It forms an essential part of the endocrine system, the system of glands that produce and regulate your hormones. Thyroid hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) help manage metabolism, energy levels, mood, fertility, body temperature, and hair, skin, and nails. Related glands to the thyroid are:
Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenals
Both the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands are located in the brain. The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and signals the pituitary gland to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). (1) The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and regulate the production of stress hormones like cortisol. These three glands form what’s known as the HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal). Elevated cortisol levels reduce thyroid hormone levels, and when stress becomes chronic and unmanaged adrenal fatigue, and thyroid disease can occur. (2)
Underactive vs. Overactive Thyroid Function
Thyroid problem symptoms depend on whether your gland is under or overactive. An underactive thyroid (low thyroid function) is known as hypothyroid. Low thyroid hormones can lead to the following:
Weight gain Anxiety Mood imbalances Hair loss Fatigue Cold sensitivity
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones and can lead to increased metabolism, rapid weight loss, irregular heartbeat, and irritability.
What Causes Thyroid Imbalances?
Thyroid issues can be caused by various factors like autoimmunity, micronutrient deficiencies, poor nutrition, unmanaged chronic stress, overwhelming toxin load, and inflammation. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its thyroid tissues causes hypothyroidism. Medication is often used to manage this autoimmune condition. The thyroid uses iodine for hormone production, and an iodine deficiency can impair thyroid function.
How Can I Support Healthy Thyroid Function?
If you suspect you’re experiencing thyroid problems, consult with your healthcare provider. Medication like synthetic hormones or radioactive iodine may be needed. Whatever your recommended treatment options are, adopting specific lifestyle changes can also help support healing and maintain a healthy thyroid.
Here are ten empowering habits and lifestyle changes you can adopt today to boost thyroid health:
Manage your stress and anxiety to support balanced cortisol levels. Eat like a yogi and consume 80-90% organic, energy-giving foods. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet to keep inflammation levels down. Pay attention to gut health as this influences stress levels and hormone production. Breathe consciously, deeply, and slowly every day to let your body know that you are safe. Live a mindful life and learn to explore your inner world by cultivating self-awareness. Be compassionate and loving towards yourself as you work on your healing. Hydrate daily (2 liters of water every day) in order to keep your body and glands healthy. Understand how your emotions and perceptions impact your health and thyroid. Use essential oils and aromatherapy to support physical and mental health.
10 Reasons Why Essential Oils Support Thyroid Health
The daily use of essential oils and aromatherapy is a great way to support your thyroid and overall health. Essential oils (EOs) are highly concentrated plant extracts containing active chemicals known to offer many health benefits. Think of essential oils as Mother Nature’s most concentrated form. Many people use EOs as natural remedies and as a first-defense choice for many different conditions. While there currently isn’t research supporting the use of EOs to heal or reverse thyroid disease, you can use them to address the individual symptoms of your thyroid condition. Here are ten reasons why you should try using essential oils for thyroid health and well-being: Because of their many active chemicals, EOs interact with the body in ways that support healthy hormone function. Some studies suggest that inhaling oils like lavender and rosemary can lower cortisol levels. (2) In her book “The Essential Oils Hormone Solution,” Dr. Mariza Snyder outlines how to use EOs to reset your hormones and facilitate healing. She explains it like this: “Unlike many over-the-counter and prescribed remedies, essential oils not only affect the body systemically but also can be used quite frequently. This means not needing to wait thirty minutes for a medication to circulate through your system. Rather, it means supporting your body in healing from the inside out.” Certain essential oils can boost your immunity and help you fight infections, increase white blood count, and enhance antibody responses. Studies show many EOs are powerful anti-inflammatory agents, and since inflammation is a known risk factor for thyroid issues, this is an excellent thing! Oils like clove, orange, oregano, thyme, sage, lemon balm, and basil contain a high antioxidant profile. (3) Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can lead to inflammation. Increasing your supplementation of these compounds can help you boost thyroid function. Many EOs act as natural painkillers, and some like peppermint and clove can also act as local anesthetics. This is particularly useful if you’re experiencing thyroid-related joint pain. These are the best essential oils for joint pain and arthritis. Specific EOs are known to have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system. Even though EOs don’t necessarily have the same effects for everyone, oils like lavender, roman chamomile, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and bergamot can help you increase inner peace and feelings of serenity. Quality rest is an important part of any healing journey, and this is especially true for the thyroid. Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can easily lead to higher cortisol levels, weight gain, and more inflammation. EOs can help you get a better night’s rest more easily. When you pair aromatherapy with gentle breathing exercises and yogic sleep meditation you can get even better results. Certain EOs can help manage cravings, improve insulin resistance, reset metabolism, and reduce appetite. Science shows peppermint oil and grapefruit are particularly useful. Citrus oils like lemon, orange, bergamot, and grapefruit are natural detoxifiers that help the body get rid of waste and toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system. Since a high toxin load can lead to thyroid imbalance, these oils are very useful. Thanks to the active chemicals found in many EOs you can transform tiredness without reaching for a cup of caffeine. Oils like lemongrass, ginger, citrus oils, and geranium are considered energizing oils. They awaken your senses and uplift your mood. If you’re dealing with sluggish thyroid function and are battling fatigue, poor concentration, and moodiness these EOs should be in your healing arsenal.
The Best Essential Oils For Thyroid Problems
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Tulsi oil boasts strong anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s also considered an adaptogen which means it helps the body recover from stress and can lower cortisol levels.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is an antioxidant, pain reliever, inflammation reducer, and a sedative that can help you chillax and lower stress.
Myrrh
Myrrh is known to help balance hormones and reduce inflammation as it contains antioxidants.It’s also calming and soothing which can help you balance moodiness, meditate more deeply, and sleep better.
Frankincense
Frankincense is often referred to as the “King of Oils” due to its many medicinal properties.It’s a strong immune system booster, anti-inflammatory, hormone balancer, and sedative that can help you combat uncomfortable emotions.
Grapefruit
This oil is energizing, purifying, and refreshing.It can help you manage weight, increase energy levels, maximize detoxification, and cultivate inner strength.
Peppermint
Thanks to its high menthol content, peppermint is a cooling and soothing option for hypothyroid related hot flashes. When ingested peppermint oil can soothe an upset belly and is a useful digestive aid.
Marjoram
Marjoram is a known antioxidant, pain reliever, antiseptic, and detoxifier.It also acts as a sedative that relaxes the body and calms the nervous system.
Safety Concerns
When used safely and mindfully, EOs usually offer little to no side effects. When used topically, EOs must always be diluted in a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation and reactions. (Especially if you have sensitive skin.) It’s advisable to perform a patch test on a non-affected area of the skin and wait 24 hours to confirm no allergic reaction. If you experience any adverse reaction to any oil, discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare provider to seek medical advice. Some oils are not suitable for babies, young children, pregnant/nursing women, and people with conditions like high blood pressure and epilepsy. Research the contraindications for each oil you use prior to applying them. EOs aren’t regulated by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), so it’s necessary to do your research before buying products to make sure they aren’t diluted or contaminated. Always choose high-quality, certified organic, and therapeutic grade products to make sure you’re experiencing the full medicinal benefits. Essential oils as home remedies do not replace thyroid medication and cannot by themselves cure thyroid disease. Please seek the help of your medical provider before using any essential oil if you’ve been diagnosed with any thyroid condition.
How To Use Essential Oils For Thyroid Issues
Topical Use If you’re applying oils directly on your skin make sure to first dilute them in a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil or almond oil. Stick to 2-3 drops of EO per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply the mixture directly on the skin using a clean finger, cotton ball, cotton swab, roller bottle, or roll-on. You can also create your bath soaks Inhalation A Diffuser is a great way to enjoy the benefits of EOs in a less concentrated form. Diffusers disperse the aromatic chemicals into the air and by breathing them in you’re introducing them into the body via the lungs and ultimately via the bloodstream. You can also use an inhaler as a portable, more concentrated option.
Thyroid Rx DIY Essential Oil Blend
Use this blend at any time of the day for a healing boost. For best results use it at least twice a day – once in the morning and again at night before bed. Fill a dark glass (or non-BPA) rollerball with the mixture for an on-the-go application. Mixture:
10 drops of holy basil oil 5 drops of frankincense essential oil 5 drops of myrrh oil 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil 5 drops of peppermint oil 3 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil
A Short Yoga Practice For Thyroid Care
Here’s a short yoga practice that incorporates the elements of aromatherapy, intention, meditation, and yoga breathing (pranayama) into a quick, simple, effective, and very healing experience. Each element builds on and amplifies the effects of the others. There is a direct correlation between our predominant emotional patterns, thoughts, and beliefs and the state of our health. When we intentionally align our perceptions and intention with awareness and heartfelt gratitude we allow healing energy to flow through the body. We invoke the intelligence and wisdom of the body and we open up our hearts to receive it. In her seminal book “Heal Your Body” Louise Hay outlines the common mental/emotional patterns associated with different health conditions including thyroid disease. She also offers specific words of affirmation to work with to facilitate healing of your condition: Hypothyroidism: Associated belief/emotion/thought: Giving up. Feeling hopelessly stifled Suggested affirmation: I create a new life with new rules that totally support me. Hyperthyroidism: Associated belief/emotion/thought: Rage at being left out Suggested affirmation: I am at the center of life, and I approve of myself and all that I see. Yoga Practice Steps: 1 – Rub the Thyroid Rx blend onto the front of the neck concentrating on the lower half directly over the thyroid. 2 – Close your eyes and place both hands over your heart center or on your throat and thyroid region. 3 – Set a quick intention for this short practice. It can be anything – one word symbolizing how you want to feel or what you’d like to manifest. (i.e. presence, awareness, self-love, health, healing, gratitude…) 4 – Holding the vision of this intention or one word in your mind’s eye take a moment to generate the feeling of gratitude for this moment, for the practice, for yourself, for your body and its wisdom. Silently repeat this three times: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 5 – Close your eyes as you gently rub the oils onto your thyroid area and chant ‘Ham’ seven times. (‘Ham’ is the mantra and sound associated with the throat chakra. By chanting it you’re focusing vital energy or prana on this part of the body.) 6 – Time for a little meditative breathing practice now. Keeping your eyes closed and your hands over your heart or throat breathe in slowly, consciously, and deeply for 5 counts. Pause for 2 counts. And exhale for 7 counts. Keep this 5-2-7 pattern going for a few rounds. (The longer you go for, the better the results.) 7 – Keep breathing in this 5-2-7 pattern and now envision a deep, rich blue light of energy getting bigger and expanding with each inhale, and contracting with each exhale. Try to go for at least 5 minutes of this every day. It’s helpful to do this first thing in the morning before you even get out of bed. REFERENCES : (1) https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ug1836 (2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17291597/#:~:text=These%20findings%20clarify%20that%20lavender,the%20body%20from%20oxidative%20stress. (3) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306926686_Essential_Oils_as_Powerful_Antioxidants_Misconception_or_Scientific_Fact
