Essential Oils for Hypertension
Some ailments are easy to ignore because they’re not as easy to notice, and we don’t see physical changes. However, in many cases, like with hypertension, it is important to be vigilent. Often times, its easier to prevent an illness than to treat one.
According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults above 20 years old has high blood pressure. That means in the United States alone, around 85 million people have this condition.
The statistics get even scarier when looking at the data of people above 65 years. The National Institutes of Health explains that almost two-thirds of people above this age have high blood pressure. Even more harrowing, in Canada, hypertension is among the leading causes of death.
No laughing matter 
I dislike the facts above as much as the next person, but they’re there to drive in the message that this is not a disease you should take lightly.
It affects a majority of people worldwide exposing them to some severely fatal conditions such as:
- stroke
- heart failure
- kidney disease
- loss of vision
What is it?
Hypertension in simple terms, is when excessive pressure is exerted on your arteries where it faces extreme resistance. Usually, vasoconstriction or narrowing of arteries results in high blood pressure.
This is because the small size of the blood vessels increases resistance forcing your heart to react by pumping more deeply.
Get regular check ups
Keep in mind that this is not your typical disease that starts overnight. This condition develops gradually over a number of years, and if you are not vigilant in checking for warning signs, you might only realize it when a considerable amount of damage has already been done.
In its early stages, it is difficult and almost impossible to detect any signs. It is important to note that the lack symptoms does not, however, ensure that you are healthy.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
Cases of people suffering from organ damages without having experienced any symptoms before are quite common. This is why getting regular check ups is considered vital in helping you to detect hypertension at its early stages.
Some of the warning signs of hypertension include:
Causes
There are two types of high blood pressure which are caused by different factors.
- Essential hypertension
- Secondary hypertension
Essential High Blood Pressure
Pinpointing identifiable causes of essential hypertension has always been challenging yet it’s the most prevalent type of hypertension. It could be caused by:
- Genes
- The condition can be as a result of inheriting susceptible genes. People born to parents with high blood pressure are likely to suffer the same disease.
- Environment
- If you are raised in a lazy environment filled with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, then chances of getting hypertension are significantly higher.
Secondary High Blood Pressure
Secondary hypertension takes a shorter time to appear compared to essential high blood pressure. This type of hypertension usually as a result of an underlying medical condition.
It’s caused by: 
- Kidney diseases
- Adrenal gland issues
- Congenital heart defects
- Thyroid problems
- Drug abuse
- An adverse effect of certain medications
- Some types of endocrine tumors
Treatment Options
The traditional treatment for hypertension is normally characterized by consumption of some generic drug. At best, some of these leave you with an odd taste in your mouth, while others are associated with several adverse effects.
If you have hypertension and are looking for an alternative treatment option that natural, safe, effective, and affordable, it may be worth looking into essential oils.
Lower your blood pressure, enjoy soothing scents, and keep clear of negative side affects with these oils.
Essential oils for high blood pressure
Here is the most updated list of what essential oils are good for high blood pressure.
1. Bergamot Oil
Bergamot essential oil is well known for its exceptional cosmetic benefits. Recent clinical trials have shown that its refreshing properties can also have a positive impact when dealing with high blood pressure.
When inhaled, this oil facilitates the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that improve your well-being, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall mood.
Uses: This oil is best used through a diffuser where it should be inhaled for 20-60 minutes.
2. Lavender Oil 
Lavender is a popular essential oil due to its wide variety of therapeutic benefits. On top of the list of what it can do is reducing blood pressure. Scientists explain that inhaling the oil helps to free you from stress and tension.
The oil sends relaxing waves to your brain, and its analgesic properties will heal any existing headaches. By relaxing you, the oil decreases your blood pressure
and heart rate eliminating hypertension.
Recipe: Mix this oil with your favorite carrier oil and diffuse it for several minutes to enjoy its benefits. One of our all time favorites for this oil is from doTerra.
3. Rose Oil
Rose oil has a calming effect which if utilized helps to relax the brain reducing anxiety and other mental issues. The oil is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and cooling agent that can heal and relax your entire body allowing for better and smoother blood flow.
Best use: Rose oil is used either through a diffuser or by mixing it with a carrier oil and massaging it on your body.
4. Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang Ylang essential oil tackles high blood pressure through both the smell it releases and the compounds sit contains. This heavenly scented oil is backed by clinical studies that have confirmed its ability to control your blood pressure and cortisol levels.
It relaxes your nervous tensions which cause hypertension and then goes further to promote the quality of your sleep.
Directions: Ylang Ylang essential oil can be used alongside bergamot to deliver faster and better results. Best applied by massage or used with a diffuser.
5. Jasmine Oil 
Jasmine essential oil has intense euphoric abilities that help to uplift a person’s emotional wellbeing but also optimism and confidence. This oil will enhance your breathing, helps with depression and anxiety.
As a result, you get to enjoy an efficiently running nervous system improving your overall blood pressure.
6. Valerian Oil
Valerian oil eases hyperactivity, insomnia, nervous tension, and heart palpitations. The oil works superbly in stimulating the counteractive parasympathetic nervous system which allows your body to calm down, relax, and rest peacefully.
This is why the oil is also highly recommended for use just before going to bed as it helps to improve the quality of your sleep.
Use: Diffuse throughout your office, home, or especially by your bed.
Final thoughts
Hypertension is a serious condition, and you owe it to yourself to treat it as such. With these essential oils, you get an opportunity to counter the disease while also enjoying an unbeatable aromatherapy experience.
