If you’re conscious and careful, using essential oils for high blood pressure can be very therapeutic. Many essential oils are great for relieving stress and improving circulation, both of which are very important components in reducing high blood pressure. Whether you’re an essential oil hobbyist or brand new to the concept, it’s important to do your due diligence to find the oil or oils that will work best for you.
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Essential oils are oils derived from plants either by cold pressing (like olive oil) or distillation in water or steam.
When used properly, essential oils are safe and pleasant to use.
Essential oils are generally used in one of three ways. They can be added to a carrier oil and applied topically. They can be placed in an oil diffuser for aromatherapy and some can be safely ingested.
You can buy essential oils online, at some grocery stores, at farmer’s markets, and at some drugstores.
There are many essential oils for high blood pressure, all with varying properties and strengths. We evaluated each oil based on their health benefits, side effects, availability, and price.
Using essential oils for high blood pressure can be a little expensive. On average they cost between $10 and $30 per ounce depending on the oil. Always buy the highest quality essential oils you can afford, especially if you intend to ingest them or apply them topically.
Bergamot oil is derived from the rind of the Italian citrus plant Bergamot. Tea lovers know it as the key ingredient that gives Earl Grayit’s distinctive flavor. Bergamot has many useful properties, including stress reduction and can help improve your circulation. This is why it’s one of the best essential oils for high blood pressure. You can use it in an oil diffuser to help you relax or mix with a carrier oil for a soothing massage.
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As you might guess, cedarwood oil comes from the bark of cedar trees. It’s a natural sedative and works wonders for relieving stress. Cedarwood should only be used in an oil diffuser or applied topically. Cedarwood is one of the most useful essential oils for high blood pressure.
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Citronella oil is often used as a natural mosquito repellent, but it’s also one of the best essential oils for high blood pressure. When inhaled, citronella has a soothing effect making it a great addition to your aromatherapy routine. But don’t overdo it. Large amounts of citronella can cause lung damage. Remember, with essential oils less is more. Use 3-4 drops with a carrier oil.
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Clary Sage is one of the best essential oils for high blood pressure. It’s anti-inflammatory properties help lower your cholesterol naturally. When inhaled, it opens the blood vessels and increases your circulation. Clary Sage can also help lower your anxiety levels which can dramatically reduce your blood pressure.
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Frankincense has been used for thousands of years in perfumes and aromatherapy. It’s also used in Chinese medicine to help promote circulation. While it is generally inhaled, small amounts can be mixed in massage oil and applied topically.
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Geranium oil has long been used as a sleep aid for its anxiety-reducing properties. If the root cause of your high blood pressure is nerves, geranium oil may help. Add a few drops to an oil diffuser before bedtime for a restful night sleep.
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Jasmine oil is known for its soothing, uplifting effects in aromatherapy. If you’ve had a long, stressful day, unwinding with Jasmine oil may be just what you need. As with many essential oils on this list, the key is stress reduction. Add it to your oil diffuser or put a few drops in with some coconut oil for a relaxing massage.
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Helichrysum (a.k.a. Immortelle) has been used to treat eczema, anxiety, and even arthritis. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, so it’s one of the perfect essential oils for high blood pressure. It blends wonderfully with bergamot, lavender, and rose.
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Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils and for good reason. In addition to its pleasing aroma, lavender oil has been known to fight bacterial and fungal infections, lower anxiety, and enhance circulation. Add it to your oil diffuser or mix it in your bathwater for a soothing soak.
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You may think there’s nothing special about lemon, but it’s great for stress relief and freshening the scent of your home.
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In addition to being a potent anti-viral, lemon balm also does wonders for anxiety and high blood pressure. Lemon balm is also used to fight insomnia. Lemon balm can be applied topically to soothe the skin or added to an oil diffuser.
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Like lemon oil, lime oil is known for its cleansing properties. It also shares its stress relieving attributes. Use it solo or combine it with lemon oil in a diffuser for a soothing aromatherapy combination.
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Neroli oil is derived from bitter orange tree blossoms and has a lovely floral scent. It’s been used in perfumes for generations and some say it’s the secret ingredient in Coca-Cola. It’s nontoxic and can be applied topically or mixed with any other citrus oil as an anti-inflammatory. It’s also known to help you sleep better.
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Rose oil has long been a favorite of perfumers all over the world for its sweet, mild scent. It’s also known to treat skin disorders and fight anxiety. It’s also an effective pain reliever. Combine with lavender, jasmine, and bergamot to ward off anxiety.
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Similar to clary sage, sage oil is a potent anti-inflammatory. Used in small amounts, it can help improve high blood pressure by improving your circulation. Sage oil is also known to slow the growth of bacteria and aid in digestive problems.
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You may know sweet marjoram as a seasoning in stews and sauces. Sweet marjoram is also a known vasodilator, meaning that it helps dilate your veins and improve circulation. It’s also an effective stress reliever making it one of the best essential oils for high blood pressure.
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Valerian was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to treat insomnia. It is a natural sedative and can help regulate your blood pressure and prevent heart palpitations. It can also help improve cognition and reduce menstrual pain.
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Yarrow oil has long been used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and improve circulation. It can be ingested in small amounts, applied topically, or used in an oil diffuser. Given its circulatory benefits, it can also be used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
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Ylangylang is native to the Pacific islands and is thought to be a potent aphrodisiac. It can be applied topically to fight infection and reduce high blood pressure. It works great in tandem with lavender and jasmine as a stress reliever.
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When using essential oils for high blood pressure it’s important to keep your doctor in the loop. Essential oils should never be regarded as a replacement for treatment prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider. It’s also very important to use essential oils in moderation. Too much of a good thing can cause discomfort or an allergic reaction. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before you apply any essential oil topically. Many essential oils are fatal to animals and potentially harmful to small children, so always keep them well out of reach.