Last Updated on June 9, 2022
Hypertension, high blood pressure in layman’s term, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is common in almost all adults all over the world. It can bring harmful effects to one’s life and if left untreated could lead to stroke and death.
The cause of hypertension is unknown, but it is associated with multiple factors including:
- blood plasma volume
- hormone activity
- environmental factors
- a complication of another health problem
Management and treatment for hypertension include regular physical exercise, stress reduction, diet modification, and a strict medical regimen. Hypertension, when left untreated, can cause serious health problems. So what hypertensive patients do is find ways on how to stop impending hypertension attacks and prevent further complications.
There are some medications currently being used to address this, but some rely more on essential oils. People believe that taking essential oils can lower their blood pressure. As a matter of fact, there is a study that explains the aromatherapy effect of these oils to hypertensive patients.
Table of Contents
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a kind of therapeutic healing that uses natural plant extracts and essentials oils to improve a person’s well-being and mood.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, an alternative that utilizes plant extract to help alleviate health problems.
Where Can these Be Derived?
These oils are derived from plants– mainly from their roots, stem, flowers, and other parts. These can be obtained through the distillation and mechanical process.
How Does this Work?
Essential oils can be inhaled, diluted, combined with other essential oils or applied topically. They trigger the olfactory senses when absorbed, thus giving you the therapeutic effect of these oils.
What are the Essential Oils Being Used to Treat Hypertension?
There are some essential oils that are recommended by advocates.
- Bergamot– is a type of citrus. It is believed to have flavonoids that can help reduce lipid levels.
- Cedarwood– it can be found on the needles, leaves, bark, and berries of cedar trees. It promotes relaxation and helps in reducing stress; thus, it can decrease the heart rate.
- Citronella– this can be obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of lemongrass. It is known to induce hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects.
- Clary sage– it is extracted from the leaves and buds of the flowering herb. It can help alleviate stress, thus reducing anxiety levels and lowering blood pressure.
- Jasmine– can help in lowering blood pressure by helping the body and mind relax. It also decreases anxiety, anger, and stress when inhaled.
- Geranium– improves circulation, which is an important part of maintaining normal blood pressure. This is also effective in stress-reduction, thus making your body calm.
- Lavender– one study revealed that lavender essential oil aids in reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
- Sweet marjoram– known to be powerful. It helps reduce the toxic effects on cells, thus decreasing the chance of heart failure.
- Rose– almost all body and emotional problems can be addressed by this essential oil. It has an assisting effect with the increase in blood circulation, thus lowering high blood pressure.
- Lemon balm– this may serve as a heart stimulant, thereby helping in the decrease of blood pressure. It halts possible heart palpitations and heart attacks. It can be purchased online at Amazon.
- Valerian– this oil has calming effects. Stress, one risk factor for hypertension, can be addressed by this essential oil.
- Frankincense– It has stress-reduction benefits, and it keeps you calm and relaxed. Just be careful in using this because it interacts with some medications.
- Ylang-ylang– it is also called perfume trees. When ylang ylang essential oil and bergamot essential oil are combined, blood pressure and cortisol levels are reduced.
- Helichrysum– is believed to have hypotensive properties, acting as a natural relaxant to decrease blood pressure.
- Lime– is a citrus plant that is believed to contain stress-reducing properties.
Do these Essential Oils Have any Side Effects?
Some of the above-mentioned may not be appropriate for use in people who have low blood pressure. These should not be put directly into the eyes, nostrils, or mouth without a doctor’s permission.
Where Can I get or Buy Essential Oils?
As the demand for these increases, the supply also increases. Many are readily available in some department stores, grocery stores, etc. If you are more likely to buy online, Amazon offers great deals for these. They have a wide variety to choose from.
How is it Being Used?
Essential oils are used through inhalation. You can use a homemade diffuser, an electric diffuser or just a steam inhalation wherein you put certain drops of the oil and breathe through it. A small percentage of the hypertensive population uses these topically. To know more about essential oils, please watch a video here.
Some Important Reminders
Here are some important reminders to bear in mind for safety precautionary measures:
- Not all naturals are safe; safety precautions are still needed.
- Just like any other herbal medications, essential oils contain many bioactive ingredients, which can harm your health.
- The safest route for essential oils is through inhalation.
- Be considerate of others around you. Some may not like the smell of it; other factors to be considered are pregnancy, having children and pet at home.
- Do not swallow essential oils.
- Some essential oils are over-reactive to sunlight; thus, there is a need to avoid direct sunlight when used topically.
- Before using any essential oil, be sure to consult and talk about it with your doctor.
Although there have been claims for the essential oils to have an aromatherapeutic effect on their health, it is still best to consult your doctor before starting one. Essential oils don’t have enough definitive clinical evidence that can point out the cure for hypertension. Ask your doctor if it is safe to introduce these together with your medication- the pros and cons and if it would complement your current treatment for high blood pressure. Never stop taking your medication on your own. Please purchase from a known and legitimate dealer and always practice caution with the help of your physician.
Lacey is an environmental enthusiast and passionate advocate for living green and sustainable. She believes that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small. Lacey is dedicated to reducing her own carbon footprint and educating others on the importance of living greener. She is an advocate for green energy and sustainable practices. She is an active member of her local community, volunteering with local conservation efforts, and taking part in sustainability initiatives. Lacey is a firm believer that the only way to ensure a sustainable future is to work together and make small, but important changes.
