Essential Oils for High Blood Pressure

Essential Oils for High Blood Pressure

You can use essential oils for high blood pressure.* The essential oils, below, have been researched and tested; however, as with starting any new program, it is best to discuss with your physician first to see if using essential oils is a good choice for you.

About Essential Oils

Essential oils are proven to have therapeutic benefits and can be used daily throughout your home.* Commonly, essential oils are used as air fresheners; in foot and hand baths; for massage; or in showers, saunas, and jacuzzis. Essential oils can also be used in lotions or creams, in steam inhalations, and with compresses.

The key to using essential oils is to use only a few drops per day. The scent and effects of the oils are potent, and using too much may cause an unpleasant experience.

One of the easiest ways to start using essential oils is to put a few drops of an oil on a cotton swab or wash cloth and hold it up to your nose. Inhale slowly. Hold the cotton swab or wash cloth up closer to your nose if you feel the need for a stronger scent.

Essential Oils for High Blood Pressure

There are several different essential oils you can use to help lower blood pressure.* The ones listed below are not only the more popular and well known oils for lowering blood pressure, but they also have different therapeutic and beneficial properties as well.

• Clary sage (Salivia sclarea). This essential oil helps to relax the veins and arteries, which can in turn lower your risk of heart attacks and brain hemorrhages.* Clary Sage can also help brighten eyes and improve vision.*
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis). According to studies done by the University of Maryland, when inhaled, Lavender has a soothing and calming effect. This essential oil helps soothe nervous tension, which can help to open up the veins and improve blood circulation.* Note: pregnant, breastfeeding, and lactacting women should not use Lavender essential oil.
• Marjoram (Origanum majorna). Commonly known as a spice in cooking, marjoram is also a useful essential oil. It is described as an herbaceous, sweet, almost medical (or campherous) aroma. It is used to soothe muscles, and has a calming, warming effect on the entire body and mind.* Other uses for Marjoram include laxative, diuretic, and aphrodisiac.*
• Melissa (Melissa officinalis). This essential oil is also known as Lemon Balm, common balm, sweet balm, or bee balm. Its scent is described as sweet, fresh, and with a hint of citrus, which has a sedative effect that is used for relief of hypertension.* For the more experienced user of essential oil treatments (or for those who are looking to try something new), Melissa can be used with Basil, Rose, or Ylang Ylang, among other oils.*
• Ylang Ylang. A translation of the term means “flower of the flowers.” This oil has many benefits and uses, among them as a stress and anxiety reliever and an aphrodisiac.* Ylang Ylang is also used to improve the circulation of the blood, which can help to lower high blood pressure.* The scent is described as “intensely sweet, soft, floral balsamic, slightly spicy scent, with a creamy, rich top note.”

Essential Oils to Avoid

• Hyssop (Origanum vulgare). Despite the many benefits to hyssop, the oil also contains pinocamphone, which research suggests can cause convulsions.
• Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis). Some studies suggest that rosemary is too stimulating, and therefore shouldn’t be used. However, studies done at the University of Maryland Medical Center state that rosemary helps to “support the circulatory and nervous systems.” Please consult with a licensed physician before using rosemary essential oil for high blood pressure.
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). This oil is often used for those with low blood pressure to increase the blood pressure.

In conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, essential oils are a natural way to help lower your blood pressure. Use essential oils to calm your body, and to improve blood circulation.* Try using them in a variety of ways, such as on a cotton swab, or while in the shower. Different essential oils and combinations of them may increase their benefits and usefulness.*

Read more about how essential oils may support high blood pressure symptoms.

by Lauren Ebelt

*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.