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.
Essential Oil FAQ
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1. What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are oils derived from plants either by cold pressing (like olive oil) or distillation in water or steam.
2. Are They Safe?
When used properly, essential oils are safe and pleasant to use.
3. How Do I Use Essential Oils for High Blood Pressure?
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.
4. Where Can You Buy Them?
You can buy essential oils online, at some grocery stores, at farmer’s markets, and at some drugstores.
How We Reviewed
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.
Overall Price Range of Essential Oils
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.
What We Reviewed
- 1Bergamot
- 2Cedarwood
- 3Citronella
- 4Clary Sage
- 5Frankincense
- 6Geranium
- 7Jasmine
- 8Helichrysum
- 9Lavender
- 10Lemon
- 11Lemon Balm
- 12Lime
- 13Neroli
- 14Rose
- 15Sage
- 16Sweet Marjoram
- 17Valerian
- 18Yarrow
- 19Ylang Ylang
Best Essential Oils for High Blood Pressure
Bergamot
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Calming
- Improves circulation
- May help reduce cholesterol
Cons
- Can lower blood sugar levels, not recommended for diabetics
- Possibly unsafe for children
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Cedarwood
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Stress relief
- Natural sedative
- Reduces inflammation
Cons
- Poisonous if ingested
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Citronella
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes relaxation
Cons
- Poisonous if ingested
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Clary Sage
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Improves circulation
- Lowers cholesterol
- Reduces anxiety
Cons
- Not recommended for children
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
- Do not mix with alcohol
Where to Buy
Frankincense
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Stress relief
Cons
- Don’t take with anticoagulant medications
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
- May cause irritation
Where to Buy
Geranium
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Lowers anxiety levels
- Sleep aide
Cons
- May cause skin irritation
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Jasmine
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Anti-anxiety
- Natural sedative
- Mild pain relief
Cons
- May cause skin irritation
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Helichrysum
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Lowers anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
Cons
- May cause allergic reaction
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Lavender
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Reduces anxiety
- Improves circulation
Cons
- Do not ingest
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Lemon
Summary
You may think there’s nothing special about lemon, but it’s great for stress relief and freshening the scent of your home.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Lowers anxiety
- Natural anti-inflammatory
Cons
- May cause allergic reaction
Where to Buy
Lemon Balm
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Lowers anxiety
- Reduces stress
- Improves insomnia
Cons
- Do not use if you have thyroid disease
- Not recommended for patients with diabetes
Where to Buy
Lime
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Anti-anxiety
- Natural stress reliever
Cons
- Do not ingest in large amounts
- May cause allergic reactions
Where to Buy
Neroli
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Reduces anxiety
- Fights inflammation
- Treats insomnia
Cons
- Do not use if you are diabetic
- Do not use if you have glaucoma
Where to Buy
Rose
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Lowers anxiety
- Natural stress reliever
Cons
- May cause skin irritation
- Do not ingest in large amounts
Where to Buy
Sage
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Improves circulation
- Anti-Inflammatory
Cons
- Do not use if you have epilepsy
- Do not ingest with alcohol
Where to Buy
Sweet Marjoram
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Vasodilator
- Stress reliever
Cons
- May cause allergic reaction
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Valerian
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Regulates blood pressure
- Improves insomnia
- Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke
Cons
- May cause allergic reaction
- May cause headaches or upset stomach
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Yarrow
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Reduces insomnia
- Treats hypertension
Cons
- May cause allergic reaction
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Where to Buy
Ylang Ylang
Summary
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.
Benefits & Contradictions
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Natural sedative
- Stress relief
Cons
- May cause allergic reaction
Where to Buy
Conclusion
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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.
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