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(Simple Goitre and Exophthalmic Goitre.)

A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Goitre can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Insufficient iodine in the diet.
- High consumption of certain foods that neutralise iodine, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Other foods, like soy, may also induce goitres.
- Certain drugs, such as lithium and phenylbutazone.
- Thyroid cancer.
- Nodules growing on the thyroid gland.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland is overactive. A common cause is Graves' disease, in which the immune system produces antibodies that act like TSH and stimulate the thyroid gland uncontrollably. The gland responds by producing an excessive amount of hormones. The goitre is caused by this massive overstimulation. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a racing and irregular heart, restlessness, unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance and diarrhoea.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is underactive. The pituitary gland keeps sending its chemical messages, instructing the thyroid to produce its hormones. The thyroid gland enlarges as it attempts to comply. Apart from iodine deficiency, other causes of hypothyroidism include Hashimoto's disease (which, like Graves' disease, is an autoimmune disease), treatment for hyperthyroidism, and dysfunction of the pituitary gland. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include low energy, depression, cold intolerance and constipation.

Homeopathic Medicines & Treatment for Goitre

#Calcarea carbonica. [Calc]
In simple goitre in those of strumous diathesis this remedy has been used successfully. Cured cases on record are numerous. Dr. Zopfy, of Germany, who has had much experience, claims the remedy will cure most simple cases within a very few weeks. Various strengths are recommended from the 4th to the 30th. Calcarea iodide is also a very useful remedy. Flouric acid is another remedy useful in simple cases.

#Lapis albus. [Lap-a]
This is the silico-fluoride of Calcium and was first recommends by Grauvogl and later emphasized by Hale. It is component part of the waters of valleys where goitre is prevalent. It corresponds to simple goitre of a soft doughy feel,rather than the hard indurated encapsulated varieties. The writer has seen the drug cure several cases of this description in the 6X trituration. It increases markedly the appetite. It suits well persons of anaemic tendency.

#Iodine. [Iod]
Is a classical remedy for goitre, simple and the exophthalmic variety; in this we have the exophthalmus, the thyroid enlargement, the tachycardia, and the tremor, all characteristic of Iodine. In the simple, soft variety it is also useful; here it should be used low, but in the indurated varieties better results will be had with the higher potencies. The external application of Iodine is harmful and of no service whatever. Neither goitre nor Graves' Disease are surgical diseases. The general lymphatic glandular involvement throughout the body is an additional indication for Iodine. A depressed mental condition is also frequently present. Fucus vesiculosus has cured numerous cases of goitre. It is sea kelp and contains iodine.

#Spongia tosta. [Spong]
A remedy long used in the treatment of enlarged thyroids. It is well known that Spongia contains iodine. In the valleys where goitre abounds the popular remedy is a powder containing powdered egg shell (Calcarea carbonica), burnt sponge ( Spongia tosta) and sugar. Several cases are on record of the cure of goitre with Spongia. It is also most suitable to the exophthalmic variety. Cardiac tremor is characteristic, in fact the heart symptoms of Spongia are quite similar to those of many cases of Graves' Disease. Sulphur has been found curative of Exophthalmic goitre. Mercurius proto- iodide, and Mercurius bin-iodide have also been recommended.

#Lycopus Virginicus. [Lyc]
Many observers speaks highly of this remedy in the exophthalmic variety of goitre. Its chief indications seem to be constriction of chest, weak pulse, which is remittent, tremulous and rapid. Cyanosis. Sometimes the heart's action is tumultuous and forcible. Ferrum phosphoricum is also well recommended in the exopthalmic variety. Belladonna has cured several cases. Jousset esteems it highly for well-marked cases of exophthalmus. Amyl nitrite has been suggested.. It might act well in the higher potencies.

#Thyroidine. [Thy]
Produces anaemia, emaciation, sweating and a persistent frontal headache and muscular weakness. It exercises a regulating influence over nutrition, growth and development. Basedow tachycardia and exophthalmic goitre with palpitation from the least excitement, easy excitability of the heart and dry skin. The higher potencies are more efficient in the exophthalmic variety and much safer than the taking of the crude thyroid which has a large element of danger. It reinforces the action of Lycopus, and is complemented by Fucus vesiculosus.

#Natrum muriaticum. [Nat-m]
Exophthalmic goitre in subjects of a cachectic appearance; there is palpitation of the heart and the heart beat seems to shake the entire body. It is likely to be a very useful remedy to finish and fix the cure begun by some other remedy.