Lately I have been getting a lot of questions regarding essential oils. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not an expert in this area, although recently I have done a good amount of research on essential oils, and I figured it was time to write an article on this topic. As I discuss these essential oils, you’ll notice that many of them have similar benefits. For example, many of the essential oils I discuss have anti-inflammatory properties, which can greatly benefit people with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. However, this doesn’t mean that if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition that you need to take all of the essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s important to understand that while numerous essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, most of them have other benefits as well. And so while there might be some overlap between different essential oils, no two oils are exactly alike. And not everyone will respond the same to each essential oil. For example, one person might have a favorable response to myrrh oil, but when someone else tries it they notice that it doesn’t seem to help too much. Of course not having a positive experience with one essential oil doesn’t mean that other essential oils won’t be beneficial. And it’s also important to understand that the quality of the essential oil is important.
What I’d like to do now is discuss five essential oils that can benefit many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, as there are many other essential oils that can be beneficial, although the ones listed below have a good amount of research supporting their benefits.
1. Lemongrass. Although there are numerous ways in which lemongrass can benefit one’s health, with regards to those with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, lemongrass is especially useful for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. One study showed that lemongrass oil inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1 beta and IL-6 (1). Another study concluded that lemongrass essential oil and its constituents (citral and geranial) may be a therapeutic candidate for allergic and inflammatory diseases (2). It also appears that lemongrass essential oil may have anticancer activity (3). Another study showed that lemongrass essential oils has antifungal effects against Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and Aspergillus niger (4).
2. Myrrh. Some sources claim that rubbing two or three drops of myrrh oil on the thyroid gland on a daily basis can help support thyroid health, especially in those with hypothyroidism. I couldn’t find any research showing that myrrh can directly benefit thyroid health. However, in most cases it won’t hurt to give this a try, and if anyone reading this has noticed an improvement in their thyroid health by using myrrh oil please feel free to share your experience in the comments section below. Perhaps the improvement is due to the anti-inflammatory effects of myrrh, as the research does show that myrrh can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (5) (6), which can help reduce the autoimmune response, and this in turn might benefit people with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
3. Frankincense. Frankincense is one of the main essential oils used for immune system health. This is mainly due to the boswellic acids, which are the active compounds of frankincense (7). The chemical structure of boswellic acids is similar to steroids, although their actions are different from most painkillers and NSAIDs (7). Although I couldn’t find anything in the literature which shows that frankincense has a direct effect on thyroid health, just as is the case with myrrh oil, some people claim that rubbing frankincense oil directly on their thyroid gland has helped to improve their thyroid hormone levels, and in some cases even shrink thyroid nodules. I can’t say that I have patients who have experienced this, but if anyone reading this has had a positive experience with frankincense that relates to thyroid health then please share your experience in the comments section below
But even if frankincense doesn’t have a direct effect on thyroid health, because most thyroid conditions are autoimmune, then using this essential oil can arguably help people with both Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. One specific study showed how the boswellic acids in frankincense can help to reduce Th17 cytokines, which are a factor in autoimmunity (8). The same study showed that it can also increase regulatory T cells, which help to suppress autoimmunity (8). Another study showed how one of the boswellic acids in frankincense is a potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, which is an enzyme responsible for inflammation (9). In addition to helping with inflammation, frankincense might also benefit people with brain and memory conditions, along with asthma, skin conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and cancer (10).
4. Geranium. This essential oil has numerous benefits, but with regards to those people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, its anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects are two of the more important properties. A few studies reveal the anti-inflammatory effects of geranium essential oil (11) (12). However, I would rely more on the other essential oils I have discussed thus far for inflammation, and would recommend this essential oil more for helping with candida infections, which is a common problem with my patients. One study showed that two of three geranium oil constituents (geraniol and geranyl acetate) exhibited anti-candida activity (13). Another study showed that the vaginal application of geranium oil or its main component, geraniol, suppressed candida cell growth in the vagina and its local inflammation (14). Another study showed that the essential oil not only resulted in the complete inhibition of Candida albicans, but it also showed anti-microbial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria (15).
5. Lavender. This probably is the most well known of the essential oils I have discussed. And lavender has many different benefits. One study showed that lavender can protect against diabetes and oxidative stress (16). Many know that lavender has a calming effect, and one study showed that lavender aromatherapy had a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in women college students (17). Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions have sleep issues, and so lavender oil might help in some of these cases. Lavender also has anti-inflammatory effects, as a study showed that lavender essential oil inhibited inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (18). Another study showed that lavender has antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects (19). There is also evidence that lavender has antimicrobial effects (20), and also has antifungal activity (21).
Other Essential Oils:
Although I focused on five specific essential oils in this blog post, this of course doesn’t mean that other essential oils can’t be beneficial to your health. Other commonly used essential oils include melaleuca (tea tree oil), peppermint oil, clove oil, thyme oil, lemon oil, and marjoram.
How Do You Apply These Essential Oils?
When I first started learning about essential oils, one of the first questions I had was “how do I apply the essential oils”, and “what dosage do I use?” In most cases you need only a very small amount of essential oil for a therapeutic effect to take place. For example, one or two drops of these oils is frequently all someone needs. Essential oils are usually diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. Other examples of carrier oils include avocado oil, sesame oil, and evening primrose oil. Using the carrier oils reduces the chances of skin irritation occurring when the essential oils are applied topically. And in case if you were wondering, diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil shouldn’t alter its therapeutic properties.
In summary, essential oils have some wonderful benefits, and you might want to consider incorporating them. Myrrh oil and frankincense are two of the more well known essential oils with regards to thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions. And while some claim that they have a direct effect on thyroid health, the research shows that they have a greater effect on immune system health. I also discussed the benefits of lemongrass, geranium, and lavender, although there are many other essential oils which can benefit your health. I’m admittedly still learning about essential oils, and if you are interested in learning more about it then you might be interested in attending the free online essential oils summit.
Would it be beneficial to make a blind of these oils?
I have read that boswellia can have negative reactions for some people. Is that also true of the frankincense oil which contains boswellic acid?
Frankincense makes my palpitations worse.
When I took probiotics and certain supplements I would have palpitations. After 4 tick bites and lot’s of research I discovered I had probably had Lyme/TickBorne disease for 30+ years. When bacteria die off you often feel worse (Herxheimer effect). You might have something like that going on.
how can I treat my exophtalmia and lidlag of my eyes due to hyperthyroidism? I tryed even aucupuncture but it didn’t work unfortunately!
Gardenia is another smell that is suppose to bring a sense of calmness to people. I never heard of gardenia oil but have purchased candles with this scent.
I am surprised they left out Jasmine oil. I have that as well and I wear it as a perfume.
I have and use all the other oils above.
I also enjoy the lemongrass tea. In Jamaica it is considered a “bush tea”, because people can pick it fresh, tie it in a knot, and boil it for 20 minutes and then drink with some honey.
I also drink Hybiscus flower tea (hot in the winter, cold in the summer) as it boost your immune system plus, it tastes delish.
I wish you would run a seminar on Hashimotos and how it worsens menopause symptoms, and what can we do about it?
My endocrinologist does not consider Hashimotos nor does my OBGYN who has me using HRT (Mimvey & Estrace cream)
My endo claims my numbers are good, even though I tell her I am sleeping again, EVER afternoon for 2 hours.
Thanks for considering this topic in the future.
Hi Kristine,
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and going through perimenopause. I was a mess. A couple weeks ago I watched a webinar series on what we eat can improve/cure many ailments. When they talked about eliminating all gluten and going on a paleo autoimmune diet I did it the very next day. I also cut out all dairy and coffee. Drink only green tea matcha. In just three days, no more sweating, more energy, regular bowel movements and feeling well. In a week, finger nails and hair are growing, skin and eyes brighter and belly fat melted away. One month later, still feeling fantastic. Also using frankincense, lavender and yang yang oils. My Endo said I didn’t have to cut gluten. Once I cut it out I feel 100% better.
Thank you for sharing this. I also felt much better after eliminating wheat/gluten from my diet.
Hi Kristine,
Thanks for sharing. I have Hashimoto’s and also I am menopausal. How do you use Frankincense, lavender and yang Yang oil’s? Do you use them in a combination? And/or you apply it topically, ingest it or just diffuse it? I’d be grateful for any information that you can share?
Thanks,
Tina
Tina, Frankincense, lavender and Ylang- Ylang can be used topically -dilute with fractionated coconut oil in a roller bottle, you can either roll it over your thyroid or on your thyroid vita-flex points(google this if you’re not sure what I’m talking about) they also can be diffused. If you want to ingest any oil, I would be very careful as to what brand you use. I know Young Living has a vitality line that is approved by the FDA to be ingested and they have a seed to seal guarantee of therapeutic- grade purity.
Hi, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after the birth of my daughter 7 months ago, it’s been hell for me and all the pills and treatment options just weren’t helping so I ditched the pills and went to essential oils! And let me say I will never go back. They have helped my immune system, helped me sleep, brought down the swelling of my thyroid and help my hormones go down!
Do you have a recipe?
Hi , I’m curious to know what oils you use . I have been trying to look for what is best and there are so many different. It would be nice to hear from someone first hand
Hi Danielle,
I read your response and am wondering if you could tell me what oils you use that work. My friend was recently diagnosed with Graves’ disease and I told her I would send some oils her way. So I’m in the mist of researching what oils work best. Thank you!!
What oils do you use?
Hi Danielle,
I am recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and it’s been hell as well! Do you mind sharing what you used as I’m looking into natural remedies now cuz my emotions and anxiety are out of control. Thank you
Hi, I’m newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism post fibroid removal surgery and it’s hell. My emotions and anxiety are everywhere. Do you mind sharing what you did as I’m trying to ditch pills as well for a natural route.
Hi Danielle , I’m interested to know the combinations oils that u are using as I myself also having hyperthyroidism . I’m taking pills too but it’s doesn’t seems to work . I have started using essential oils for 9 months . All I can feel , I have better sleep & feeling more relax . But my nodules seems not shrinking as I expected . Perhaps your combination oils would work for me . Thanks
Hi! I noticed my nodule shrank a lot after a week on this concoction:
12 drops each of peppermint n Clove, 24 drips each of frankincense, lemongrass n myrrh
Diluted in carrier oil in a roller bottle.
Best wishes
I am taking pretty much the same mix as above and I too have had great reduction in my nodules! From the size of a grapefruit to a lemon in a week . I do use highest quality oils. I use it 3x a day in a roller bottle on my thyroid and big toes! I’m very happy!
Please tell me how you are taking the essential oils for your thyroid problems? How many drops and how? I am desperate to try for Hashimoto’s. Thank you
Hi… if you don’t mind, may i know what combination of oils you using? And how do you applied it? TIA
May I know which essential oils you’re using
Thanks
What essential oils did you use and how. My husband has Graves disease and we are looking to essential oils please let me know thank you
Danielle, I too am interested in what combination of oils you used. Please fill us all in. Thanks.
In response to your research about Frankincense, I too have had favorable results with nodules disappearing – or at least not able to feel them anymore. I take one drop of the oil and mix it with about a “nickel-size” amount of coconut oil and rub it on my neck every night.
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in 2014, was in remission for almost 2 years and now have gone under active. Which oils would suit someone like me?
I have PCOS and throid. I use Myrrh and Frankincense. I use lavender in a diffuser and i feel a bit better. Somedays when I don’t feel well, i see why, because I don’t turn that infuser on lol. Walmart has one for 20$. Carrier oil i use is castor or jajabo oil.
How long did it take to reduce your nodule with Frankincense? Which brand did you use? I ask as I’ve been applying 2 drops 2 times/ day (with no carrier oil as I don’t seem to react to it) for 1 month now but can’t say with any certainty that there’s a reduction in size. Thanks
Should all of these be applied to the neck? And all together or separately?
You could make a blend of the oils you want to use, then just apply a couple of drops to your neck.
Eric, this is a fantastic, well-researched article. Thanks! Bridgit Danner
Can essential oils sit on the cell’s receptor and block absorption of
Thyroid replacement hormone? I think it may. (Personal experience)
That is very interesting to me. I have been on the “Wheat Belly” Diet for about 5 years (basically grain-free, sugar-free, lots of natural fats) and I find that when I “cheat” and eat high starch foods like potatoes, rice, etc., I have a flareup of overall body pain and/or a migraine headache.
Betty, I’m glad that the “Wheat Belly” diet has been working for you, and I appreciate you sharing your experience with everyone.
PLEASE PLEASE remember that $5 Walmart oil is almost NEVER pure oil. I have my personal preferences but just want to advise – when using oils – do research – if label says flammable, keep out of reach of children RUN. Oil should always be in dark glass bottle, pure oil is not flammable/it is the chemicals used to stretch it that makes it so. Depending upon the oil – and it’s source you can get pure lavender pretty cheap – Frankincense not so much. Again, depends on the oil.
I use Fractionated Coconut Oil. It is light, clear, and scent-free, making it ideal for an essential oil base. This versatile carrier oil is wonderful for essential oils and rollerball blends. Fractionated Coconut Oil is easily absorbed into the skin, but won’t clog pores or leave a greasy feeling. I also use almond or sesame oil.
Thank you Sandi for letting everyone know about fractionated coconut oil.
Young living is the company oils I use. You can find all sorts of oils, carrier oils, and so forth. If you go to their website- http://www.youngliving.com you can see some of what’s available. I’d recommend looking for a consultant in your area to ask questions of. Not all the products are visible from the main web site. Normally I won’t highlight a product p/company like that, but I’m happy with my use of oils. I just got diagnosed with nodules on my thyroid (hypothyroidism) and I’m seeing if that helps. It’s a blend of lemongrass, frankincense, and lavender. I don’t like the taste of lemongrass, but the smell is fine. My combo is about 20 drops frank, 8 of lemon, and 15 of lavender (I prefer those two over lemongrass, so there is less.) I put a free drops of the blend on my lower neck/thyroid areas.
Hi! Have you noticed your nodule getting any smaller?
I believe Myrrh essential oil is a very good oil, but can you comment more about the benefit it can give to a person suffering with a low functioning thryroid? Thanks.
Hi Shirley,
There’s no research I’m aware of that Myrrh can benefit people with hypothyroidism, although some people have reported benefits by rubbing a few drops on their thyroid gland. While it may or may not directly affect thyroid health, it does help to reduce inflammation. Here is an article I wrote on myrrh and frankincense:
https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/can-myrrh-and-frankincense-benefit-thyroid-health/
I read that lavender and tea tree oil are endocrine disruptors, so I assumed that lavender would damage the thyroid. Can you explain a bit about that aspect?
Tasha, Dr. Eric Zielinski is an expert on essential oils and discusses this in the following article:
https://naturallivingfamily.com/lavender-essential-oil-uses/