Essential oils for high blood pressure are some of the most effective natural treatments. High blood pressure is one of the most common diseases affecting people nowadays. It can lead to heart disease, and has a negative effect on the kidneys.
Table of contents
- 1 High Blood Pressure as a problem
- 2 Causes of high blood pressure
- 3 Essential oils for high blood pressure
- 4 Essential oils and their effects on the body
- 5 Which essential oils are effective for high blood pressure?
- 6 Ways to use essential oils for high blood pressure
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 Sources and References
If you’re worried that you have high blood pressure or if you suffer from palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, and headaches, it is very important to consult a health practitioner. Blood pressure can be treated naturally as well as with allopathic medicines; however, some allopathic medicines have side effects, due to which most patients prefer natural remedies.
High Blood Pressure as a problem
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition when tremendous pressure is exerted against arterial walls by the flow of blood circulating around the body. This may damage the walls of arteries and blood vessels, causing undue pressure on the heart.
High blood pressure affects millions today, and it is one of the leading causes of strokes and heart attacks
Causes of high blood pressure
Some of the main causes of high blood pressure are as follows:
- Extensive or increased intake of caffeine
- High emotional stress
- A salt-rich diet
- Frequent use of birth control pills
- High alcohol intake
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Metal poisoning
- Obesity
Essential oils for high blood pressure
There are many ways of treating high blood pressure, including allopathic drugs, natural herbs, changing one’s lifestyle, and using essential oils to regulate blood pressure. Essential oils for hypertension may take some time to show results, as they dilate the affected blood vessels and arteries naturally. They are rich sources of antioxidants, and help control emotional stress and anxiety.
The use of essential oils for hypertension is regarded today as one of the most effective cures for high blood pressure. Nevertheless, you are advised to consult your doctor before using essential oils for high blood pressure in order to avoid any allergic reactions.
There are some essential oils that may cause blood pressure to rise instead of lowering it. These oils include black pepper, peppermint, cinnamon, rosemary, clove, and thyme. They shouldn’t be used if you’re suffering from high blood pressure.
Essential oils and their effects on the body
Essential oils are basically extracts from various plants and herbs, and they affect the body in two ways. Firstly, when the oils are applied on the skin, they are absorbed into the body fluids through sweat glands and follicle cells. Another way essential oils can enter the body is through inhalation. The small molecules within these oils are absorbed into the bloodstream as the blood is oxygenated by lungs. This is the main reason why essential oils are often used in vaporizers, baths, and candles. They are beneficial not only for controlling high blood pressure, but also for soothing stress and tension. They help harmonize your mind and body.
Some of the ways essential oils benefit your body are given below:
- Enhancing the process of purification and cleansing
- Stimulating the immune system
- Stimulating and boosting the digestive system
- Helping in the growth of new cells
- Promoting natural healing of the body
Which essential oils are effective for high blood pressure?
Given below are some essential oils that are beneficial for managing high blood pressure:
- Geranium essential oil
Germanium is a commonly used essential oil. It helps improve blood circulation and digestive processes. It also balances the body’s emotions, eliminates toxins, and facilitates peaceful and undisturbed sleep. It is often used to treat high blood pressure. Since it has a positive effect on the nervous system, it helps soothe the patient’s nerves. It is considered a highly beneficial oil for anxiety and stress.
- Marjoram essential oil
This essential oil has a warm and soothing effect. It is frequently used to manage high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and arteries. It also balances the emotions, reduces stress levels, and has a soothing effect on the mind. It is beneficial for hormonal balance, especially in females. It aids digestives processes, alleviates painful cramps, and relieves muscular pains.
- Jasmine essential oil
This is one of the most frequently used essential oils. It is known for its uplifting and euphoric effects that help calm strained nerves. It also helps in balancing emotions, facilitates breathing, improves the mood, controls depression, and reduces anxiety. Jasmine oil is beneficial for soothing of the stressed nervous system, which is one of the main causes of high blood pressure.
- Rose essential oil
Rose essential oil is derived from the rose flower. It is renowned for its role in calming anxiety and tension. It is used for its cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help the body relax. It is used for treating many types of emotional and hormonal imbalances. The oil is beneficial for high blood pressure control, as it promotes healthy and active blood circulation in the body.
- Valerian root essential oil
Valerian root essential oil has been in use for a long time. It is popular for its calming effect on the nervous system. It has a very distinct fragrance, which soothes the mind and body. Valerian root oil is commonly used by patients suffering from palpitations, insomnia, nervous tension, and hyperactivity. It is considered the best essential oil for inducing peaceful sleep. Ideally, it should be taken at bedtime.
- Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is derived from lavender flowers. It is commonly used in a variety of therapeutic treatments. It is usually used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and soothing properties. It eases high tension and stress, which are common causes of high blood pressure. It is also potent in relieving headaches.
- Lemon essential oil
Lemon essential oil has vast medicinal value. It helps improve digestive functioning and reduces indigestion. It also boosts energy levels, reduces anxiety, and improves mental balance.
- Mandarin essential oil
This oil is known for its soothing and refreshing effects. It is commonly used to relieve muscle stiffness and cramps. It also improves liver functioning, regulates the nervous system, and controls digestive processes. It is also used to reduce anxiety and stress.
- Melissa essential oil
This essential oil is also known as lemon balm. It has an uplifting and calming effect on the body. It is used to reduce depression; this enables it to help restore and maintain a healthy balance of emotions. It also promotes a healthy digestive system by regulating the secretion of bile and other digestives enzymes in the stomach. Moreover, the oil is beneficial for the heart; it stabilizes blood pressure and reduces palpitations, rapid heartbeat, and risk of having a heart attack.
- Neroli essential oil
Neroli is also known as orange blossom. Like other essential oils for high blood pressure, it has the ability to reduce depression, stress, and tension. It also helps keep anger and negative emotions at bay, calms mood swings, and soothes the mind. The oil is suitable for daily use; just add 2 drops on a tissue paper and inhale it after letting it soak for a few minutes.
- Nutmeg essential oil
Nutmeg has powerful pain-relief and anti-inflammatory properties. It is frequently used in winters for its warm and spicy aroma. It helps energize the mind and body, as well as overcome mental stress and exhaustion. The oil is also used to control high blood pressure.
- Yarrow essential oil
It is known for its ability to regulate blood circulation, which helps reduce high blood pressure. It also calms the nervous system.
- Vetiver essential oil
This essential oil is well known for its ability to calm and balance the mind and the body. It is ideal for those suffering from volatile emotions and uncontrolled frustration and irritability. It also helps relieve such emotions as worry, grief, and shock. Like the valerian essential oil, this oil is also beneficial for peaceful sleep.
- Ylang ylang essential oil
Like other essential oils for hypertension, ylang ylang helps ease heart palpitations, decreases blood pressure, and acts as a mood enhancer. It has similar properties to those of lavender essential oil. It is also beneficial for soothing hypertension in the nervous system, which is one of the causes of high blood pressure.
Ways to use essential oils for high blood pressure
There are two effective ways of using essential oils in treating high blood pressure, namely massage and inhalation.
- Massage
You can massage essential oils onto the body to bring relief to high blood pressure. Given below are some blends that can be used for massaging:
Blend 1: Combine two drops of lavender and marjoram oils and one drop of Neroli oil with 15 ml of carrier oil containing almond or apricot extract.
Blend 2: Combine one drop of bergamot and ylang ylang oils and two drops of frankincense oil with 15 ml of carrier oil.
You can use these blends for daily massages. They will help you relive tension, and enable you to sleep peacefully.
- Inhalation
Another way of using doTERRA essential oils for high blood pressure is through inhalation. Here are a few blends that can be inhaled safely:
Blend 1: Combine one drop of lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang oils. Add the blend to a container filled with boiling water. Use a soft towel to protect your head from the fumes, and inhale the mixture for at least 3 minutes.
Blend 2: Mix one drop each of sweet marjoram, frankincense and lavender oils. Add this blend into a container full of boiling water. Inhale the blend for 3 minutes before bedtime. Cover your head with a towel before inhalation.
Conclusion
Essential oils for high blood pressure are very effective. However, make sure to use the appropriate essential oils because some oils, like rosemary, sage, and thyme, may actually aggravate blood pressure, instead of calming it. However powerful the natural blends can be, still you are strongly advised to consult your doctor before introducing essential oils to your treatment.
Sources and References
- HealthDirect High blood pressure (hypertension)
- MedlinePlus High Blood Pressure
- CDC High Blood Pressure Facts