The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland placed in the front of your neck. It’s part of the endocrine system that coordinates many of your body’s activities. [1]
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism. Various thyroid disorders can happen when your thyroid fails to produce enough hormones (hypothyroidism) or produces too many hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Thyroid problems can range from the harmless one to life-threatening cancer. Hence, it’s important to maintain thyroid health. You can do it by bringing some positive changes to your lifestyle.
Some essential oils for thyroid health may also help you get relief from some symptoms.
Remember, these essential oils are complementary to your conventional treatment. They may reduce some symptoms but can’t heal properly. Also, you need to discuss with a doctor before you use these oils.
This article looks into some essential oils for thyroid support that may control the production of your thyroid hormones, ensuring better health.
Essential Oils for Thyroid Support
So, why essential oils?
There aren’t many researches on the effectiveness of essential oils on thyroid health. But, some researchers suggest these oils may reduce certain thyroid symptoms.
The common disorders of thyroid include goiter, Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, and thyroid nodules. [2]
Let’s take a look at some potent essential oils and their effects on various thyroid diseases.
Essential Oils for Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a disorder where your body produces fewer thyroid hormones. [3] Joint pain, weight gain, and difficulty in getting pregnant may happen due to this condition.
Try these essential oils for underactive thyroid:
1. Spearmint Oil
The anti-inflammatory properties of spearmint oil can help treat headaches and inflammation.
The oil acts as a natural analgesic for joint pain. It can improve blood circulation and reduce the pain of that particular area. [4]
Read More: 19 Spearmint Tea Health Benefits You Should Know
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is commonly used as a flavoring agent in your favorite food and dessert. But, it can also treat various health conditions.
This essential oil is rich in therapeutic properties. It can reduce inflammation, joint pain, and muscle pain. Inhaling peppermint oil can also relieve nausea and vomiting. [5]
Read More: 12 Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil + (How to Use It)
3. Myrrh Oil
For thousands of years, myrrh oil has been treating numerous ailments. This essential oil contains Terpenoids, a type of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and enhance immunity. [6]
Terpenoids can support the immune system. Hence, it can help manage the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease and Grave’s disease. The antioxidants can also work against hormone-related cancer. [7]
4. Rose Geranium Oil
An underactive thyroid can cause inflammation in your joints. Rose geranium oil has anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it can reduce the inflammation due to hypothyroidism. [8]
This essential oil can also promote weight loss, reduce joint pain, and swelling of your skin.
5. Cedarwood Oil
Dry skin is a common symptom of an underactive thyroid. The strong, fresh smelling cedarwood oil can help treat the dry skin. [9]
The oil can help reduce sweating and improve the immune system. Its sedative effects help you relax and sleep properly.
Essential Oils for Hyperthyroidism
During hyperthyroidism, your body starts producing too much thyroid hormone. Common symptoms of an overactive thyroid are weight loss, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, and weak muscle. [10]
Some effective essential oils for overactive thyroid are:
1. Lemongrass Oil
If you have headaches and muscle pain due to an overactive thyroid, lemongrass oil can be a good choice for you.
This essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it can reduce the inflammation and swelling of your inflamed thyroid area. [11]
2. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is rich in pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, immune boosting properties. So, it can reduce inflammation and swell at your thyroid area.
Due to hyperactive thyroid, you may have itchy and flaking dry skin. Frankincense oil can effectively treat dry skin and repair skin barrier. [12]
3. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is a popular remedy for reducing anxiety and stress. For centuries, it has been promoting relaxation.
You may have anxiety issues due to hyperthyroidism. Using lavender oil can reduce your stress and anxiety and helps you keep calm. [13]
Read More: Lavender Oil for Hair Problems: 5 Ways to Use It
4. Wintergreen Oil
Overactive thyroid often causes tired muscles and joint pain. Wintergreen oil can effectively soothe the aching joint due to thyroid.
This essential oil contains an active component named methyl salicylate. The component works like aspirin and soothes pain and inflammation. [14]
5. Sandalwood Oil
Thyroid problems often lead to anxiety, stress, and insomnia. In this case, sandalwood oil can be a great help.
The amazing aroma of sandalwood oil can help you keep calm and relaxed, and provide better sleep. [15]
Essential Oils for Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are lumps that appear in the thyroid gland. It’s an abnormal secretion of the thyroid hormones that can be cancerous sometimes. [16]
If you have thyroid nodules, you may not have any symptoms or symptoms similar to that of hyperthyroidism. Thus, you can use the same essential oils to treat thyroid nodules you used for hyperthyroidism.
How to Use Essential Oils for Thyroid
When it comes to using the essential oils for thyroid, both topical application and inhalation can help. You can use any of the methods based on your personal choice.
Massage
Take one drop of any essential oil diluted with a carrier oil. Rub it 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 due to thyroid problems.
Precautions For Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are generally safe. But they can cause trouble if you don’t know how to use them. Some safety practices must be followed to get the best results.
- Don’t forget to dilute the essential oils with a good carrier oil. Some of them are quite strong. So, they can irritate your skin.
- If you’re allergic to any particular essential oil, avoid using it.
- To know if the oil suits you or not, do a patch test first.
- If you’re pregnant or a nursing mom, ask your physician before using any essential oil.
When to See a Doctor
Thyroid problems can lead to severe health problems if you don’t treat them on time. Essential oils may help reduce some of the symptoms. But, if the pain and swelling don’t go away even after using these home remedies, you need to consult with a doctor.
Make an appointment with the physician if you see the following symptoms:
- You have a lump or thyroid nodules.
- You have an enlarged thyroid gland.
- You have hypothyroidism due to pituitary gland disorder.
- You develop thyroid symptoms when you’re pregnant.
Final Word
A thyroid problem is something that you need to take seriously.
It can even cause thyroid cancer if you don’t treat this illness as early as possible. Hence, you must follow a proper lifestyle to control the symptoms.
You can also use some essential oils to improve your thyroid health. But, use them after consulting with a doctor.
If you see no improvement in your condition, consult with a doctor immediately for proper treatment.
Read Next: 6 Best Essential Oils for Trigger Finger (Thumb Relief)
