12 Essential Oils For Thyroid, Precautions, And Treatments
Get your facts right before you count on oil treatment for your thyroid issues.
Jennifer Roelands, MD, is an integrative medicine trained OB/GYN with 18 years of experience. She is the founder and director of Well Woman MD, which provides comprehensive health care for women by combining the best evidence-based therapies from conventional, naturopathic, and holistic medicine.
Read full bio of Jennifer Roelands
Experience: 10 yearsSanchari has over 10 years of experience as a teacher and a writer and has done a certificate course in natural medicine. Working in diverse fields has strengthened her perceptive skills and honed her expression which helps her to create content that can connect people across age, gender and borders.
Read full bio of Sanchari Bhattacharya
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Experience: 2 yearsHimanshi Mahajan is a Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach. She has a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Guru Nanak Dev University and two years of experience in writing SEO-based and research-backed content across health and lifestyle genres.
Read full bio of Himanshi Mahajan
StyleCraze believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, you may contact us.
Image: Shutterstock
Thyroid imbalance is an increasing concern and conventional treatments may not always be enough to ease all the symptoms and related discomfort. That’s where essential oils for thyroid come into the picture in a supportive role. While there is not enough evidence to directly link the use of essential oils and the management of thyroid dysfunction, essential oils have been studied individually for thyroid-related issues. As a result, there are a variety of essential oils with specific active compounds and therapeutic properties that you can use as a natural way to optimal health and wellness. Here, we dive deeper into some of the most suited essential oils to see what they may do for you.
In This Article
What Causes Thyroid Issues?
- Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, may lead to thyroid-related issues like hypothyroidism (1).
- Iodine Deficiency: The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce hormones. Inadequate iodine intake may affect the production of thyroid hormone and lead to goiter and hypothyroidism (2).
- Thyroid Nodules: Benign or malignant nodules on the gland can disrupt hormone production, affecting thyroid function. Cancerous nodules may lead to thyroid cancer (3).
- Radiation Exposure: Radiation therapy, especially to the head and neck, can damage the thyroid gland and cause thyroid disorders (5).
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy-related hormonal changes may lead to temporary thyroid issues, such as postpartum thyroiditis (5).
Irrespective of the underlying cause, essential oils are often suggested for managing thyroid issues. But do they work? Let’s find out in the next section.
Do Essential Oils Treat Thyroid Issues?
Essential oils do not treat thyroid issues but they may help manage a variety of symptoms associated with an imbalanced or unhealthy thyroid. For instance, if you have an underactive thyroid, you may experience certain symptoms like lethargy and fatigue, dry skin, irritability, digestive issues, inflammation, and weight gain (6). Some essential oils may help you to manage these better and support your prescribed treatment.
Similarly, an overactive thyroid may create uncomfortable symptoms like insomnia, digestive issues, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), anxiety, and nervousness (7). Essential oils may be able to provide some relief with regard to these auxiliary issues, as we’ll discuss in the following section.
Megan, a blogger, successfully overcame hypothyroidism using essential oils. She recalls the moment her test results came in: “It was time for the moment of truth. The test results came in, and my doctor in his assessment concluded, ‘Prior history of hypothyroidism documented. TSH indicates now normal function. No concerning clinical symptoms. Will follow.’ I was thrilled that my body was able to heal with the help of the oils (i).”
Read on to take a more detailed look at some of the most effective essential oils for thyroid and their individual beneficial properties.
12 Essential Oils For Thyroid Health
1. Lemongrass
Lemongrass oil with its fresh, citrusy aroma has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokinesi A type of signaling molecule that responds to infection, inflammation, and trauma and promotes healing process. and thus may reduce the allergic or inflammatory disease response linked with thyroid imbalance (8), (9). You can apply lemongrass oil topically on the neck if your thyroid gland feels swollen or enlarged.
Did You Know?2. Frankincense
Frankincensei A resin from Boswellia tree, typically used for skin care and aromatherapy for relaxing and relieving pain. oil is a great inclusion in your arsenal as it has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and immune-boosting properties (10). A study has found frankincense to be effective against psoriasisi A skin condition that causes painful itchy rash, scaly patches on knees, scalp, elbow and trunk of the body. , one of the auto-immune disorders commonly linked with thyroid issues (11), (12).
According to research, frankincense may be able to help with brain and memory function, auto-immunity issues, diabetes, and asthma (13). All of these issues are directly or indirectly associated with an imbalanced thyroid (6), (7). Frankincense has a pleasant fragrance, and it is also perfect for aromatherapy after a long tiring day.
Trivia3. Lavender
Lavender oil may be effective against anxiety, a common issue caused by an overactive thyroid (7), (14). Research suggests that lavender may promote a sense of calm, and ease depression, which is also common in people with thyroid imbalance (10), (15). In addition, it may also boost antioxidant activity and reduce oxidative stress, which worsens and is prevalent in hypothyroidism (16), (17).
According to a study published in Antioxidants Journal in April 2022, different cultivars of lavender contain different flavonoid content. The total flavonoid content (TFC) was obtained from Betty’s Blue and Elizabeth cultivar extracts, whereas the lowest one was obtained from Hidcote cultivar extracts. The extracts obtained by the ultrasound-assisted method showed the highest flavonoid content than other extraction methods. Check out the graph to know more.
The Total Flavonoid Content For Different Extraction Methods
Source: Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia Cultivars Extracted with Different MethodsLavender may also be used to get relief from musculoskeletal paini Chronic pain in the bones, muscles, ligaments and nerves that results from carrying large weights or serious injuries. often associated with an imbalanced thyroid function due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic propertiesi Medactional properties that helps to relieve pain, typically used to relieve pain of rashes, swelling and inflammation. (18), (19).
4. Sandalwood
According to a study, sandalwood oil has anti-anxiety-like properties and may be helpful if you are experiencing panic attacks or anxiety associated with an overactive thyroid (20), (21). It may also help reduce hair loss caused by hypothyroidism. It may also help with dry or flaky skin associated with psoriasis (11), (22). Furthermore, a study suggests that sandalwood may help provide protection against oxidative and pollution-triggered stress, which exacerbate thyroid issues (16), (23), (24).
5. Wintergreen
Wintergreen oil may be effective against the aches and pains in joints and the muscle fatigue associated with thyroid imbalance (18), (25). Research shows that methyl salicylate, the active ingredient present in wintergreen oil, has strong pain-relieving properties (26). You can use this oil topically on sore and tired joints and muscles. Mix this oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or olive oil, if you find its scent overpowering.
6. Spearmint
Spearmint, scientifically called Mentha spicata, is also known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Research suggests that it may relieve joint pain, something that is common if you have thyroid dysfunction (18), (27). You can apply this topically on your achy joints to improve circulation and ease the pain.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint oil serves multiple purposes when used as an essential oil for thyroid issues. According to research, it is one of the natural remedies for hypothyroidism. It may aid digestion, reduce nausea, improve a sluggish metabolism, boost physical performance, and help with mood stabilization, and cognitive performance (28), (29), (30). You can add it to a carrier oil and massage your belly if you are having digestive issues related to hypothyroidism. You can also inhale it via a diffuser or consume food-grade peppermint with a cup of tea to get its benefits.
8. Rose geranium
Rose geranium essential oil may be helpful as an anti-inflammatory agent and may help with joint inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis in those with hypothyroidism (31), (32), (33). It may also help manage dry skin issues. You may apply diluted rose geranium essential oil on stiff and swollen areas for relief. You may also find yourself relaxed and in a better mood because of its exquisitely rosy aroma.
9. Black Pepper
Black pepper or Piper nigrum is a well-studied bioenhancer (34). That means that it can magnify the effects of other ingredients in an essential oil blend. Research suggests that black pepper works as an energy booster, a good counter for the fatigue experienced in hypothyroidism. There is also some evidence to suggest that it may be able to fight inflammation, anxiety, depression, and toxins in the body— all of which are common troubles associated with thyroid imbalance (35), (36).
10. Cilantro
Cilantro is an excellent detoxifying agent that may help to get rid of several heavy metals like lead, and mercury (37), (38). An accumulation of these toxins has been linked with thyroid dysfunction (39), (40), (41). This popular culinary herb and its essential oil contain a chemical called linalool with strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (42), (43). As musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis are likely to coexist with thyroid issues, you can use this oil for massaging your joints and muscles as well (44).
11. Roman Chamomile
Anxiety, depression, and insomnia can be troubling conditions related to an overactive or underactive thyroid (45), (7). Roman chamomile is one of the best essential oils for hypothyroidism as all these respond very well to chamomile’s effects (46).
12. Ginger
Ginger essential oil is a powerhouse when it comes to tackling an imbalanced thyroid. It helps the body cope with inflammation, allergic reactions, asthma, and some auto-immune issues. It also has an energizing effect that can help to combat fatigue linked with hypothyroidism. Additionally, ginger may be effective in alleviating nausea and digestive issues related to an imbalanced thyroid (47), (48).
While essential oils are considered to be natural remedies, to use them safely you need to follow certain precautions.
Precautions To Consider Before Using Essential Oils
- It is important for you to understand that essential oils are not a substitute for prescribed thyroid treatment. These are not meant to treat your thyroid condition, especially if it is severe.
- Before using essential oils to support your thyroid issues, speak to your healthcare professional. It is essential to work with a doctor if you suspect that you have thyroid issues.
- Most essential oils, in general, should not be swallowed unless there is scientific evidence that says that the particular oil is safe for oral consumption.
- Follow package instructions or the guidelines provided by a certified aromatherapist when using essential oils topically. To be on the safe side, always dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil like almond, jojoba, coconut, or olive before using it on your skin.
- Essential oils are not under the regulation of the FDA and may vary greatly in composition and concentration across brands. You should only buy from sources that you completely trust.
Essential oils can generally be used together with prescription treatments for thyroid-related conditions. Let’s see what some of the traditional approaches to treating thyroid dysfunction involve.
Conventional Medical Approaches To Thyroid Treatments
- Treatment Options For Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism or the condition of having an overactive thyroid is commonly treated with drugs that act as beta-blockersi A medication that helps to maintain blood pressure and reduce chest pain by heart failure, or irregular heartbeat. . Other options for hyperthyroidism are antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine treatments, or in some cases, thyroid-removal surgery.
- Treatment Options For Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism often requires the intake of synthetic thyroid hormones for its treatment. The idea is for synthetic hormones to supplement the gap that is left because your body is not producing enough. Levothyroxine is a commonly prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone.
Infographic: 6 Essential Oils That Support Thyroid Health
While you may develop thyroid problems due to an iron deficiency, inflammation, or autoimmune disease, there are several other symptoms associated with this issue that cause more damage and distress. You may not be able to completely treat a thyroid issue with essential oils may not be possible, but you may be able to manage its symptoms and support thyroid health. Check out the infographic below to know more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
To brief, essential oils for thyroid can help you with a variety of symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction like fatigue, inflammation, depression, anxiety, and brain fog. Some of the best essential oils that can support your thyroid treatment include lavender, lemongrass, ginger, frankincense, and chamomile. You do need to consult with your physician before using any of these. Also, do remember to never replace your prescribed thyroid medications with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you massage your thyroid gland?
Yes, massaging your thyroid gland at the base of your neck with essential oils may help regulate hormone secretion.
Is wild orange oil good for thyroid?
Citrus essential oils like wild orange are good for balancing the endocrine system and treating thyroid issues. They have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce thyroid-induced inflammation.
Is cedarwood good for thyroid?
Cedarwood oil may act as an alternative medicine to help alleviate some of the symptoms of thyroid issues, like dry skin and acne.
Is myrrh oil good for thyroid?
Myrrh oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage thyroid-related skin issues.
Key Takeaways
- Essential oils may help resolve thyroid-related auxiliary issues but cannot help fix the thyroid condition.
- Oils like lemongrass, lavender, spearmint, etc., help relieve underactive and overactive thyroid symptoms.
- These oils have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties.
- However, they cannot be a substitute for prescribed thyroid treatment.
Illustration: Essential Oils For Thyroid Precautions And Treatments
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Essential oils can help support your thyroid health. Check out this video to learn about the top 3 essential oils that can help you feel better and live healthier.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
(i). Hypothyroidism CURED with Essential Oilshttps://livingessentialsbyalicia.wordpress.com/2014/06/19/hypothyroidism-cured-with-essential-oils/
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Hashimoto Thyroiditis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459262/ - The Iodine Deficiency Disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285556/ - Thyroid Nodules
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3575959/ - Research progress of radiation-induced hypothyroidism in head and neck cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7738994/ - Postpartum Thyroiditis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557646/ - Hypothyroidism
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6619426/ - Hyperthyroidism
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5014602/ - Suppression of allergic and inflammatory responses by essential oils derived from herbal plants and citrus fruits
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24682420/ - Lemongrass effects on IL-1beta and IL-6 production by macrophages
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19662581/ - Boswellia Serrata A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3309643/ - Etiological Association Between Psoriasis and Thyroid Diseases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7872875/ - Diterpenoids and Triterpenoids From Frankincense Are Excellent Anti-psoriatic Agents: An in silico Approach
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fchem.2020.00486/full - Frankincense (乳香 Rǔ Xiāng; Boswellia Species): From the Selection of Traditional Applications to the Novel Phytotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Serious Diseases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3924999/ - Lavender and the Nervous System
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/ - The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3246784/ - Oxidative stress in hypothyroid patients and the role of antioxidant supplementation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5040049/
- Lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.) essential oils attenuate hyperglycemia and protect against oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24373672/ - Musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with thyroid disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12864792/ - Antioxidant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26247152/ - Relationship between anxiety and thyroid function in patients with panic disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15610948/ - Prolonged anxiolytic-like activity of sandalwood (Santalum album L.) oil in stress-loaded mice
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259537698_Prolonged_anxiolytic-like_activity_of_sandalwood_Santalum_album_L_oil_in_stress-loaded_mice - Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749697/ - Environmental Exposures and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC2935336/ - Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Potential of Indian Sandalwood Oil against Environmental Stressors In Vitro and Ex Vivo
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/2/53/htm - Pharmacological Aspects of Essential Oil – Wintergreen Oil
https://www.ijsr.net/get_abstract.php?paper_id=ART20175161 - Efficacy and safety profile of a topical methyl salicylate and menthol patch in adult patients with mild to moderate muscle strain: a randomized double-blind parallel-group placebo-controlled multicenter study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20171409/ - Mentha spicata as natural analgesia for treatment of pain in osteoarthritis patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28107842/ - Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29372567/ - Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18041606/ - Peppermint Essential Oil for Nausea and Vomiting in Hospitalized Patients: Incorporating Holistic Patient Decision Making Into the Research Design
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0898010120961579 - Study of prevalence of hypothyroidism in rheumatoid arthritis patients and its impact on disease severity
https://www.openaccessjournals.com/articles/study-of-prevalence-of-hypothyroidism-in-rheumatoid-arthritis-patients-and-its-impact-on-disease-severity-13052.html - Rheumatoid Arthritis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441999/ - Rose geranium essential oil as a source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3793238/ - Bioenhancers from mother nature and their applicability in modern medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3657948/ - Anxiolytic and antidepressant profile of the methanolic extract of Piper nigrum fruits in beta-amyloid (1–42) rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4389991/ - In Vitro Effects of Some Botanicals with Anti-Inflammatory and Antitoxic Activity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5002466/ - Heavy metals detoxification: A review of herbal compounds for chelation therapy in heavy metals toxicity
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332560975_Heavy_metals_detoxification_A_review_of_herbal_compounds_for_chelation_therapy_in_heavy_metals_toxicity - EVALUATION OF THE CHELATING EFFECT OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CORIANDRUM SATIVUM AND ITS FRACTIONS ON WISTAR RATS POISONED WITH LEAD ACETATE
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5446471/ - Overview of Cadmium Thyroid Disrupting Effects and Mechanisms
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5983752/ - Effects of lead on thyroid functions in lead-exposed workers
https://link.springer.com/article/10.2478/s11536-009-0092-8 - Mercury in the human thyroid gland: Potential implications for thyroid cancer autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246748 - The Analgesic Effects of Different Extracts of Aerial Parts of Coriandrum Sativum in Mice
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4392559/ - Effect of Coriandrum sativum hydroalcoholic extract and its essential oil on acetic acid- induced acute colitis in rats
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4877963/ - Bone and joint manifestations of hypothyroidism
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7740308/ - Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with hypothyroidism
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4911835/ - Anxiety depression and insomnia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12391715/ - Clinical aspects and health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern industry
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09064710.2019.1606930?src=recsys - Chemical Analysis and Therapeutic Uses of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Essential Oil: A Review
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0972060X.2018.1524794
Read full bio of Jennifer Roelands
Read full bio of Sanchari Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Read full bio of Himanshi Mahajan
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.