What herbs to shrink goiter

Comment by Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.

To fully treat goiter you need to properly diagnose the person within Chinese Medicine theory - see “What Does Acupuncture Treat?” for more on this. But one aspect of the treatment would potentially be a formula like Nei Xiao Luo Li Wan which is used to remove swellings in that area including goiters. But the best results will come from a practitioner using both acupuncture and herbal medicine with proper diagnosis.

Comment by Archived User

I always thought that goiter was associated with a deficiency of Iodine and treated with supplementation with potassium iodide. Or some other iodine compound.

Comment by Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.

No they are generally associated with thyroid problems (hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, autoimmune thyroid issues). In those cases, treatment of the true underlying issue will yield the best clinical results. In some cases iodine will be helpful, but without treating the entire range of causative factors it will be limited in many cases, particularly if people are not truly iodine deficient.

Comment by Archived User

I have heard that some people with diagnosed hypo and hyper thyroidism are taking massive amounts of Iodine, which apparently completely cures them over time. If as you say the underlying issue is not treated, maybe down the line they will develop iodine poisoning. In all things there’s a point of diminishing returns, is there not. “They” have recently identified co-factors to make the iodine work properly so as not to cause reactions in the body. It would be a good idea for persons trying to deal with thyroid problems in this manner to see a Dr. of Chinese medicine to have overall issues dealt with. As you say.