High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a preventable cause of heart disease. Certain essential oils can help in the treatment of high blood pressure because they are hypotensive (meaning an agent that lowers blood pressure), sedative and calming. The use of lavender, sweet marjoram and ylang ylang are the most commonly used and effective essential oils when used for this purpose. Combined with diet and lifestyle changes they are a great natural remedy for high blood pressure.
When treating high blood pressure, its also important to address any stress or tension being experienced. Roman chamomile, bergamot, neroli and frankincense are very effective in treating stress and tension.
All the essential oils mentioned can easily be incorporated into daily life through inhalation, topical application and massage. All are very effective ways to benefit from the healing properties of essential oils in the treatment of high blood pressure.
It is important, however, to check with your doctor before using essential oils. There are some medical conditions, such as prescription medications and pregnancy, that contraindicate the use of some essential oils.
How can essential oils help to reduce high blood pressure?
While diet and lifestyle are important factors in the treatment of high blood pressure, natural remedies and relaxation therapies like aromatherapy & essential oils can be very effective. Certain essential oils can help to reduce and stabilize high blood pressure. Others have sedative, antidepressant, calming, relaxing and uplifting properties that can help to treat and prevent high blood pressure.
Top 3 hypotensive essential oils that help to reduce high blood pressure
- Lavender Lavandula angustifolia - high in esters and alcohols, Lavender is very gentle, calming, a tonic to the nervous system, balancing and uplifting. It is considered the grandmother of essential oils because it has a soothing & supportive effect on the body and the emotions, while able to invoke a sense of calmness and composure. Lavender is effective in the treatment of depression as well as balancing on the emotions, making it great for all nervous disorders. According to Gabriel Mojay in his book Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit (pg. 91) it helps to release "mental energy that has become stuck in habitual behaviors". Very effective for relaxing, uplifting and helping to reduce high blood pressure. It has a sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma
- Sweet marjoram Origanum marjorana - has similar comforting and balancing properties to lavender. High in monoterpenols (alcohols), it is a general tonic and balancing, uplifting and warming. It is one of the main essential oils to strengthen and relax. Calming on the mind, it is also used for chronic lethargy and nervous exhaustion. Relaxing, warming and comforting, sweet marjoram helps calm obsessive thinking, ease emotional craving and promote the capacity for self nurturing. Its warm, spicy, woody smell is also fresh and herbaceous
- Ylang ylang Cananga odorata - is high in sesquiterpenes, which have a calming and slightly hypotensive nature. It is also high in alcohols and esters giving it similar qualities to lavender. Ylang ylang is calming and supportive, working effectively to clear nervous tension that can lead to high blood pressure. It can calm restlessness and agitation, and promote sleep. It effectively soothes anger and frustration while it relaxes and uplifts. Its intensely sweet floral aroma can polarize people!
Other essential oils that help to reduce high blood pressure
Other essential oils have sedative, antidepressant, calming, relaxing and uplifting qualities that are helpful in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure:
- Roman chamomile - helps relieve nervous stress of any kind and eases frustration, resentment and depression. Encourages a "sunny" disposition
- Bergamot - helps to release accumulated stress or repressed emotion by encouraging the release of pent up feelings. Encourages spontaneity and optimism
- Neroli - provides comfort and strength while helping to release repressed emotions. Encourages hope and joy
- Frankincense - calms the mind and ceases mental chatter! Eases over worry and mental agitation. Encourages tranquility, insight and spiritual self-discipline
How to use essential oils in the treatment of high blood pressure
One of the most effective ways of reducing high blood pressure is to reduce stress. Massage and inhalation are effective ways to use essential oils in the treatment of high blood pressure as they help help to relax and calm.
- Massage stimulates circulation of the blood, reduces high blood pressure, stimulates the immune system, reduces muscular tension and relieves pain in muscles and joints. It effectively reduces levels of stress which opens the door to self healing. The effect of touch is very soothing and comforting and also encourages healing to occur.
- Research has shown that essential oil inhalation is very effective at reducing stress and the stress response, as well as being an effective method of relaxation
Massage (or topical application) blend recipes:
Evening blend #1:
- 2 drops lavender, 2 drops sweet marjoram, 1 drop neroli*
- 15ml carrier oil (such as apricot or almond)
Evening blend #2:
- 1 drop ylang ylang, 2 drops frankincense, 2 drops bergamot
- 15ml carrier oil (such as apricot or almond)
Mix the essential oils into the carrier oil. Massage gently into body every evening after a relaxing shower or bath. This will help all the daytime stress melt away and prepare you for a restorative nights sleep. *Neroli is very expensive and therefore is often purchased as a 3% dilution in jojoba oil.
Inhalation blend recipes:
Evening blend #1:
- 1 drop each of lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot
Evening blend #2:
- 1 drop each of sweet marjoram, lavender and frankincense
Add essential oil drops to a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and inhale for at least 3 minutes , either when you get home from work or shortly before bed.
The use of essential oils to reduce high blood pressure is very effective
Lavender, sweet marjoram and ylang ylang help to reduce high blood pressure as well as the stress and tension that can cause it. The unique and therapeutic nature of each essential oil can benefit anyone suffering from high blood pressure through massage and inhalation where the aroma and healing properties can soothe and revitalize.
Roman chamomile, bergamot, neroli and frankincense also relax, nourish and harmonize, helping to create a more balanced emotional terrain for the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
- Battaglia, Salvatore, 2007, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, The Healing Arts Press
- Mojay, Gabriel, 1997, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Gaia Books Ltd
- Clarke, Sue, 2008, Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy, Elsevier Limited
- Seo JY., 2009 Jun, The effects of aromatherapy on stress and stress responses in adolescents, J Korean Acad Nurs., 39(3):357-65.
- Peng SM, Koo M, Yu ZR., 2009 Jan, Effects of music and essential oil inhalation on cardiac autonomic balance in healthy individuals, J Altern Complement Med, 15(1):53-7
Stephanie Holland - Stephanie graduated with a BCom in Business from Edinburgh University, Scotland in 1999. She has held variety of roles in the media ...
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