Thyroid nodules are a relatively common condition affecting 4-7% of adults in the United States. While most nodular conditions affecting the thyroid glands are benign, some could be indicative of the early onset of thyroid cancer.
Although there are no hard scientific facts showing essential oils can treat thyroid nodules, essential oils do have incredible health benefits that can help to manage the effects of thyroid disorders.
Read on to find out the best essential oils for thyroid nodules.
Role Of The Thyroid
The thyroid plays an important role in regulating bodily functions. The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located at the front of the neck.
The thyroid produces hormones that have a big impact on many functions of the body from digestion to metabolism and nutrient absorption.
The endocrinal hormones that the thyroid gland produces also regulate the heartbeat, respiration, and cell activity. In turn, these processes influence the body’s temperature and blood flow.
Additionally, thyroid hormones support the body’s development so the hormones are important for young children, adolescents, and young adults.
Thyroid hormone also aids in brain development from the time a baby is growing in the womb and long after birth.
Types Of Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid secretes too much or too little of its hormone.
An underactive thyroid will not produce enough thyroid hormones while hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excessive hormone.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include sudden weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, pain, tingling sensation in the hands, and irregular menstruation.
On the other hand, an overactive thyroid may result in symptoms such as unwanted weight loss, thinning of the skin, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, and insomnia.
What Are Thyroid Nodules?
Thyroid nodules are swellings that occur on the thyroid gland. Many people with thyroid nodules do not present any symptoms and these swelling may be discovered as part of a neck checkup by a general practitioner.
However, the size and position of the swelling can produce symptoms such as a conspicuous lump in the throat.
Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid nodules with 30% of 30-year old women facing a high risk of developing thyroid nodules.
In the meanwhile, just one in every 40 male has a thyroid nodule.
Up to 95% of all thyroid nodules are non-cancerous with many thyroid nodules presenting themselves as cysts rather than actual inflammations filled with thyroid fluid.
Best Essential Oils For Thyroid Nodules
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from specific plants. These oils are widely used in aromatherapy and spa treatments but more and more people are using these oils for their health benefits, including alleviating the symptoms of thyroid nodules.
While there isn’t plenty of empirical evidence showing essential oils can support thyroid health, anecdotal evidence from users indicates that essential oils can alleviate the symptoms of thyroid conditions.
Below are some of the best essential oils for thyroid nodules:
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that can mitigate the growth of cytokines that promote inflammation.
Cytokines increase the risk of cancer and thyroid disorders. Anecdotal evidence shows that lemon grass can mitigate the growth of cancerous cells.
Use lemongrass essential oil to alleviate headaches, digestive issues, and trembling in the hands and fingers, which is a result of hyperthyroidism.
Other benefits of lemongrass essential oil include rejuvenating mental strength and promotes relaxation in people who are anxious and depressed due to hypothyroidism.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil also has anti-inflammatory properties and is among the most potent essential oils for boosting immune system health.
This essential oil contains boswellic acids which can minimize cells from over-activating as is the case in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
In addition to being one of the best essential oils for restoring thyroid balance, Frankincense can also help to manage Grave’s diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, diabetes, skin conditions, and asthma too.
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is popular for its soothing and healing properties. This sweet smelling oil can help to alleviate the effects of a malfunctioning thyroid gland, which include depression and anxiety.
Hyperthyroidism can result in sleep disruptions. Use lavender essential oil to fight against depression and insomnia.
With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties, lavender oil can help to regulate the heartbeat and alleviate the feeling of nervousness.
Use this essential oil to alleviate headaches, improve brain function, and deal with pain from burns and wounds.
Myrrh Oil
Myrrh essential oil is an extract from a tree that is a native of North Africa and the Middle East.
Like the other essential oils above, Myrrh has potent anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce the production of cytokines, which promote inflammation.
Other benefits of Myrrh essential oils included promoting the secretion of thyroid hormones, blood circulation, and boosting immune system health.
Marjoram Essential Oil
The benefit of marjoram essential oil is best realized when you mix the oil with ingredients such as cymene, Linalool, and acetate.
This essential oil is one of the best when it comes to restoring hormonal balance, especially in women. Use marjoram essential oil to correct irregular and/ or painful menstruation.
Hormonal imbalances may result in digestive problems as well. A whiff of marjoram essential oil can activate your salivary gland and in turn, stimulates the gastrointestinal system.
This essential oil also works as a laxative and can relieve constipation, which is a major effect of hypothyroidism.
Summary
Thyroid nodules are a common condition, especially among women. Much of the time, this thyroid condition is non-cancerous and will not present symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with thyroid nodules, you can use essential oils alongside other treatments for faster relief.
To get the most from essential oils, either inhale or apply the oil to the soles of your feet where the body’s largest pores are situated.
There is little or no scientific evidence that essential oils can treat severe thyroid disorders. However, these oils can help boost overall health such as alleviating the feeling of nervousness and depression, improving sleep quality, and alleviating the symptoms of fatigue, all of which are associated with thyroid disorders.
Essential oils are generally safe to use but just for precaution:
- Test the oil on a small skin patch to see whether you are allergic.
- Dilute potent essential oils using carrier oils such as coconut oil and jojoba
- Consult your doctor before using essential oils if you have a skin condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have thyroid nodules