NATURAL REMEDY TO TREAT GOITRE

Goiter means the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located in your neck. However, the presence of a goiter does not mean that the thyroid is not working properly.

A goiter can occur in a gland that produces too many hormones (hyperthyroidism) or too few hormones (hypothyroidism). Usually, a goiter gives an indication that there is something abnormal causing the thyroid gland to grow abnormally.

Iodine deficiency is the main cause of goiter. Other possible causes are Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease, inflammation of the thyroid, nodules, thyroid cancer, pregnancy, and side effects.

Anyone can develop a goiter, but people who have a family history of thyroid disease are at greater risk. Women over 40 or who are going through menopause are also more prone to developing goiter. Radiation exposure can also trigger this problem.

Not all goiter causes symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they often include noticeable swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, coughing, hoarseness, and a feeling of tightness in the throat.

Many goiters go away with treatment, which varies depending on the size and condition of the goiter, as well as the symptoms associated with it. The experts at the Phytotherapy Center (Mes Plantes) have a natural treatment based on medicinal plants to permanently cure Goiter. Click on the image below to discover this natural treatment. 

Iodine

One of the main causes of goiter is iodine deficiency. To treat goiter, eat a diet that contains enough iodine. For adults, the recommended dose of iodine is 150 micrograms per day.
To replenish iodine in your body, include foods rich in iodine in your diets, such as iodized salt, kale, seafood, cod, tuna, eggs, shrimp, turkey, plain yogurt, cow's milk, beans, baked potatoes with the skin, and cranberries.
Note: Sometimes goiter can also be caused by too much iodine. So be sure to consult our experts at the Herbal Medicine Center before increasing your iodine intake.

The varech

Kelp, a type of seaweed, can also help treat goiter. Its high iodine content helps to normalize the functioning of the thyroid. It also contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. You can easily search for dried or pickled kelp in health food stores and Asian markets.
- Kelp is salty in taste, you can use it instead of salt in the soup, salad, and other dishes.
- Add a tablespoon or two of dried kelp powder to any of your favorite smoothies and drink it once a day.
You can also take kelp in capsule form, but you must first consult our experts at Center de Phytotherapy (My Plants).

Watercress

Watercress is an excellent source of iodine and hence it is considered to be very effective in treating goiter. Plus, it's rich in minerals and other nutrients like sulfur, germanium, and antioxidants that are good for your thyroid gland.
- Grind a handful of watercress to make a paste.
- Apply this paste on your neck, where there is swelling.
- Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes before washing.
To be repeated every day for at least 10 days.
Alternatively, mix two tablespoons of watercress juice in half a glass of water. Drink three times a day for six weeks.

Dandelion leaves

According to Ayurveda, dandelion leaves can decrease swelling in the neck and ease the discomfort associated with goiter.
- Take two to three dandelion leaves and coat with clarified butter on one side.
- Gently heat the leaves and then put them on the goiter.
- Secure with a band or bandage and leave for a few hours.
Another option is to crush a handful of dandelion leaves to make a paste.
- Add two teaspoons of clarified butter to the dough and mix well.

- Gently heat the mixture and then apply it to the affected area.
- Leave on for 15 minutes.
You can use any of these remedies once or twice a day for about two weeks.

The Kanchanar

Kanchanar, in botany Bauhinia variegata, is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for goiter, nodules and other types of growth on the neck. It also purifies the lymphatic system.
- Boil 10 to 15 grams of bark powder from this plant in 160 ml (two-thirds of a cup) of water over medium heat.
- Turn off the heat when the solution has reduced to about 40 ml or a quarter of the initial quantity.
- Filter the solution and drink it once or twice a day half an hour before meals. Continue this natural treatment for two to three months.
Note: consult our experts at the Herbal Medicine Center (Mes Plantes) before taking this or any other herbal remedy.

Garlic

Garlic can also be used to treat goiter. It stimulates the production of glutathione in the body, which is essential for healthy thyroid function. Also, it can help reduce swelling in the neck.
- Chew three to four cloves of raw garlic per day in the morning.
- You can also add garlic to your dishes.
If you don't like the taste of garlic, you can take garlic supplements. Consult our experts at the Center de Phytotherapy (Mes Plantes) for the appropriate dosage.

Sorrel leaves

Sorrel leaves are rich in minerals such as iodine and thus help treat and prevent goiter.
- Make a paste of a handful of sorrel leaves.
- Mix two tablespoons of olive oil in the dough.
- Lie down and apply this paste on the swollen neck area.
- Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Follow this remedy once a day until the swelling is gone.

Green tea

Many herbalists also recommend drinking green tea on a daily basis to cure goiter. Green tea is full of antioxidants and contains a high amount of natural fluoride, which is intended to support the functioning of the thyroid.
- Put a teaspoon of green tea leaves in a cup and pour hot water over it.
- Cover and let steep for five minutes.
- Filter, add a little honey and mix well.
Drink this green tea at least three times a day.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is another herb known to help treat goiter and hyperthyroidism. It slows down the function of the pituitary gland and lowers the levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn helps treat as well as prevent goiter.
It is also rich in selenium and thus helps to regulate the functioning of the thyroid as well as increasing the levels of antioxidants.
- Put two tablespoons of dried lemon balm or two teaspoons of fresh lemon balm in a cup.
- Pour hot water into the cup, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Filter and mix with one to two teaspoons of honey.
- Drink this herbal tea three times a day.
Note: Those with glaucoma should avoid lemon balm.

Selenium

The thyroid gland needs selenium to function optimally. Selenium deficiency can make your thyroid heavy and make your condition worse. So, it is important to eat foods rich in selenium on a daily basis. These foods will help you in the production of thyroid hormone and treat goiter.
Some foods that are high in selenium are kidneys, liver, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, shellfish, crab, onions, salmon, tuna, mushrooms, wheat germ, barley, brown rice, oats, meats, poultry, eggs, and oily fish.

Additional tips

• Limit your intake of goitrogenic foods like radishes, sweet potatoes, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, peanuts, turnips, cabbage, cauliflower, and soybeans.
• Avoid processed foods, soy products, and drinks like coffee, alcohol.
• Get regular exercise and neck stretches and goiter-specific exercises.