How to Support and Treat the Thyroid Gland at Home: Feijoa Can Help
The thyroid gland is one of the most vital organs in the endocrine system. Although small—typically weighing no more than 50 grams—it plays a crucial role in regulating numerous processes throughout the body by producing essential hormones. It is located on both sides of the larynx, just below the thyroid cartilage (also known as the “Adam’s apple”). Even minor dysfunction in this gland can lead to significant health issues, impacting everything from metabolism to cardiovascular and digestive functions.
The thyroid produces several key hormones, including calcitonin, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate energy metabolism, influence the heart rate, body temperature, and digestive functions, and even affect mood and mental clarity. When the thyroid gland becomes underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), the effects are felt throughout the entire body.
So, how can you care for your thyroid at home? While professional medical monitoring is always essential, especially when dealing with thyroid conditions, there are also natural methods to support thyroid function—and one particularly powerful ally in this is feijoa.
Feijoa: A Natural Thyroid Booster
Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava, is a green, egg-shaped fruit packed with beneficial nutrients. What makes feijoa especially valuable for thyroid health is its high iodine content. Iodine is a critical element required for the proper synthesis of thyroid hormones. When the body doesn’t receive enough iodine, the thyroid may become enlarged (goiter) or start functioning improperly.
In addition to iodine, feijoa contains numerous bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds like catechins and leucoanthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress and may also play a role in cancer prevention.
Both the pulp and the peel of the feijoa fruit are beneficial. While many people consume only the soft interior, the skin is rich in antioxidants and should not be discarded, especially when the fruit is used for medicinal purposes.
How to Use Feijoa for Thyroid Health: 3 Effective Home Recipes
Below are three traditional and natural recipes that can help support thyroid health using feijoa and other ingredients known for their healing properties.
✅ Recipe 1: Feijoa with Sugar – A Simple and Tasty Remedy
Ingredients:
1 kg (2.2 lbs) of fresh feijoa
1 kg (2.2 lbs) of sugar
Preparation:
Wash the feijoa fruits thoroughly (you can keep the skin on), and grind them using a meat grinder or food processor until you get a thick puree. Mix the feijoa with sugar and place the mixture into a glass jar. Let it sit for a few days at room temperature, stirring occasionally. The sugar will gradually dissolve, and the feijoa will release its juice.
How to use:
Take 1 tablespoon of this mixture in the morning and in the evening for 10 days, then take a 10-day break. This cycle can be repeated as needed. This sweet and tangy remedy supports thyroid function and boosts your immune system during the colder months.
✅ Recipe 2: Walnut Partition Tincture – A Traditional Iodine Source
Ingredients:
Partitions (inner walls) from 1 cup of walnuts
500 ml (approx. 17 fl oz) of vodka or high-proof alcohol
Preparation:
Place the walnut partitions in a clean glass container and pour the vodka over them. Seal tightly and let it sit for 10 days in a dark, cool place. Shake the jar gently every couple of days.
How to use:
After 10 days, strain the tincture. Take 1 teaspoon of the tincture every morning before meals for 10 days, followed by a 10-day break.
For the best results, you can alternate this remedy with the feijoa mixture: use feijoa in Month 1, walnut tincture in Month 2, and so on.
Note: Walnut partitions are a traditional remedy rich in iodine and can help stabilize thyroid hormone production. However, always use alcohol-based tinctures with caution and keep them away from children.
✅ Recipe 3: Fresh Feijoa or Infusion – A Seasonal or Year-Round Option
When fresh feijoa is in season, typically during fall and early winter, it’s best to consume it fresh to retain its full nutritional value.
How to use:
Eat 250–300 grams of fresh feijoa daily, divided into 2–3 servings throughout the day. Continue for 2–3 weeks.
For wintertime (when fresh fruit isn’t available):
Use dried feijoa fruit to make an infusion:
Add 2–4 tablespoons of dried feijoa to 2 cups of boiling water
Pour into a thermos and let it steep overnight
The next day, drink ½ cup, three times a day, 30 minutes before meals
This infusion supports the thyroid, improves digestion, and can help regulate metabolism during the colder months when the body’s hormonal balance is more easily disrupted.
⚠️ Important Reminder: Always Consult a Doctor
While feijoa and other natural remedies can provide support for the thyroid gland, they should never replace professional medical care, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease such as fatigue, weight changes, mood disturbances, or swelling in the neck.
Always:
Get your thyroid hormone levels checked regularly
Consult with an endocrinologist before starting any alternative treatment
Follow your prescribed medications and use home remedies as complementary support, not as a replacement
Natural treatments work best when integrated into a broader wellness plan under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Taking care of your thyroid doesn’t always require complicated treatments. Sometimes, nature provides powerful tools—like feijoa—that can support our health in meaningful ways. With its high iodine content, antioxidant properties, and delicious taste, feijoa is an excellent addition to your thyroid-friendly diet.
Whether you enjoy it fresh, as a sweet mixture, or as part of a herbal infusion, feijoa can be a helpful ally in maintaining your thyroid health. However, never forget that regular medical check-ups and proper diagnosis are essential, especially when dealing with any endocrine issues.
A balanced approach combining traditional wisdom and modern medicine is often the most effective path to long-term health and wellness.
