If you suffer from hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the throat), you are probably on medication that provides artificial thyroid hormone.

But even with medication, sometimes people with thyroid disorders can still be symptomatic, to the point where it affects their quality of life.

Fortunately, there are many essential oils that offer natural, plant-based treatments for the thyroid gland itself, as well as the symptoms of hypothyroidism, like fatigue and mental fog.

Read on to learn how you can use essential oils to combat hypothyroidism and get back to feeling as energetic and focused as you did before the onset of your thyroid troubles.

Hypothyroidism FAQ

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, is becoming a national epidemic. When you examine the various causes of hypothyroidism, you can see why this disorder is on the rise in today’s frenetic, environmentally unstable world:

• stress and adrenal gland problems
• exposure to toxic substances
• estrogen dominance (menopause)
• missing dietary elements, such as selenium and iodine
• pituitary or hypothalamus dysfunction
• infection
• injury to the neck or throat
• tumors

Hypothyroidism affects, by far, more women than men, probably due to the fact that hormonal triggers, such as childbirth and menopause, are a major cause of the disorder.


About one-quarter of all postmenopausal women are diagnosed with underactive thyroids, but there are probably more people who suffer from undiagnosed hypothyroidism because the top symptoms overlap with so many other disorders and life conditions (fibromyalgia, arthritis, menopause, clinical depression, etc.):

• poor thermoregulation (always too hot or too cold, never comfortable, including frequent hot flashes and night sweats)
• diffuse aches and pains
• weakness
• fatigue or downright exhaustion
• mental fog and poor concentration
• memory loss
• unexplained weight gain and/or inability to lose weight on a diet
• dry skin
• hair loss, including the lateral (outside) portions of the eyebrows
• constipation
• loss of libido
• irritability and/or depression

While it may seem that these symptoms are more of a nuisance than a true health threat, undiagnosed hypothyroidism can put people at great risk and even death if the thyroid gland is not treated. Not only does the thyroid gland contribute to growth in children, it also regulates your metabolism (affecting both weight and temperature), assists with cognition in the brain, and helps the endocrine system in the release of hormones and enzymes. Often, people who have hypothyroidism have an autoimmune component, where the body starts attacking its own thyroid gland; this is known as Hashimoto’s disease.

Some people are at a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism, including people with a family history of the disorder, people with Type 1 diabetes, those who have had previous thyroid surgery, and people with Down’s and Turner’s syndromes. In addition to gender and hormonal changes, advanced age and stress both carry a higher incidence of hypothyroidism as well.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made by evaluating blood tests that look at various thyroid gland hormones, although some people are treated based on their symptoms even if their tests look normal. While medication is helpful for some people, statistics say that about half of those on synthetic thyroid hormone (the most popular treatment) are still symptomatic or fail to get their test results in normal range.

If this is a problem for you, the good news is that essential oils can help treat hypothyroidism too. You can use essential oils to both enhance the function of the thyroid gland itself and to relieve hypothyroid symptoms and related conditions, like adrenal fatigue (often present when hypothyroidism is caused by stress that affects the

adrenal glands too). Essential oils work well with traditional medical treatments for hypothyroidism to bring the body back into balance.

9 Essential Oils to Treat Hypothyroidism

(Consult your healthcare provider before using any of these essential oils if you are pregnant or nursing, as many of them may cause contractions or can be passed to the child.)

Clary Sage

A clinical study showed that clary sage essential oil reduced cortisol levels by more than one-third. This is vital in treating hypothyroidism, because cortisol, a stress hormone, can make hypothyroidism symptoms worse and lead to adrenal gland fatigue, among other health problems. Clary sage also helps regulate TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels, which is the goal of prescription medications. This essential oil is particularly effective for post-menopausal women whose estrogen needs balancing and for people with depression.

Spearmint

Like peppermint, spearmint essential oil is also a digestive and carminative, meaning it can help relax the intestines and ease constipation and gas–symptoms that are common with hypothyroidism. Spearmint essential oil is also a cephalic, so it calms stress, and its cooling properties are ideal for the overheating that often accompanies underactive thyroid problems in menopause. It increases circulation for overall health and stimulates energy, which makes it ideal if you feel sluggish because of your hypothyroidism.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass essential oil eases inflammation and headaches, two other common symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is perfect for those muscle pains and joint aches that come with this disorder. Lemongrass essential oil relieves insomnia, anxiety, and irritability too. It detoxifies the digestive tract, so if your hypothyroidism is due to exposure to toxins, it will help restore health to the large organs of the abdomen. This essential oil is vital to all-around immune system health.

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Geranium

Geranium essential oil can help balance the hormones that become in short supply during menopause and trigger hypothyroidism. It also reduces inflammation and banishes stress and depression. Geranium essential oil improves slow circulation and fights candida (yeast), which in the gut can cause or aggravate autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s). Use this essential oil with caution if you have high blood pressure.

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Clove

Clove essential oil, with its warming properties, is ideal for treating pain and inflammation with hypothyroidism, and it has been very well studied scientifically for this. This is a go-to essential oil for foot rubs, massage oils, and bath blends. A key ingredient in Thieves blend, clove essential oil is also an antioxidant and helps protect the liver; in fact, clove essential oil provides 30 times the free radical protection of blueberries! This all-around essential oil additionally functions as an antifungal, fighting candida in leaky gut syndrome, which may participate in autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s.

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Rosemary

Do you suffer from the common symptom of hair loss due to hypothyroidism? If so, rosemary essential oil should be in your oil collection. You can add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner and massage it into the scalp to fight hypothyroid hair loss. Rosemary essential oil also reduces joint pain, decreases swelling (including facial swelling that occurs with underactive thyroid disease), boosts the function of the gallbladder and liver, and decreases stress-causing cortisol. This essential oil has been very well studied and found to improve memory too–great if you have hypothyroid brain fog.

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Frankincense

Frankincense is another essential oil with many benefits for hypothyroid sufferers. It relieves constipation, eases stomach aches, helps regulate estrogen production (remember, menopause is often a big trigger for thyroid disorders), soothes joint and muscle pain, and calms the brain’s limbic system (the one that is in fight-or-flight mode if you’re constantly stressed). Frankincense essential oil also enhances the entire immune system and serves as an excellent moisturizer for dry skin.

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Myrrh

Frankincense’s historical cousin, myrrh, is another multipurpose essential oil. It is also great for the skin and reduces swelling and inflammation, which makes it a perfect oil to include in compresses and massage oil blends. Furthermore, myrrh essential oil is an antioxidant, protecting the liver from damage and preventing the immune system from further assault that can exacerbate hypothyroidism. If you like aromatherapy, myrrh essential oil is relaxing and can help you feel less anxious–another important part of treating hypothyroidism.

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Lemon

Lemon essential oil is high in antioxidants too, which makes it perfect for autoimmune-based hypothyroidism like Hashimoto’s disease. Its fresh citrus scent is uplifting and energizing. Lemon essential oil supports improved metabolism and can help you lose excess weight that results from an underactive thyroid. This essential oil increases dopamine levels, which is excellent for people who are depressed or fighting substance abuse or bad habits that interfere with healthy living.

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Five DIY Essential Oil Recipes to Combat Hypothyroidism

Diffuser Blends

Because hypothyroidism has so many different causes and effects on the body, you can use essential oils in a diffuser to quell many of those varying triggers and symptoms, especially fatigue and stress, which tend to go hand in hand with thyroid disorders.

Here are a few of our favorite diffuser blends.

Fatigue Blend #1:

• 4 drops grapefruit EO
• 3 drops peppermint EO
• 3 drops rosemary EO

Fatigue Blend #2:

• 5 drops bergamot EO
• 2 drops peppermint EO
• 2 drops grapefruit EO

Fatigue Blend #3:

• 5 drops lavender EO
• 3 drops lemon EO
• 2 drops clary sage EO

Fatigue Blend #4:

• 3 drops basil EO
• 3 drops peppermint EO
• 3 drops grapefruit EO

Fatigue Blend #5:

• 5 drops lemon EO
• 2 drops eucalyptus EO
• 1 drop peppermint EO
• 1 drop cinnamon EO

Fatigue Blend #6:

• 4 drops lime EO
• 4 drops grapefruit EO
• 4 drops rosemary EO

Stress Relief Blend:

• 6 drops lavender EO
• 5 drops Roman chamomile EO
• 4 drops ylang ylang EO

Memory Booster Blend #1:

• 2 drops lemon EO
• 2 drops grapefruit EO
• 2 drops lavender EO
• 2 drops peppermint EO
• 1 drop basil EO
• 1 drop rosemary EO

Memory Booster Blend #2:

• 5 drops lavender EO
• 4 drops lemon EO
• 2 drops rosemary EO
• 1 drop cinnamon EO

Anxiety Relief Blend:

• 5 drops mandarin EO
• 5 drops lavender EO
• 4 drops lime EO

Immune System Support Blend:

• 5 drops lemon EO
• 5 drops orange EO
• 5 drops grapefruit EO

Mood Booster Blend:

• 3 drops lemongrass EO
• 3 drops tangerine EO
• 3 drops spearmint EO

Thyroid Gland Support Roller Ball

Ingredients:

• 3 drops frankincense EO
• 3 drops myrrh EO
• 2 drops lemongrass EO
• 2 drops clove EO
• 10 ml fractionated (liquid) coconut oil

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients above in a 10 ml glass bottle with a roller ball top.
2. Roll the bottle gently between the palms to blend the ingredients.
3. Apply daily directly over the thyroid gland on the throat.

Thyroid Support Rub for the Bottoms of the Feet

Ingredients:

• 8 drops frankincense EO
• 8 drops myrrh EO
• 5 drops lemongrass EO
• 5 drops clove EO
• 5 drops basil EO
• 10 ml fractionated (liquid) coconut oil

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients above in a 10 ml glass bottle with a roller top.
2. Roll the bottle gently between the palms to blend the ingredients.
3. Apply nightly to the soles of the feet before bed, especially to the area between the ball of the foot and the big toe (a major reflexology point for the thyroid gland).

Adrenal Fatigue Compress

Ingredients:

• 1 drop geranium EO
• 1 drop rosemary EO
• 1 drop clove EO
• 1 teaspoon carrier oil (argan, avocado, coconut, sesame, sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed, macadamia)

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients above in a small glass jar or beaker.
2. Apply nightly to the lower back over the adrenal gland area (just above the kidneys) to fight adrenal fatigue, which frequently accompanies hypothyroidism.
3. Cover with a warm washcloth or towel and allow to seep into the skin for about 10 minutes.

Massage Blend for Hypothyroid Aches and Pains

Ingredients:

• 30 drops lavender EO
• 15 drops rosemary EO
• 15 drops eucalyptus EO
• 9 drops peppermint EO
• 15 drops birch EO
• 30 ml fractionated (liquid coconut oil)

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large glass bottle, preferably with a massage oil top to keep the oil from running out to fast when poured.
2. Roll the bottle gently between the palms to blend the ingredients.
3. Apply on the body morning and night for sore muscles and joints associated with hypothyroidism.

Closing Tips for Using Essential Oils to Manage Your Under-active Thyroid

Many essential oils work even better when combined with each other than on their own. The recipes above give you a starting point for blends to treat hypothyroidism, but you can combine any of the oils listed in this article to create custom blends that make you feel better, both emotionally and physically.

Your choice of essential oil will probably depend on what hypothyroid triggers and symptoms you are experiencing. If you are under stress or suffer from anxiety, which can aggravate hypothyroidism, you will need calming and soothing essential oils. However, if you are primarily feeling fatigued, foggy, or a bit down, stimulating and uplifting oils are your best bet. You can, of course, use both types of oils for different needs over time. And don’t forget about oils to treat related conditions, such as adrenal fatigue (see recipe, above).

Some essential oils are able to be ingested, but most are meant for topical or inhaled/aromatherapy use only, so take care with this. Luckily, there are many different routes of administration you can use with your essential oils. As noted in the recipes above, compresses, thyroid rubs, and oils for the bottoms of the feet are particularly effective when treating hypothyroidism. Another good delivery method is to add essential oils to your bathwater and soak in them for at least 20 minutes.

Never replace prescription medications with essential oils. Talk to your healthcare provider about supplementing your current medication with essential oils. You may eventually be able to reduce or discontinue your medication but only under a doctor’s care.

Consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are trying to become pregnant. While most essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy and lactation, there are some that should never be used during this time. Likewise, ask your pediatrician first before using essential oils on very young children.

It is recommended to try a patch test on a small area of skin before using any new essential oils on a larger area of the body. This is especially important if you have had any sensitivities or reactions to essential oils in the past.

It is also wise to dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil first to avoid any irritation of the skin (and it also makes them last longer). There are dozens of carrier oils to choose from, such as coconut, olive, jojoba, grapeseed, or rosehip oil. Sometimes the choice of carrier oil can enhance the efficacy of your essential oils, like carrier oils that penetrate the skin quickly. You may also wish to select an oil based on its scent (or lack thereof) or for its moisturizing properties, since hypothyroidism usually brings extra dry skin.

The nine oils listed above are merely a starting point for you to address your hypothyroidism. Here are some other essential oils also known to be beneficial for the thyroid gland; in fact, you’ll see many of these oils in the ingredients for the recipes above:

• lavender
• cedarwood
• sandalwood
• cypress
• myrtle
• grapefruit
• marjoram
• peppermint
• anise
• evening primrose
• basil
• thyme

Conclusion

Know the signs of overstimulating your thyroid gland (hyperthryroidism), including rapid heart rate, palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss without dieting, insomnia, and feeling “wired” all the time.

If you experience these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about your thyroid medication, and discontinue the use of essential oils for hypothyroidism until your thyroid gland has been regulated.

If you have any questions, comments or recommendations of your own please let us know in the comment section below!