While there isn’t research that specifically states that essential oils treat diabetes, essential oils can help with some specific symptoms that people with diabetes have. These include fatigue, stomach discomfort, and stress.
Hypertension
There is limited research on whether essential oils are an effective treatment for hypertension. However, researchers did share that essential oils could be used as a relaxation therapy to prevent the progression of high blood pressure.
This theory comes from a study where researchers observed the effect on salivary cortisol levels and blood pressure when essential oils are inhaled. The study consisted of 83 individuals with prehypertension or hypertension. The participants inhaled a blend of ylang-ylang, lavender, and neroli for a duration of 24 hours. Blood pressure and salivary cortisol did decrease in participants who inhaled the essential oils.
Further studies need to be conducted to solidify whether or not essential oils can fully lower blood pressure. If you have hypertension and/or diabetes, it is important to take your medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you are interested in using essential oils as an alternative treatment, your practitioner can help you decide whether or not essential oils are right for you.
Fatigue
Some essential oils can help reduce fatigue. These include:
PeppermintWild orangeRosemaryClove
Research shows that rosemary is one of the most effective herbs for treating mental and physical fatigue.
Although the effects of rosemary oil as it relates to the nervous system have not been fully evaluated, one study did look at the effects of inhaled rosemary on 20 participants’ nervous systems. The subjects had their temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate evaluated before and after inhaling rosemary oil.
The study found an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate after inhaling the rosemary oil. After the treatments, participants stated that they felt refreshed and more active.
Stomach Discomfort
For individuals who have bloating, pain, discomfort, and indigestion, coriander seed is known to help these symptoms.
Circulation
Some essential oils known to help circulation include:
RoseLavenderRosemary
One study concluded that rosemary oil is known to improve blood circulation and reduce pain.
Wounds
Scientists found that a chemical compound named beta-carophyllene—which is found in rosemary, lavender, and ylang ylang—showed an increase in both cell migration and growth that is critical to wound healing.
Stress
The common essential oils that aid in relieving stress are:
LavenderChamomileJasmine
A study in Thailand examined the effect of jasmine oil on participants’ nervous system functions. The study found that participants had positive emotions—including an overall sense of well-being and an increased feeling of energy—after inhaling the oil.
A Word From Verywell
Essential oils are becoming more popular as a healing alternative, and people use them for many different reasons. It is important to speak with your healthcare professional before you use essential oils for additional therapeutic purposes to ensure safe and effective use.
