Goiter
A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. It is located in the middle of the throat. While they are painless, they can be uncomfortable if they get large. The thyroid is a very small gland that sits right below the Adam's apple and wraps around the front of the trachea. It has two lobes and produces hormones that operate the metabolism. If the thyroid is overactive, you may be nervous, have insomnia, and be hungry all the time while still losing weight. If your thyroid is underactive, you may feel tired, be sensitive to cold, clumsy and gain weight. Enlargement of the thyroid gland does not need a change in hormone production to occur. The problem is more commonly found in women and in the elderly.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. It creates a prominent swelling on the neck. The size can vary from hardly noticeable to very large. If the thyroid is inflamed, the gland can be painful. If it presses on the trachea, there may be problems breathing or swallowing. Emotional symptoms may include depression, irritability, mood swings, loss of concentration and emotional upset.
Causes
Goiters can grow if the thyroid is overactive or underactive, but most occur when thyroid hormones are normal. The gland increases in size in an effort to keep hormone levels constant. This happens when iodine is lacking from the diet. Thyroid problems happen commonly during times of hormonal change, like puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Goiters may also be caused by Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In the majority of cases, eating seafood and fruits and vegetables that contain iodine will help alleviate or prevent the problem.
Cautions
An enlarged gland may be cancerous, and should be tested by a professional to rule it out. If you experience symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid you need to seek medical advice.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Garlic – this herb contains iodine, and should be eaten to help relieve swelling.
- Herbal blend – combine bugleweed, lemon balm, horsetail and oatstraw to stabilize the thyroid when it is overactive.
- Coleus – use this herb to support an underactive thyroid.
- Bladderwrack – this herb is high in iodine and can regulate the thyroid. Take as a tea or in capsules.
- Self-heal – this herb helps regulate the thyroid. Take as a tincture or as a tea for the best results.
- Green tea – drink three cups of green tea per day. This tea is high in natural fluoride, which supports the thyroid. It is high in antioxidants to fight free radicals that can speed the growth of tumors and goiters.
- Kelp – eat kelp in your diet or take capsules to obtain the natural iodine contained inside this seaweed. You can also add kelp to soup or make a tea.
External Applications
- Dandelion – smear the leaves of dandelion with ghee (clarified butter) and warm them to use as bandages on the swollen area. Repeat for two weeks. This will help relieve pain, if it exists.
- Flax – grind flax seeds, add to water and heat. Apply the resulting mixture on the affected area.
- Oak – apply a thick poultice of dried oak bark that has been mixed with water to the goiter and leave on overnight. This poultice should help reduce the swelling.