Essential oils are compounds that many are including in their lifestyle change. There are those who remain skeptical about the effectiveness of essential oils, but I believe they play an important part in healing, in my case, the thyroid. I’m not saying essential oils alone can heal. What I am saying is that including them in your daily practice of healthy living, will increase the chances of your return to good health.
I’m not sure if you’ve been exposed to essential oils so I will provide a quick overview of what an essential oil is and where they come from. You may be surprised to know that before the days of pharmaceutical companies, the medical community turned to plants as a resource for many illnesses and diseases.
Extracting the Essence
Essential oils are extracted from plants of which many we find in the wild. Some are herbs that you grow in your garden. I grow many herbs, some for culinary use while others I use as medicinal and cosmetic. I will discuss these topics in more depth in future blogs.
Essential oils are extracted from plants by a few different processes. You can remove the essential oils by distillation or by extracting using a mechanical process called cold pressing. The result of extraction is a compound that is ultra-concentrated. The point I’d like to stress related to essential oil use, is to be sure you use organic oils, especially if you are using essential oils internally. Another point to make is that not all oils are suitable for internal use. Make sure to do your research before taking any essential oils internally. Oregano is a good example of when to use internally. You could take oregano internally, but only for 10 days at a time. Abusing internal essential oil use, can cause liver damage, among other health concerns. You should check with your health care provider before adding internal essential oil use to your health care regiment.
Essential Oil Application
Essential oil’s may be used in in different applications. They can be inhaled, applied topically, or ingested, depending on the oil and the concentration. Some essential oils need to be combined with a carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil, while others may be applied neet (straight from the bottle.
For the purpose of this post, we are discussing Essential oils for use in supporting a healthy thyroid. Never use essential oils on pets, children, nursing mothers, or the elderly without consulting someone certified in essential oil use. It is always best to contact your health care provider before introducing anything new into your healthcare regime.
Most people use essential oils successfully to overcome stress and assist with overall health.
Essential Oils – Indeed
Today I want to share with you the essential oils that I have used successfully in my thyroid healing routine. They are oils that have been used successfully by the natural health care providers. I categorized them for convenience.
Boosts Immunity
- Oregano
- Myrrh
- Ginger
- Lemon
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense
- peppermint
- cinnamon
Improving Digestion
- Ginger essential oil
- Peppermint.
- Fennel
- Lemongrass
- Marjoram
- Black pepper
- Juniper berry
Boost Energy Levels
- peppermint oil
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
Improve Brain Function
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Rosemary (Focus)
Reduce Emotional Stress & Anxiety
- Lavender
- Roman chamomile
- Bergamot
- Ylang ylang
- Orange
- Rose
- Frankincense
- Vetiver
Alleviate Aches and Pains
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Majoram
- Thyme
- Frankincense
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Myrrh
Boost Skin and Hair Health
- Lavender
- Roman chamomile
- Frankincense
- Tea tree
- Geranium
- Myrrh
- Helichrysum
- Rosemary
- Clary sage
Reduce Toxicity in Home or Work
- Grapefruit
- Orange
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
Relieve Headaches and Migraines
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
Promote Restful Sleep
- Lavender oil
- Roman chamomile
- Ylang ylang
- Bergamot
- Vetiver
Essential Oil Everyday
There are many essential oils that can assist in different areas of healing. I use a combination of frankincense, clove, and clary sage on the lower part of my neck where the thyroid is located. You could also mix together lemongrass oil and myrrh and rub on the thyroid area and the reflexology points on the feet (the big toes) and on the wrist multiple times a day.
If I am experiencing muscle and joint pain and I have time, I take a soothing bath with geranium, clove, myrrh, and lemongrass. This is a luxury for me. I have very little free time and it is not always easy to schedule in the bath. I make a cream with marjoram, black pepper, lavender, and peppermint essential oils and rub it on my joints in the morning and before I go to bed.
When you have Hypothyroidism or in my case, Hashimoto’s, fatigue can be a major issue. Some days it is hard to keep moving. I keep some peppermint, lemon, and grapefruit on hand. I either put in a diffuser or when I’m not home I keep a small essential oil bottle (recycled) and fill it with sea salt and peppermint or lemon and inhale it throughout the day.
When you have a thyroid condition sometimes it is difficult to be remain in a good mood. I use the protocol above but substitute oils for fatigue with chamomile, frankincense, and lavender.
Living with Hashimoto’s can be a challenge. However, incorporating essential oils into your daily habits, can reduce some of the symptoms. By reducing symptom, you have more focus and feel better. The improvement in your symptoms gives you the opportunity to change your thyroid health.