Best Essential Oils For High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a pretty common condition affecting over 100 million Americans according to research composed in 2018. And, with every year, the numbers continue to rise. There are many causes of high blood pressure, but the most common include dietary issues such as high cholesterol, hormone and kidney problems, diabetes, and obesity. Men are more prone to hypertension than women when under the age of 50. After the age of 50, women are more prone to elevated blood pressure.
What Is The Normal High Blood Pressure?
Normal blood pressure is around 120 over 80, and pre-hypertension qualifies for numbers above those, such as 85-90 for Diastolic (bottom number) and 129 for Systolic (top number). The more you know, the better tools you will have to cope with the condition. That leads us to our latest information - high blood pressure and essential oils.
What are essential oils, and what can they do for elevated blood pressure? On top of that, have any studies proved this information to be true? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about using essential oils to help reduce high blood pressure.
Note: We are not doctors, nor do we intend to give you professional medical advice. Always seek a licensed medical professional if you have high blood pressure or hypertension. These conditions can lead to further medical complications and should be treated promptly. The information listed in this article is for the personal use of your own free will.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the ‘essence of a plant, specifically, a compound that has been extracted from the plant. They retain the natural scent (and even flavor) of the plant and have been used for thousands of years in Eastern Medicine. Over the past 100 years, Western Medicine has started recognizing that plants and essential oils hold many medicinal benefits that have been backed by science. Essential oils are used to aid in the reduction of many conditions and illnesses such as muscle inflammation, skin conditions such as eczema, mental health, and even high blood pressure and hypertension. They are most commonly used in aromatherapy practices and applied topically, but sometimes they are even used in food items or drinks.
Essential Oils That Can Help Reduce High Blood Pressure
As we mentioned earlier, hypertension can have many frustrating conditions with symptoms that include headaches, fatigue, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, vision problems, and much more. Fortunately, there truly are essential oils that can not only alleviate these symptoms but can reduce high blood pressure completely. Let’s take a look at the most popular essential oils for high blood pressure:
Bergamot Essential Oil
According to research, bergamot essential oil may help reduce blood pressure in many individuals. Bergamot is a type of orange with an outside color similar to lime. Studies using bergamot essential oil suggest a cardio-protective effect while taking a single daily dose. Bergamot also can reduce cholesterol and lower anxiety - both of which are common factors that increase blood pressure.
Citronella Essential Oil
Your first thought when it comes to citronella is repelling bugs. However, citronella has been shown in studies to not only lower blood pressure when inhaled but also reduce both respiratory and heart rates. Citronella also works inside the central nervous system to reduce stress, which in turn, lowers blood pressure.
Clary Sage Essential Oil
With science to back this essential oil up - you should consider it for treating high blood pressure! Research showed that after 60 minutes of inhalation, clary sage reduced participants' systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 4.7% and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by 5.1%. The contributing factor was clary sage and the anti-inflammatory products found within the plant. These compounds have been shown to relieve stress and tension - both can contribute to high blood pressure.
Lavender Essential Oil
There have been many investigations on the effects of lavender essential oil and reducing blood pressure, amongst many other studies on different conditions. It is one of the most popular and widely used essential oils to treat almost anything and everything. However, understand that if you take prescription medications to lower your blood pressure, the lavender essential oil may make your blood pressure drop too low. Lavender essential oil affects the central nervous system to greatly reduce stress, thus reducing blood pressure. This essential oil kind of does it all, so if you are looking for an herb that keeps everything in check - this is the one.
Rose Essential Oil
Rose essential oil has been shown to boost blood circulation which can lower blood pressure. It can also aid in addressing emotional and hormonal issues which can contribute to heightened blood pressure at certain times. You can inhale rose essential oil, use it in massage therapy, or apply it to one of many carrier oils for the skin and rub it on your wrists or temples.
Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine essential oil also works within the central nervous system to alleviate stress, anxiety, and symptoms associated with both. While positively affecting the central nervous system, jasmine essential oil can play a role in reducing high blood pressure numbers.
Geranium Essential Oil
Like rose essential oil as well as many others, geranium also improves circulation, and it also promotes restful sleep which lowers stress. In turn, blood pressure is lowered. Geranium also helps balance the nervous system to reduce stress and anxiety and calm the overactive mind.
You see, there are many ways that essential oils can help reduce blood pressure, and some improve tons of other conditions and associated symptoms as well. Science as well as plenty of research and studies have backed up people's claims of reduced blood pressure by regular use of essential oils. As a bonus, you can find all-natural and organic essential oils in most major retailers or you can easily purchase them online.
Where To Apply Essential Oils for High Blood Pressure
It's important to apply essential oils correctly for maximum effectiveness while treating high blood pressure. Here are some key areas to consider:
1. Temples: Gently massage a diluted essential oil blend onto your temples to help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
2. Neck: Apply a diluted essential oil blend to the back of your neck, focusing on the base of the skull, to help relax muscles and promote overall relaxation.
3. Chest: Dilute essential oils with carrier oil and apply to the chest area, avoiding the nipples. This can help promote deep breathing and relaxation.
4. Wrists: Apply a diluted essential oil blend to your wrists and gently rub them together. This allows you to inhale the aroma throughout the day, promoting relaxation.
5. Feet: Massage a diluted essential oil blend onto the soles of your feet, focusing on the pressure points. This can help promote relaxation and overall well-being.
How To Use Essential Oils For High Blood Pressure
Surprisingly enough, there are more than a few ways to get essential oils (safely) into your body to lower your blood pressure. The easiest and most common way to use essential oils is by aromatherapy and inhaling them - there are plenty of ways to do this option alone. You can use diffusers, smell them directly from the bottle, or inhale the amazing aromas while you take a bath or shower.
If you are looking for quick relief, try the steam method. This includes using hot water in a bowl with a few drops of essential oils and using a towel to drape over your head and the bowl. All you have to do from that point on is inhale - do this for a few minutes 2-3 times every day.
You can add oil to your pillow which will enable you to fall asleep to the scent. You can also use essential oils such as lotion or massage oil by simply adding a few drops to your favorite carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and rubbing it directly onto your body. For more effective results, apply your carrier oil and essential oil combo to an area where you can easily breathe in the aroma, such as your temples or neck.
Word of caution: Be mindful while using essential oils and do further research before using them. Some essential oils are not suitable for pregnant or nursing women as well as children under the age of 12. Also, before you steam up an area, make sure the oil you are using is pet-safe - some essential oils are toxic to animals.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that for many reasons, you should consider filling your medicine cabinet with essential oils. Essential oils have been used medicinally for thousands of years for many different conditions and to reduce inflammation both inside and outside of your body. On top of that, they smell incredible!
You should always consider consulting your doctor if you have high blood pressure, prehypertension, or hypertension. These conditions may require medical attention or medication. However, using essential oils will only aid and never hurt you if you use them properly. Make sure you always follow the directions on the essential oil bottles and rely on carrier oils to avoid skin irritation if you decide to apply the oils topically.
Essentials are found almost everywhere in most stores and online, and products to use them are found in similar areas (such as diffusers and carrier oils). A method that has been tested, tried, and true for decades, along with medical and scientific research backing up claims, will surely help your conditions including high blood pressure. With a wealth of proven health benefits, utilizing essential oils is such a versatile, convenient, and affordable way to improve the quality of your life and take control of your body and mind.