Essential Oils for Hashimoto's
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system starts making antibodies against its own body tissues that attack the thyroid gland and make it underactive. The damaged thyroid gland then does not make enough hormones the body needs, a condition known as Hypothyroidism.
The primary cause for Hashimoto's disease is not known yet. However, several scientific studies suggest that genes, hormones, excessive iodine and radiation exposure are possible causes of Hashimoto's disease.
Common symptoms of this disease include fatigue, constipation, weight gain, slow heart rate, depression and joint pain.
Applying essential oils to the base of the neck, lower back and the reflexology points of the thyroid and adrenal glands on the feet is an excellent way to naturally treat Hasimoto’s disease.
Let's discuss some essential oils for Hashimoto's treatment
1. Lemongrass Oil
This is one of the easily accessible essential oils used for the treatment of Hashimoto's disease. Lemongrass has antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties which inhibit the allergic and inflammatory effects associated with the disease.
It also maintains lymphatic function which helps in detoxing the thyroid. This is considered as a boon for those who suffer from Hashimoto's disease.
Lemongrass essential oil has an invigorating aroma that provides mental strength and boosts energy which helps in reducing brain fog and fatigue that is too common with this disease.
It also helps in weight loss which is a big concern for many Hashimoto's patients. Lemongrass oil supports the immunity system which stimulates the whole-body healing process.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is probably the most widely recommended oil for the treatment of Hashimoto's disease. It acts as an analgesic and helps in reducing inflammation, depression, insomnia, and boosts antioxidant activity.
Normal function of the thyroid gland is hampered by elevated stress hormones such as cortisol. Lavender oil helps in reducing cortisol levels and hence supports proper thyroid gland function. Applying lavender essential oil can also lead to a decrease in oxidative damage which is good for normal thyroid function.Furthermore, some patients with Hashimoto's disease have sleep issues. Lavender oil has been scientific proven to have a calming effect and thus has a beneficial effect on depression and insomnia.
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3. Myrrh Oil
Myrrh oil has been used for ages (especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine) to heal different kinds of diseases. It is loaded with rich antioxidant compounds known as Terpenoids, which support the immune system by reducing inflammation.
Myrrh oil helps to reduce the autoimmune response which might be beneficial for the people having autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Consequently, the favorable action of terpenoids on the immune system might be helpful for controlling symptoms of Hashimoto's disease.
Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oil Combo
Frankincense and myrrh essential oils have several health benefits including: boosting immune system and relieving stress and anxiety.
Vivorific’s frankincense and myrrh essential oil combo is: 100% Pure and natural, free from fillers, additives and harmful chemicals, vegan and kosher certified and sealed with tamper evident closure and Euro style dropper cap.
4. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is another essential oil widely used for the treatment of immune health system and Hashimoto's disease. The active compounds of Frankincense oil are Boswellic Acids. The structure of Boswellic acids is similar to steroids but their function is different.
The Boswellic acids in frankincense oil reduce autoimmunity factors such as Th17 Cytokines. This oil has pain-relieving, immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frankincense oil protects the thyroid by damaging the free radicals in the body, helps in maintaining thyroid balance in the body and leads to improvement in skin conditions caused by thyroid imbalance.
5. Ginger Oil
Ginger oil is a frequently used essential oil to reduce inflammation. The active compounds of Ginger oil are Zerumbone and Gingerol. It acts as a catalyst for other compounds around it and helps to reduce pro-inflammatory Th17 Cytokines.
Ginger oil is also used in aromatherapy in combination with lemon oil and helps in preserving the salivary glands of thyroid cancer patients. In Hashimotos's disease nausea and digestive irritations are common, this oil helps to overcome these conditions.
Antioxidants present in ginger can protect the patient from inflammatory-related issues and helps to reduce the risk of dementia and heart disease. Oxidative stress is also common in Hashimoto's disease and ginger oil helps to reduce oxidative stress by increasing Glutathione levels.
6. Geranium Oil
The two most important properties of geranium oil are anti-inflammatory and antifungal which helps the patients of thyroid and Hashimoto's disease. Geranium essential oil is used to improve emotional stability, reduce pain and inflammation.
The active components of geranium oil are Linalool, Geranyl Formate, Citronellol, and Geraniol. These constituents are responsible for the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and analgesic properties associated with geranium oil.
Through the aromatherapy of geranium oil, depression, anxiety, insomnia levels are reduced. This oil also helps to improve cognitive function and balance the emotions and hormones. It helps to reduce the feeling of stress, fatigue, tension, sadness by enhancing the feeling of well-being and relaxation.
7. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oil used in the treatment of Hashimoto's disease. It energizes and refreshes the mood and mental state of the patient.
It helps to improve the Central Nervous System and stimulates the cells abilities to boost up the underactive thyroid. The active constituents of peppermint are Menthol and Menthone. These components help to reduce pain and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Methanol shows antiseptic as well as analgesic properties and can also be used as a fever reducer if diluted with carrier oil. It helps the patient to feel more alert, assists to overcome fatigue and helps to improve memory.
These analgesic, antiseptic and anesthetic properties of peppermint oil helps patients with Hashimoto's to overcome the disease.
Aside these seven essential oils mentioned above, there are many other essential oils that may be used for the treatment of Hashimoto's disease. These include turmeric essential oil, sandalwood essential oil and clove essential oil.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil has several health benefits including: alleviating headaches and energizing the body.
Vivorific’s peppermint essential oil is: 100% Pure and natural, free from fillers, additives and harmful chemicals, vegan and kosher certified and sealed with tamper evident closure and Euro style dropper cap.
How to use these essential oils
Do not use these oils as such because they are concentrated in nature. Mix them with a carrier oil like almonds or coconut oil and apply 2-3 times a day on the thyroid (base of your neck).
Are there any essential oils for Hashimoto's disease which were not mentioned in the blog post? Share them in the comments below.
Is there any specific mix for Hashimoto? How much of each oil?