Essential Oils and Your Heart
In the United States, 1 in every 4 deaths is attributed to heart disease. While many people take medications or receive surgery which helps keep them alive, they are really only treating the symptoms – not the underlying cause. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do at home to help avoid ever getting heart disease in the first place, from eating the proper foods to getting plenty of exercise.
What you may not realize is that essential oils can also be beneficial for heart health.
When used appropriately, they help lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate. Studies have shown that the sweet spot seems to be about 1-hour – being exposed any longer could actually have the opposite effect.
Below are some of the most common oils used for their heart-healthy benefits:
Lemon
Lemon oil is known to treat asthma, stress disorders, insomnia, and fatigue. Because of its calming qualities, it also helps relieve anxiety, nervousness, and nervous tension, potentially lowering blood pressure and pulse rate.
Eucalyptus
According to one study, eucalyptus can significantly lower your blood pressure. Other benefits include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunity-building properties.
Basil
Basil is delicious in your Sunday sauce, but it’s also good for your heart. The oil from this common herb is known to help lower cholesterol naturally, as well as having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
Frankincense
Sometimes referred to as olibanum, frankincense has been used for its health benefits for thousands of years. Benefits include reducing stress and anxiety and helping relieve chronic inflammation.
Helichrysum
Helichrysum offers many different full-body benefits, but it is especially beneficial for the heart due to its inflammatory enzyme inhibition, free radical scavenging activity, and corticoid-like effects.
Ginger
Ginger root is used as a treatment for a variety of ailments, but the oil, in particular, is beneficial for heart health. Like helichrysum, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as naturally lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar.
There are a variety of ways you can use essential oils, from diffusers, to topical application, to steam (one of our favorite methods is to place a few drops into a warm bath and take a long, relaxing soak). The application method will depend on your desired results, as well as the oil you’re using. A little research can help you find out what method is best for you.