the salads and wraps.
- Or blend these soaked kelp buds with olive oil or vinegar in making the salad dressing.
10. Green Tea
Green tea has stimulating and energy boosting properties that help to enhance the proper functioning of thyroid gland. Green tea contains naturally-occurring fluorides and anti-oxidants that protect your glands from toxins and free radicals.
Process:
- Boil one cup of water and stir in 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves.
- Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes.
- Strain, add honey and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and drink.
- Drink this tea three times a day.
- You can also use tea bag to prepare the tea.
11. Motherwort Tea
Over-active thyroid causes rapid heartbeat, which can be calmed by Motherwort tea. This tea contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, iridoids, and triterpenes, and it has anti-viral and tumor-inhibiting properties, all of which treat goiter and strengthen your immune system.
Process:
- Take 1 teaspoon of dried herb in a cup and pour one cup of boiling water.
- Cover it and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain, add honey, and drink.
- Repeat 2 times daily.
12. Bugleweed Tea
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is an herb native to North America. It is rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which inhibit the production of thyrotropin, which causes goiter. Consult your doctor before using this herb if you’re on diuretics or other thyroid medicines.
Process:
- Take 1 teaspoon of dried bugleweed herb in a cup and pour one cup of boiling water.
- Cover it and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain, add honey, and drink.
- Drink 3 times daily.
- Note: You can also use a tea bag and steep it in hot water for 3 – 5 minutes.
- Optional: You can also mix lemon balm in the tea to get rid of the goiter.
13. Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm supports the immune system and regulates hormone levels. Lemon balm is also rich in selenium, which helps the thyroid function properly by regulating the activity of the pituitary gland. It helps to restore hormone levels auto-immune thyroid disease and goiter patients. Do not use this herb if you suffer from glaucoma.
Process:
- Take 2 tablespoons of either fresh or dried lemon balm in a cup.
- Pour a cup of boiling water, cover it.
- Steep 10 minutes.
- Strain, add honey, and drink.
- Consume 3 times daily to cure goiter.
14. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-protozoa 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. Use coconut oil in place of your regular cooking oil to prevent goiter and to treat it, and try the following coffee recipe.
Process:
- Mix equal quantities of coconut oil and organic, unsalted butter.
- Stir this mixture into hot coffee until it dissolves.
- Stir in honey, vanilla, and honey or stevia to taste.
- Drink daily in the morning and evening to cure the goiter.
- Note: You can also add this in smoothies.
15. Diet Plan
- Eat fresh fruits like pineapple, oranges, apples, papayas, etc and vegetables, especially leafy greens.
- Include iodine and selenium foods in your diet to prevent the goiter.
- Avoid processed, spicy, and greasy foods.
- Drink plenty of water and organic fruit and vegetable juices.
- Eat iron rich foods to get relief from goiter and to strengthen the thyroid gland.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin A such as sweet potatoes, red pepper, leafy green vegetables, carrots, butternut squash, cayenne, paprika, liver pate, dried herb, cantaloupe, apricot (dried), mangoes, tomatoes, milk and green peas in your diet.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin B such as dairy products, cereals, beans, pulses, salmon, meat, tuna, herring, seeds, Brussels, broccoli, corn, okra, parsnips, raspberries, dates, grapefruits, avocadoes, watermelon and sprouts.
- Instead of eating 3 large meals a day, eat 5-6 small ones to regulate your metabolism.
- Reduce your intake of gluten.
Tips For Treating Goiter:
- Take a cold shower twice a day to stimulate your thyroid gland.
- Do neck exercises related to cure goiter.
- Drink a glass of barley water to reduce the symptoms of the goiter
- Consider massage, reflexology, or acupuncture to relieve symptoms of goiter.
- Mix dried oak bark and water to make a paste. Apply to your neck and leave overnight to reduce goiter.
- Add water to bentonite to make a paste. Apply this to your neck and wash once it dries.
- Boil 2 almonds in a cup of water. Grind them and add a tablespoon of water cabbage juice. Eat this for a month to prevent the goiter.
- Eat coleus leaves in salads to reduce the goiter size and ease the symptoms.
- Ask your doctor if medications you’re taking cause or exacerbate goiter.
Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Consult your doctor before changing your diet or using the above remedies.
The above-mentioned remedies go a long way to preventing and treating goiter when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Let us know which methods work best for you!
71 comments
What will get rid of inflamation on the thyroid?
What will cause thyroid nodules to dry up and disappear?
Does tamoxifen cause goiter?
Try an Anti inflammation diet. There are many on the net. Good Luck!
WHERE CAN I GET GREEN TEA
You can get green tea in any local supermarkets or online stores like Amazon and Walmart.
I have multinodular goitre and I have been put down for surgery but just found out I am pregnant. What is the best possible thing I can take to help me with my goitre to settle. Thank you
As you are pregnant, we recommend you to do whatever doctor has suggested.
I have a multi-nodular toxic goiter, hyperthyroidism. When I was pregnant my endocrinologist put me a medicine to slow down my thyroid. Methimazole, Tapazole I got regular testing of my t3 and t4′ s regularly. Both my ob and endo said it was very important with the medicine I was on. My son that I was pregnant with at the time is now a healthy 4 year old and he hasn’t had any medical conditions or health issues at all.
Is surgery only option for a goiter that I’d growing downwards but no other syptoms apart from small swelling
Consult a doctor to find out the exact stage of the goiter. A surgery is only recommended if it cannot be cured through medications. Once your doctor confirms that you don’t require a surgery, then you can either choose to go with natural remedies mentioned above or medications prescribed by doctor.
Hello, I have been diagnosed with multinodal goiter. My thyroid profile is normal. I want to reduce the size of the nodules with home remedies. Please guide me.
Try remedies mentioned above. Apart from that drink plenty of water, eat foods rich in vitamin B and A, eat fresh fruits and leafy greens.
i have a hypothyroidism can i take the Garlic with Honey in the Morning time Please guide me
Thanking you
Yes, you can.
what abut someone that has High T3, there is a growth on the neck which is making her uncomfortable
You can try the above mentioned methods to maintain the T3 levels.
I have multinodular goiter,measuring 70*40*60 mm. And it’s growing downwards.I have been on ioden and selenium supplements for 1 month. Also area of cystic degeneration noted. Pls what can be the Best Home Remedy I believe Natural Treatment.
I’m having multinodular goitre and my thyroid profile is normal. But doctor suggested surgery. is there any chance to reduce the size of the nodules in natural way. Nodule size is 2.3*2.6
We recommend going with whatever the doctor has prescribed.
Hai. I have a toxic goiter also. Base the result, the doctor give me a medicine but I want to take a home remedies because I have a baby.. It is OK to take garlic while I’m breastfeeding my baby?
According to some studies, garlic can change the odor and flavor of the breast milk. We are not sure if your child will like the taste or not. If your baby is suffering with colic then avoid garlic. Apart from this it is safe to eat.
I Have Grave’s disease hyperthyroidism and my eyes are bulged can the above remedies help my eyes go back and remove my swelled neck? thank you
Yes you can try. Share your experience with us later.
I have used castor oil packs and it reduced my goiter by 2/3rds
Thanks for sharing your experience.
What are castor oil packs and where do I find them
Google it, you make them yourself
Please how did you use it
How long after using mince garlic and chop tomatoes and onion and olive oil for my thyriod i can see results
It is difficult to tell the exact time as everyone’s condition is different. So be patient and try regularly. Apart from that do some physical neck exercises meant to relieve goiter.
question: How long dose it take for you see results using these home remedies
It is really difficult to mention the exact time frame as everyone’s condition is different. So try the methods regularly with some patience.
Can i use 3-4 garlic every morning to treat my thyroid goiter for four yrs nw.
Or can i use only green tea?
Yes, you can take garlic for thyroid goiter. It helps to stimulate the production of glutathione in the body which plays an important role in thyroid functioning.
Would just taking glutathione help also, then I don’t have to reek of garlic?
You can take glutathione supplements but you have to consult a doctor to find out the right dosage as per your present medical condition.
Sir, few mnths i have thyroid..my right thyroid sudden swallen 0.3cm..after taking medicine reduce the swelling but little bit are there…how to decrease completly…pls rply sir..m worried..
Choose any method as per your preference and try it regularly to keep the thyroid under control. Increase iodine content in your diet. This helps in regulating the thyroid function properly. Increase water content as well to detoxify your body.
pls i have goiter i dont want to undergo surgery. where is the best place that i can get some of this leaf as prescribe above to cure the goiter on my neck.i have this goiter on my neck for 4years now and you can hardly notice it.but i just notice it that it is getting bigger gradually.please where can i get natural herbel to threat it
We have mentioned many remedies in the above article. Choose one among them and try it regularly. Apart from that, do some neck exercises, consider reflexology or acupressure to get relief from goiter symptoms and take a cold shower to stimulate thyroid gland.
Hi Presley..I have had my goiter for 30 yrs plus and it has grown gradually. I have become so self conscious. Some people notice it and some don’t. I don’t want surgery if at all possible. I am applying Noni before I go to bed. My suggestion is try the above remedies. Also that the host for these posts!
I am in Ghana. Where can I get some of the castor oil. I have a small goiter but my thyroid fxtn values are normal. I want the swelling to reduce
You can purchase at any local stores or online stores like Amazon or Walmart.
Hi Ewura
Am also facing the same problem. I don’t want to go through the surgery.
Has there been any improvement
How can i get kelp and the seaweeds? I’m in akure ondo state , how and where can I get those herbs I mean.
You can get at any Ayurvedic store or online stores like Amazon.
My eyes are bulgy because of my thyroid. But my doctor says its gerd. Thats why Im taking medicines for gerd. But I am searching allthrough out the net and found out that my conditipn is eye thyroidism? (I think) what will I do? Are the remedies mentioned above are ok for me to use?
We recommend to consult a different doctor and clear your doubt before trying out any natural remedies.
what are the symptoms of goiter ?
there is something in my throat , something that block my throat. i need to know what is this. pls guide me ,thank you
Enlarged thyroid, unexpected weight gain, throat tightness, shortness of breath and coughing are some symptoms of goiter. It is better to consult a doctor to get it diagnosed before you reach to any conclusions.
I had some harm on my neck due to that my throat have swollen and after a long time i found a goiter on my thairoid gland does this remedies works for me….. Kindly guide me
The methods may help so give them a try. Repeat the remedy regularly for 1 – 2 months before drawing any conclusions.
I have a little swell on my neck and went for a test I was told that it is lack of iodine or too much of it. I was given CARBIROID for almost four months now but not up to 4months and it has not disappeared till now. Please Can I use the garlic, tomatoes, onions and olive oil remedy?please help me out I don’t want goiter.
Yes, you can try garlic, tomatoes, olive oil and onions remedy. Apart from that drink plenty of water, include vitamin A rich foods in your diet, exercise regularly and reduce stress levels.
Can just eating garlic cloves help along with drinking lemon water and regular water. Also I eat activia yogurt will that help as well. I did go to see a doctor they said my thyroid was fine no lymph nodes or anything but I still have swelling and no medicine was perscibed so I’m guessing it wasn’t needed or they would’ve given it to me. What do you recommend. I can’t eat onions and I’m not fond of tomatoes but I loooooove garlic will the garlic only be enough?
As you don’t have any lymph nodes and thyroid is functioning fine, just garlic should be enough as it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Is anybody got good results by following the above home remedies for goitre? If so please let me know which is best?
I am feeling that i am suffering from goitre … so what should i do………..
We recommend consult a doctor for an examination to find out whether you really are suffering from goiter or not. If you are then try to follow any method mentioned above in the article.
I have a thyroid surgery in 1989 but few years ago it started to re- occur,but I don’t want to undergo another surgery. My doctor has recommended iodine to reduce the swelling does it work?
Yes, thyroid is caused due to iodine deficiency in the body. Consumption of iodine supplements help to reduce the discomforts caused by thyroid.
Hi im a little bit confused if all the remedies mentioned above can used to treat all kinds of goiter?? because I have a toxic nodular goiter and im planning to treat my goiter in natural way
Please please answer me it would mean a lot thank you
you can try any remedy mentioned above to treat nodular goiter. But make sure to repeat the process until you achieve the results.
I am 24yearsold I was diagnosed that I have simple goitre and am 3mnth pregnant.I don’t want to undergo surgical operation which home remedies is the best for me
As you are 3 months pregnant, it is better to consult your gynecologist before tying home remedies or any other treatment.
Doctor, please my goiter use to pain me almost every day day by day its been growing what should I do.
Try any remedy mentioned above in the article. Apart from that increase consumption of iodine rich foods. Reduce stress levels, drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I have an euthyroid goiter. My thyroid test where all normal. The doctor says I should under go the surgery. Please help me with any of the remedies. I seriously need help
Intake foods rich in iodine to reduce the problems. Foods rich in iodine include cabbage, shrimp, tuna, kelp, cranberries, eggs, turkey and navy beans. Apart from that drink plenty of water, reduce stress levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Good morning…just this morning i let my doctor read the result of my T3 is 3.631 and T4 is 175.797 and he suggested that i must see an specialist,the problem is i don’t have enough money for that…what should i do?Thank you in advance…
I suffer hyperthyroidism it can really cure by perscibed medicine by your doctor without doing a surgery., .,?how long it will take to see the result and also these homeremedies mentioned above.thank u for your answer it will bewa big help.
Hi Doc, I Was Diagonised With Hypethyroidism With Bulg Eyes On Feb. 2014. My Endocrinologist Didn’t Prescribe Any Medication Until 2015, He Repeated The Same Test Over And Over Again. And He Told Me That The Thyroid Production Hormone Needs To Be Controlled When He Prescribed Carbimazole.I Used The Medication Without Success. I Got Pregnant And He Prescribed PTU But When I Googled It, I Found Out That It Causes Liver Problem. I Didn’t Take Any Thyroid Medication Throughout My Pregnancy Period. Since Then, The Symptoms Disappeared Except The Bulged Eyes. I Just Notice That My Neck Is Swelling Gradually. Please Can The Consumption Of 3or4 Cloves Of Garlic Help? Please I Need Urgent Reply. Thanks