In the following article, you will find two lists to help you find the best essential oils for your thyroid.
The first list is for treating an Overactive thyroid and the second is for an underactive thyroid.
Across the globe, nearly 200 million people suffer from some form of a thyroid condition.
The thyroid is a powerful gland that has control over the metabolic function of all cells in the human body.
With that said, when this power-hungry gland decides to take time off and be under-active or put in some overtime and be overactive, it can wreak havoc on various areas and systems within the body.
There are over 300 symptoms that are related to issues with the thyroid.
The main reason for so many symptoms is because the thyroid can be overactive or underactive and each condition has its own unique symptoms.
Now that we have covered the importance of thyroid health, let’s take a look at the best essential oils for helping with overactive thyroids.
Table of Contents
Essential Oils for Thyroids (Overactive)
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, results in the thyroid producing too much thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
This hormone speeds up the metabolism within the body.
While having a faster metabolism might not sound so bad, it can cause some severe health issues.
Lemongrass
While there are many ways in which lemongrass oil can help those with thyroid issues, one of the main benefits is its use as an anti-inflammatory. (1)
Lemongrass oil has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL1 beta.
Lemongrass has also been used for treating shaking limbs or hands, another common symptom of overactive thyroids.
Lavender
Many people that live with an overactive thyroid tend to have problems with sleeping.
Using lavender oil, which also has anti-inflammatory properties, for aromatherapy can help to achieve a calmer more relaxed state and have an easier time sleeping.
Frankincense
Frankincense contains Boswellic acids.(2)
This type of acid has a chemical structure that similar to steroids.
By applying Frankincense directly over the thyroid, many people have reported improved thyroid hormone levels.
Some users have even reported smaller thyroid nodules by using Frankincense on a regular basis.
Wintergreen
While wintergreen oil doesn’t provide much in the way of medical benefits, it can help those with overactive thyroids that are having issues sleeping.
Many people have been using wintergreen oil to help achieve a more restful sleep due to its stress reducing and relaxing properties.
Sandalwood
Since many people with overactive thyroids suffer from symptoms of anxiety, sandalwood oil is a great option.
Sandalwood oil has been used for years by people that suffer from anxiety.
Due to its calming and relaxing properties, sandalwood oil can help those with overactive thyroids that also experience symptoms of anxiety or restlessness.
Pine
Pine oil is another option for those with anxiety symptoms related to an overactive thyroid.
It provides many of the same effects as sandalwood oil but offers a different scent.
Essential Oils for Thyroid (Underactive)
On the other end of the spectrum, you will find hypothyroidism.
Also referred to as under-active thyroid disease, hypothyroidism is a common disorder that prevents the thyroid gland from making enough of the hormone thyroxine.
The symptoms associated with hypothyroidism can be hard to detect since they can mimic the symptoms of other conditions.
Just as there are essential oils that can help those that suffer from overactive thyroids, there are essential oils that can help those with under-active thyroids.
Myrrh
Just as Frankincense has been shown to help people with overactive thyroids by applying it directly over the thyroid gland, there have been reports of people suffering from under-active thyroids that similarly use Myrrh for improving thyroid health.
Spearmint
Along with helping to stimulate blood circulation and helping to improve the immune system, spearmint oil also helps to keep the metabolism activated by stimulating the secretion of hormones.
Peppermint
If spearmint oil seems to be ineffective, peppermint oil will make for a better alternative.
It provides the same benefits as found in spearmint but contains a higher concentration of menthol, thereby making it a stronger option.
Hypothyroidism can make it difficult to get anything done.
You’re constantly ready for your next nap which, of course, you have to fight if you expect to get any work done.
On top of that, you likely get a lot of headaches and have a difficult time concentrating. Peppermint oil can help with all of that.
Rose Geranium
Studies have been conducted that show that (3) rose geranium oil provides people with a natural and safe anti-inflammatory option.
While spearmint and peppermint oils are more potent options, rose geranium oil is an ideal alternative for those that might be sensitive to menthol.
Frankincense
It may seem odd to have Frankincense on both lists, but I assure you, that isn’t a mistake.
Frankincense can help to counter the digestive effects of an underperforming thyroid.
Frankincense stimulates the release of enzymes that aid in the digestion.
With better digestion, any constipation and indigestion issues can improve.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood oil helps to keep the metabolism activated by stimulating the thyroid and the secretion of hormones.
It also has another benefit of being a sedative, so it might help you to get to sleep faster.
Better sleep equals less fatigue, and we both know that every little bit helps.
Conclusion
While there are traditional medical treatments available for helping with overactive and under-active thyroids, many that receive these treatments still feel some of the effects of thyroid conditions and thereby unable to truly enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
With beneficial and natural treatments, such as high-grade essential oils, used in conjunction with medical treatments, many are able to experience a better quality of life.
Article References:
(1) “Lemongrass Effects on IL-1beta and IL-6 Production by Macrophages”, By Sforcin, Amaral, Fernandes, Sousa, Bastos. 12/23/2009.
(2) “Frankincense: From the Selection of Traditional Applications to the Novel Phytotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Serious Diseases”, By R. Hamidpour, S. Hamidpour, M. Hamidpour, Shahlari. October 2013
(3) “Rose Geranium Essential Oil as a Source of New and Safe Anti-Inflammatory Drugs”, By Boukhatem, Kameli, Ferhat, Saidi, Mekarnia. October 2013.