That unpleasant swelling at the base of your neck? Well, it can be goiter. Not to worry; goiter is not a life sentence. It is a condition associated with the thyroid gland. When the gland grows in size, it is known as goiter and usually occurs due to hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Generally, goiter is not accompanied by pain, but you will have to deal with other symptoms like bouts of cough and difficulty swallowing or breathing. The size of goiter varies – the bigger the goiter, the more severe the symptoms.
Anyone can experience goiter. But if you are over 50 and are a woman, your chances of getting this disease increases manifold! If you notice the following symptoms, it is quite possible that you have goiter:
Please remember: many of these symptoms are also associated with other health conditions. So do not assume you have goiter without getting a confirmed diagnosis from your doctor.
While researchers still do not know the exact cause for goiter, research shows that there are several factors that can lead to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Some of the causes of goiter are as follows:
Thankfully, if you are diagnosed with goiter, surgery or drugs are not the only solution. You can try several goiter remedies to reduce the size of the thyroid gland and get relief from the symptoms.
Make a paste of dandelion leaves. Mix clarified butter (ghee) into the leaves and heat the mixture until it becomes lukewarm. Apply the paste on your neck and let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. Use this home remedy every day for about 2 weeks and you will notice a marked difference in the size of the goiter.
Grind flaxseeds and make a paste with a little bit of water. Apply the paste on your neck and let it stand for 20 to 25 minutes. Wash and pat the area dry. It will help reduce the swelling, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties contained in flaxseeds.
Stretching exercises for the neck are also known to help treat goiter. If you do these exercises, they will help stretch the muscles that are connected to the thyroid gland and help to reduce the swelling.
Drink barley water once a day to reduce the swelling and alleviate other symptoms. Barley is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants that build up the body’s immunity and help fight diseases. Barley water also cleanses toxins from the body.
Also known as Kanchanara, Kachna is indigenous to India and is one of the herbal remedies for goiter and also treats several other ailments. Take 2 tablespoons of Kachna bark powder and dissolve it in 160 ml water. Boil the concoction until it reduces by 40 percent. Strain and divide the concoction into two and add ginger powder. Drink one portion early in the morning, before breakfast and drink the second part in the evening.
Take a cold shower twice a day. This is supposed to stimulate the thyroid gland and help it work properly. This is one of the most effective home remedies for goiter.
Watercress is high in iodine and also contains many other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help in curing goiter. Make a paste of watercress and apply it on your neck. Let the paste stand for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. You can also crush the leaves to extract the juice. Dilute the juice with a little bit of water and drink it three times a day for about six weeks.
Pineapple is rich in vitamins and minerals. It can help with the symptoms of goiter, particularly the coughing. Make pineapples a part of your everyday diet and you’ll see a difference pretty soon.
Make a paste of sorrel leaves and add a little olive oil to it. Apply the paste on your neck and let it stay for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to lie down while applying the paste!
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