Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck becomes overactive and produces too much thyroxine hormone. [1]
Also known as overactive thyroid, it can speed up your metabolism significantly. The condition may cause unpleasant symptoms such as anxiety, weight loss, muscle weakness, heartbeat irregularities, and inflammation in the thyroid gland.
An overactive thyroid is a serious condition and needs to be treated as early as possible. Some essential oils for hyperthyroidism can help you to relieve some of the symptoms.
Remember, essential oils are a natural and complementary treatment. They are not an alternative to your conventional treatment. You must consult with a doctor before using them.
There isn’t much research on the use of essential oils for hyperthyroidism. But some study suggests that they may control hormone production.
5 Best Essential Oils for Hyperthyroidism
Some potent essential oils for overactive thyroid are:
1. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil originates from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant. People use the plant for cooking and in herbal medicines.
Due to its citrusy smell, some manufacturers use it in soaps and cosmetics.
Lemongrass oil can effectively ease the inflammation and swelling of your inflamed thyroid area. It’s because the oil contains a high amount of anti-inflammatory components [3]
An overactive thyroid may cause headaches and muscle pain. Lemongrass oil can soothe aches and pain.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil originates from the flower of the lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) tree through steam distillation. It is one of the most used essential oils in the world.
Since ancient times, it has been treating anxiety, and stress and promoting relaxation.
In a study published in 2014, researchers proved that lavender oil is better than placebos and prescribed medicines against generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). [4]
So, if you have anxiety and mood swings because of an overactive thyroid, lavender oil may help you.
Related: Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep: How Effective?
3. Wintergreen Oil
Wintergreen oil comes from the wintergreen herb through steam processing. People use it to treat headaches, arthritis, nerve pain, and menstrual cramps.
The oil can soothe tired muscle and nerve pain that may occur due to hyperthyroidism.
It’s because wintergreen oil contains an active component named methyl salicylate. It works like aspirin and soothes pain and inflammation. [5]
Wintergreen oil is a natural analgesic and relaxant. Thus it can reduce anxiety due to thyroid hormone imbalance.
4. Sandalwood Oil
The scientific name of sandalwood is Santalum album. The oil derived from its root and wood is one of the most expensive essential oils on the market.
Sandalwood oil is quite famous in skincare. But it can also treat so many health issues.
This oil can reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia that may happen due to an overactive thyroid.
A study was published in the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. It shows that aromatherapy using sandalwood oil can reduce anxiety. [6]
The sample size was too small. But it showed a promising result. [6]
5. Frankincense Oil
If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, frankincense oil may help you.
This essential oil is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It is quite famous because of its therapeutic properties. [7]
The oil can reduce pain, cramps, headaches, anxiety, mood swing, and fatigue. They can happen due to an overactive thyroid.
Frankincense oil can reduce inflammation and swell in your thyroid area. It’s because oil has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting components.
Frankincense oil can soothe dry skin that you may develop due to hyperactive thyroid. [8]
Related: 12 Health Benefits of Frankincense Oil + How to Use It
How to Use Essential Oils for Overactive Thyroid
Massage
Take one drop of any essential oil. Dilute it with a carrier oil. Rub the oil in the front of your neck and your lower back.
Inhalation
Pour a few drops of your favorite essential oil into a diffuser. Inhale the aroma to calm your mind and reduce anxiety. You may also put the diffuser beside your bed to ensure better sleep.
Causes & Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Graves disease is the most common type of hyperthyroidism. It’s an autoimmune disease that makes your body produce an antibody named thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). The thyroid gland produces too much hormone due to TSI. [2]
Another reason behind overactive thyroid is a nodular goiter. It’s a lump in the thyroid gland that makes it produce too much thyroid hormone.
Besides, inflammation in the thyroid gland may also generate some symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
The possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Anxiety and nervousness.
- Extreme mood swing.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Feeling very tired and weak.
- Sleeping problem.
- Fast and irregular heartbeats.
- Changes in menstrual cycles.
- Frequent bowel movement.
- Skin is thinning.
Precautions For Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are usually safe. But they can also create trouble if you do not know how to use them. You need to maintain some safety measures to avoid any adverse effects.
- Dilute the essential oils with a good carrier oil. Some of the essential oils are quite strong. Thus, they can irritate your skin.
- If you’re allergic to any particular essential oil, do not use it.
- Test the oil on a small part of your skin to find out if the oil suits you.
- If you’re pregnant or a breastfeeding mom, ask your doctor before using any essential oils.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Natural remedies like essential oils may soothe some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. But they can’t completely heal you. Besides, you may develop some serious problems.
You need to consult with a doctor if you see the symptoms:
- You are losing weight drastically.
- Extreme mood swings due to hormonal imbalance. In that case, you need to see an endocrinologist.
- You have redness and inflammation around your eyes.
- You have symptoms of Graves disease.
Final Word
Whether it’s hyperthyroidism or any other thyroid disease, you should not take them lightly.
People with overactive thyroid sometimes get well after treatment. But, it may also cause severe health issues such as heart problems.
You must start immediate treatment once you identify the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some essential oils may also aid you while you’re on treatment.
Don’t let the overactive thyroid make your life miserable. Deal with it with proper diet and treatment.
Read More: Essential Oils for Thyroid: Which One is The Right for You?
