Approximately 20 million Americans live with thyroid disease and an estimated 12% of the US is believed to develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. Looking at these statistics, it’s no wonder we at Edens Garden get so many questions about essential oils for thyroid problems. 

If you or someone you know lives with a thyroid condition, you may be wondering if essential oils can help. In this guide, we’ll discuss thyroid health and how to effectively use essential oils for thyroid support. Read on to learn more.
 

Common Thyroid Problems

Our thyroid produces hormones that control much of how the body functions and operates. Common thyroid problems include the body producing too much or too little hormones, causing thyroid imbalance along with a host of side effects. Let’s discuss in detail more on these problems. 

Hyperthyroidism 

When the body produces too many thyroid hormones, this is referred to as hyperthyroidism. This causes the body’s metabolism to speed up and to use energy more quickly. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: 

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Increased appetite

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Nervousness and anxiety

• Sleeplessness

• Heat sensitivity

• Enlarged thyroid gland

• Sweating

Causes may include: 

• Graves’ disease refers to an autoimmune disease in which the immune system stimulates too much thyroid hormone production

• Hyperthyroidism may occur due to adenomas, or benign lumps of the thyroid that may overstimulate the thyroid

• Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid, can cause your thyroid to produce too much of the thyroid hormone
  
  

Hypothyroidism

When the body produces too few thyroid hormones, this is referred to as hypothyroidism. This causes your body’s metabolism to slow down and not create enough energy. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: 

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Muscle aches & pains

• Slower heartbeat

• Memory loss

• Dry skin and hair loss

• Cold sensitivity

• Enlarged thyroid gland

• Constipation

Causes may include: 

• Thyroid surgery can lower hormone production

• Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's disease, refers to the immune system attacking the thyroid. 

• Medications such as lithium may cause the thyroid to be underactive 

• Radiation therapy around the head or neck can cause hypothyroidism
  
  

Are There Essential Oils For Thyroid Problems?

Essential oils may benefit those with a thyroid disorder in a variety of ways. Here are some of our top recommendations for those with thyroid conditions.

Fatigue 

Fatigue is one of the most common concerns of those with a thyroid condition. While multiple studies have shown essential oils’ ability to reduce fatigue, one particular study on women with hypothyroidism has further proven that aromatherapy can help reduce fatigue in those with a thyroid condition. 

If you’re suffering from tiredness, we suggest adding one of the following essential oils to an aromatherapy inhaler throughout the day. 

Fatigue Fix: A blend of zesty and cooling essential oils, Fatigue Fix is a burst of fresh energy. Featuring oils like Peppermint which has been proven to reduce daytime sleepiness, Fatigue Fix is the perfect pick-me-up when you start to lose focus and motivation.

Fir- Silver: A simple yet effective essential oil for upping one’s energy levels, Silver Fir is our tried and true solution for keeping you on top of your game. Touting an energizing aroma that’s been shown to reduce fatigue symptoms in sleepless subjects, Silver Fir is here when you need it. 

Memory

Essential oils have long been shown to boost cognitive function and memory. This is especially important for those experiencing memory loss associated with a thyroid condition. We suggest adding one or more of the following oils to an active essential oil diffuser and diffusing in 30-60 minute intervals. 

Frankincense- Serrata: A 2010 study looked at Frankincense powder’s effects on subjects with impaired memory caused by hypothyroidism. The study revealed that Frankincense powder was able to enhance the subject’s memory and performance. 

Rosemary- Moroccan: A 2012 study focused particularly on the 1,8 cineole found in Rosemary. Researchers found that Rosemary essential oil directly enhanced mood, memory, and cognitive performance in the group of 20 volunteers. It also improved their overall mood.

Sleep

Sleeplessness can be detrimental to one’s thyroid condition and quality of life. Get back on track with these oils and blends. Try diffusing one of these oils 30 minutes before bedtime. 

Good Night: Good Night has a soft, powdery, clean aroma, with an overall impression of Lavender–an oil consistently shown in studies to improve sleep quality. Sweet, relaxing Ylang Ylang and woody Sandalwood support the aroma to provide complexity and depth. Finished with refreshing citrus fruits, it’s not overly sweet. 

Sleep Ease: Sleep Ease is complex and almost completely floral. It is powdery, gentle, cool and gives you a feeling of walking through a flower garden. Highlighting Rose essential oil, which has been proven in sleep studies to mitigate sleep problems, Sleep Ease is your ticket to sweeter dreams. 

Anxiety

Stress and anxiety plague many people, but those with thyroid dysfunction may be especially prone to these mental health issues. Try adding one of the following oils to an aromatherapy inhaler and using it as needed. 

Anxiety Ease: Anxiety Ease has a slightly floral and sweet aroma with notes of citrus. Its uplifting, cheerful aroma will help you regain those moments of clarity and confidence when you feel your cortisol levels spike.

Stress Relief: Stress Relief is a balanced blend that has a strong citrus aroma with notes of musk. This has been a favorite blend of our community since Edens Garden’s inception and it’s no wonder why. Powered by essential oils derived from citrus fruits including Bergamot, it is incredibly revitalizing. 

Irregular Heartbeat

A common symptom of those with lower or higher than normal thyroid hormones is a fast or slow heartbeat. This is a serious concern and one you should speak with your doctor about before using essential oils. In the meantime, here’s how essential oils have been shown to affect heart rate. 

Ylang Ylang: A 2013 study on the physiological effects of Ylang Ylang on 29 healthy men found that Ylang Ylang lowered each individuals’ heart rate and blood pressure. Ylang Ylang’s ability to lower one’s heart rate may be beneficial to those with a fast heartbeat, and can also lend itself to be a useful sedative and anti-anxiety aid. 

d-Limonene: A naturally occurring component in many citrus oils, d-limonene has been shown to neutralize abnormal heartbeat in in-vitro and in-vivo studies as well as reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Current batches of Edens Garden’s Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin and Sweet Orange essential oils all contain upwards of 90% d-limonene

Please note that there isn’t much information on essential oils that increase heartbeat and blood pressure when used normally.  

Safety Guidelines For Those With Thyroid Conditions

There are always safety guidelines that apply to using essential oils, but when you have a health condition, there may be a few individualized guidelines that match your concerns. 

For starters, we don’t recommend replacing your thyroid medication with essential oils and we also recommend consulting with your doctor before using essential oils. We also suggest familiarizing yourself with essential oils that may contraindicate medications. 

If you have further questions about using essential oils for your thyroid condition, please reach out to our aromatherapists for further assistance or find an aromatherapist near you, here. 

For more information on how to dilute essential oils and use essential oils in a diffuser, our blog is a wealth of information on aromatherapy safety and uses. 

Sources: 

1. General Information/Press Room. https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/

2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659

3. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284

4. The beneficial effects of olibanum on memory deficit induced by hypothyroidism in adult rats tested in Morris water maze. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20361313/

5. Aromatherapy reduces fatigue among women with hypothyroidism: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31437124/

6. Effects of Ylang-Ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836517/

7. Bradycardic and Antiarrhythmic Effects of the D-Limonene in Rats. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7020959/