Gaye Levy
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Something of that concerns every single one of us is how we will deal with health issues in the event modern medicine and western doctors are no longer available to keep us well. This goes far beyond current health woes because, as you know, stuff happens and someone that is perfectly healthy one day may be stricken with a health-related malady the next.
With that introduction, a few months back I decided to explore whether the use of essential oils could help manage high blood pressure during times of trouble. From the get-go, I will tell you that managing blood pressure with essential oils is a very personal quest. My own, traditionally perfect blood pressure, had suddenly taken a leap from 120/80 to 160/90 and higher. I was not a happy camper.
After consulting with my physician, I decided to experiment using essential oils before taking more drastic measures, named pharmaceuticals.
What is Blood Pressure?
Let me quote from Joe and Amy Alton’s excellent book, The Survival Medicine Handbook:
Blood pressure is the measure of the blood flow pushing against the walls of the arteries in your body. Without this flow of blood, oxygen would never get to all the organs of the body.
If this pressure, however, is elevated over time, it can cause long-term damage. Many millions of adults in the U.S. have this condition, which is often asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms). Because of this, it has been referred to as a “silent killer”. Blood pressure tends to rise with increasing age and weight.
For better or for worse, many adults routinely take blood pressure medications to control this silent killer. The hope is that by managing blood pressure, a stroke or a heart attack can be avoided.
Essential Oils to Manage High Blood Pressure
The results of my research and testing have been quite remarkable. Before I share what has worked for me, I want to state that my use of essential oils to manage high blood pressure began with a baseline of good health. A healthy diet, frequent exercise, and height and weight in proportion are always a good starting point for any sort of natural protocol and I passed on all accounts.
With that out of the way, I can tell you that by applying the blend below, my blood pressure has stabilized at about 110/76 in the mornings and 106/66 in the evenings. On a few occasions, it has been lower; low enough for me to verify that it was not too low. (It wasn’t.)
After a bit of trial and error, here is the recipe I use.
Blood Pressure Salve
1 ounce Simple Salve
30 drops Ylang Ylang
15 drops Cypress
15 drops Marjoram
15 drops Rosemary (optional – if high blood pressure is due to stress)
15 drops FrankincenseAfter melting the Simple Salve, add the essential oils and mix well using a small stick or toothpick. Set it aside to firm up overnight.
Twice a day, take a bit of BP Salve, as I call it, and rub some into the sole of the left foot, right below the big toe. Also rub some below the ring finger of your left hand and over your heart. These are commonly referred to as the “reflex points” for the heart. (You might find the WikiHow on Reflexology interesting.)
If you don’t want to make up a batch of Simple Salve (directions here), you can use coconut oil, olive oil, or some other carrier oil.
Although I prefer the salve, I have also used the same essential oils in a roller ball topped with fractionated (liquid) coconut oil. In that case, use just 10 drops of Ylang Ylang and 5 drops each of the other oils.
Essential Oils Equals Calm Equals Less Stress
There is one additional step I have been taking as part of my overall blood pressure management protocol. Nightly, I have set a diffuser up on my nightstand and have diffused this same blend throughout the night.
To simplify the process, I have mixed a small bottle of the oils in the proportions shown. Then before bed, I add water to the diffuser and 8 drops of my blend. Whether it is a coincidence or not, my nocturnal visits to the bathroom have gone from six or seven times a night to one or two. I am sleeping better and, of course, my blood pressure is back in the normal range.
This has me thinking that perhaps the reason this protocol is working is that the oils have been calming. Calm evokes relaxation and the end result is less stress. Is that really what is happening here?
I leave it up to you to decide whether you want to try a diffuser; all that I can say is that it is working for me.
A Word About Blood Pressure Monitors
I currently have two blood pressure monitors, although one is new and did not arrive in time for this article. One, the LifeSource UB-512 is more than a few years old and is being replaced because the battery cover has broken. It is being held together with tape at the moment but still is cranking away giving readings very similar to those in my doctor’s office. That said, I am looking forward to my new Omron 7 and expect that it will perform equally well.
Both Shelly and I have found that our BP readings are lower at night than in the morning. According to our physicians, it is normal to have some fluctuation so there is no cause for worry unless the numbers start to climb above the 140/90 range and stay there.
Regardless of what particular monitor you choose, taking a periodic reading is important so that you can take action if your levels become too high. As I discovered myself, that can happen in a flash.
The Next Step
Before you rush off and begin to self-medicate using essential oils let me say this. If you are under a doctor’s care for hypertension (high blood pressure), keep track of your results and share them with your health care provider before making any change in your drug protocol. With Shelly (aka the Survival Husband), his cardiologist was on board and changed his drug protocol ever so slightly because the results with EOs were promising. Not as good as mine, but promising.
The other thing is similar to all natural remedies, what works for one person make work better – or not at all – for someone else. Always keep that in mind and anticipate the need to experiment to find your own unique formula.
Disclaimer: Remember that I am not a health care professional. Furthermore, essential oils have not been approved by the FDA for medical use and this should not be construed as medical advice.
Essential Oils for Health and Wellness
After a ton of research, for wellness purposes, I use 100% pure essential oils from Spark Naturals. There are a lot of reasons the most important being their commitment to both quality and value. I am satisfied that the raw materials used in Spark Naturals products are tested and authenticated to be of pharmaceutical grade purity.
I also like that they are not an MLM and everyone pays the same price without having to cough up dues or membership fees. Spark Naturals is open about the fact that there is no official system that grades essential oils as A, B, C or Therapeutic grade. If you see a site that makes that claim, it is marketing hype and not fact.
If you decide to purchase the essential oils used in my Blood Pressure Salve from Spark Naturals, you will receive a 10% discount when you use the discount code “BACKDOORSURVIVAL” at checkout.
The Final Word
I personally feel that essential oils are minor miracle workers. Some of my personal favorites include Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Oregano, Peppermint, and Lavender as well as the oils used in the blood pressure salve/blend. That said, if you are just starting out, I suggest you start with these four and branch out as you become more comfortable with using essential oils for day to day first aid purposes.
If the time ever comes when modern medicine is not available, I know for sure that I will turn to my cache of oils to get me through. As I have taken to saying: Stuff Happens – Be Ready!
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
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Spotlight: Essential Oils from Spark Naturals
For health and wellness purposes, I use Spark Naturals oils exclusively. By that I mean any essential oil that is applied directly to my skin. You will find that dealing with Spark Naturals is a pleasure; they have great monthly sales and customer service is top notch!
Below you will find items related to today’s article.
The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way: This book by Joe and Amy Alton book teach how to deal with all the likely medical issues you will face in a disaster situation, including strategies to keep your family healthy even in the worse scenarios. It covers skills such as performing a physical exam, transporting the injured patient, and even how to suture a wound. This medical reference belongs in every survival library.
LifeSource UB-512 Advanced Memory Wrist Auto Inflate Blood Pressure Monitor: I have used this BP monitor for years and it is still operating perfectly. It has both AM and PM settings that store your readings but I prefer keeping a handwritten log instead. You won’t be disappointed in this one.
Omron 7 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor: Based on the reviews, I have ordered this BP monitor since I wanted to try something different.
Coconut (Fractionated) Carrier Oil: Once you start using coconut oil, you will be hooked. This is the liquid form of Coconut Oil, also referred to as FCO. I have been very satisfied with this brand as well as the FCO from Spark Naturals.
Diffusers: You are definitely going to want to consider a diffuser. I keep one in my office next to my desk and two in the bedroom (one at each side of the bed). The diffuser pictured below is this one: ZAQ Dew Aromatherapy Diffuser. The diffuser shown in the article is a ZAQ Mirage.
White Plastic Jar with Lid 1 Oz (10 per bag): I love the size of these compact jars. They are really inexpensive and shipping is free. But, as much as I love these, I love these glass jars better!
Aromatherapy Glass Roll On Bottles, Frost Cobalt Blue-Set of 6: You are going to want some of these for your oils. I put essential oils (singly or in combination) in a roller ball with a bit of fractionated coconut oil and use it to apply EOs topically. Note that I prefer the cobalt blue roller ball containers but they are also available in clear. These complement the custom salves I mix up and store in these 1/2 ounce ointment jars.
Glass Droppers, Pack of 6: I bought a package of these and loved them. When I went to re-order, I accidentally ordered plastic instead of glass droppers. Learn from my mistake. The price is the same so get the glass ones.
Essential Oils Desk Reference 6th Edition: I thought long and hard before purchasing this book myself, but once I did, I was so grateful I took the leap. The information is cross-referenced in many ways making it easy to find what you are looking for. When searching for a particular remedy, you may see multiple oils listed and any will work but they are presented in order of typical efficacy. The nice thing is that if you do not have #1 on hand, you can move down the list. I have found the recommendations to be spot on.
NOW Foods Essential Oils : I use essential oils from Spark Naturals. For healing purposes, I feel they are superior. On the other hand, NOW Foods has decent essential oils at a budget price: NOW Foods Rosemary Oil, NOW Foods Peppermint Oil and Now Foods Lavender Oil are especially nice.
Help support Backdoor Survival. Purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!
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114 Responses to “Managing Blood Pressure With Essential Oils”
We received our new “omron” bp monitor a couple of days ago because my PA said I have high readings and she prescribed a bp RX. When I test at home, my pressure is not high. Thinking that maybe our old monitor is tired,I ordered a new one.Your essential oil post is very timely. She also is open-minded!
Of course it’s not all I have to do….losing weight really is needed, I admit,and more excercise
We received our new “omron” bp monitor a couple of days ago because my PA said I have high readings and she prescribed a bp RX. When I test at home, my pressure is not high. Thinking that maybe our old monitor is tired,I ordered a new one.Your essential oil post is very timely. She also is open-minded!
Of course it’s not allI have to do….losing weight really is needed, I admit,and more excercise
I have really high blood pressure160/100. I currently have Ylang ylang, frakenscence and lavendar. Is that something that you think may help?
All you can do is try. My instinct is that it is the Ylang Ylang and Cypress doing the heavy lifting (of lowering the BP) but to be honest, the combination I am using is working so well that I really do not want to drop the other components.
In our case, the drop in BP was almost immediate and has stayed that way. We apply the salve morning and night. BP is much lower in the evening. Good luck and be sure to report back and let us know how your combination of oils worked for you.
Inhaled Rosemary:
//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700080/
Other research information:
//www.healthline.com/health/rosemary-health-potential
//www.minddisorders.com/Py-Z/Rosemary.html
(Note is approved by German Commission E – their supplement regulator – for LOW blood pressure as it RAISES blood pressure).
//about-essential-oils.blogspot.com/2015/03/rosemary-essential-oil.html
While many others, will conclude with…
//goodlivingessentialoils.com/giving-thanks-for-rosemary-essential-oil-for-thanksgiving-and-for-hypotension/
Well, the blend simply took me back to where I was at before (actually at the high end of my prior range). I am sure that the Rosemary caused the elevation that I referred to – and that removing the Rosemary let it drop back to close to where it was.
I am disappointed that it hasn’t shown any further improvement. As I still have quite a bit of reserve stock, I will continue the protocol for likely several months (just in case there’s a delayed response).
I have found that a big part of my problem is from being chronically dehydrated. Apparently some supplements that I had been taking were fairly strong diuretics. My hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were pretty high and a series of 3 phlebotomies – done every other week! – barely lowered it (removing a pint every two weeks should have lowered it seriously – but didn’t). That’s when some research showed the dehydration problem. Even with stopping those supplements, it can take weeks for my body to flush those remnants from my system.
That quite likely is a main reason for my higher range BP (and possibly why the EO blend wasn’t working!).
Also, my research found that diuretics aren’t really a great idea anyway. They not only thicken the blood but cause loss of valuable minerals, cause clinical dehydration (which is really bad for diabetics, yet endocrinologists routinely prescribe them to their diabetes patients), and not only don’t cause body to release retained water (as they draw water from the blood, not from cells which are storing too much water), but can worsen the situation by causing the body to resist the water loss by retaining MORE water! The best way to release retained water is through a strict LOW CARB Diet and drinking more water (the body then recognizing that water is plentiful and releasing EXCESS water from cells)
Now I have 3 more phlebotomies scheduled for more blood withdrawal. The hematologist agrees with me as far as once I get the H&H levels down to goal range that regular Red Cross donations should maintain that level.
And hopefully that (the “thicker” blood) will also be what is causing the higher BP and take care of that also.
I am finding that the less complicated the blend, the better. Two or three oils is just about perfect with the optional addition of Frankincense if the problem or issue is a stubborn one.
At one reader’s suggestion, I added a bunch of extras to the Miracle Salve and it did nothing other than add to the cost. Who needs that?
ROSEMARY is a known Blood Pressure INCREASER. People with high blood pressure should not be using it at all. Replace it with Clary or Clove. And Lemon will help in either direction. Do a little homework on the research of each oil you use in a blend. BP lowering: Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, Clove, Marjoram, Lavender and Lemon along with diet. Put blend over heart and on reflex points.
Do you have an exact recipe for this?
Can your Simple Salve recipe be adapted into a roller Ball applicator? If so what carrier would you use, and what is the ratio of carrier to all other eo’s?
My blend will be:
4 drops Frankincense
4 drops Neroli
4 drops Bergamont
4 drops Helichrysum
10 drops Sweet Marjoram
12 drops Lavender
16 drops Ylang ylang
15-20 mL of either Argon Oil or Fract. Coconut Oil.
Applied mainly topically (massaged in) to bottoms of feet and lower legs below calves…. with 5 minute inhalation a couple times a day.
I have all of these in stock.
I have 2 full (large) bottles of Rosemary and 3 smaller mostly full bottles, plus 2 full (large) bottles of White Thyme. As my son has very LOW blood pressure, I am going to be giving them to him for a similar experiment in the opposite direction.
P. S. Tisserand and is NOT a good source in a complete sense. A LOT of Tisserand’s material is based on his opinions and NOT research! When clinical research shows that Rosemary (and Thyme – and a couple others) elevates blood pressure, one should accept actual research darts over tradition.
I hope to report the differences of ingredients – and improvements of BP levels (I have a high end BP monitor and plan on taking 3 daily readings – and averaging – at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks. Though not starting until Monday (end of washout period), am using today’s average of 153/96 with a 92 pulse (these being taken as resting rates under the STRICT guidelines as specified by the AM A for taking readings).
I have found multiple CLINICAL STUDIES results online that show that Rosemary RAISES blood pressure levels. Not anecdotal reports or repeated statements from books that just repeat older books, but actual clinical studies.
Your Blend otherwise looks good although – based on clinical studies data – I would look at exchanging the Cypress with Lavender (or at least adding Lavender). Bergamot would be a good option also.
I used a recommended blend that had Rosemary as it’s second highest ingredient. Over 10 weeks, my BP which had been consistently at the range of 130-140 / 80-90 climbed to 150-160 / 90-100. I have now stopped that protocol and after a washout period am going to start a Blend of Ylang ylang, Lavender, Geranium, and Bergamot with an Argon Oil carrier.
Thanks for checking in. I am interested in following your progress over the next few weeks. What are the ratios you will be using?
Also, just FYI, I dropped the Frankincense from my protocol and am holding my own as is Shelly. I used it mostly as a kick-starter and now that we both are stable, am seeing no ill-effects from removing it from the blend. Frank is so precious, cost-wise, that I am glad to see that it can be omitted once BP is in the normal range.
I am also dropping Frankincense from my blend (starting next mix) as I have run out of what I had on hand and it doesn’t seem to enhance effectiveness for cost factor).
hi gaya
i love u r site.Thanks so much for this information. of course after reading this one and since i have high bp i made a batch and now after 2 weeks in which i was checking( i stoped my medication.. ) mornings afternoons and evenings i can tell u with great happiness that it worked for me beyond my dreams.it reduce my bp to levels i had when i was very young ( 71/109 69/106.. and so on.ill have to check with my doc of course after, but i cant thank u enough.
one more question: u mention u did it in a roller ball as well.
i couldn’t find tho what was the size of the roller so i didn’t understand how much other oil to top. is it 1 oz as well?
thanx again
The standard roller ball bottles are 10ml or 1/3 ounce, although there seems to be a lot of variance from bottle to bottle. I use 1/3 recipe: 10 drops of Ylang Ylang and 5 drops each of the other oils.
I am so thrilled that the BP blend is working for you – my own results are similar and seem to be getting better (less variance) daily.
Hope this helps!
it is my understanding that, for what ever reason blood pressure is higher in the morning.
Actually, I believe that it is LOWER in mornings and raises during the day… although that is a generality as it fluctuates a LOT during any given day.
And I have yet (over several decades) gone to a doctor’s visit or blood donation where the doctor / nurse / tech took the blood pressure reading correctly! So it universally will run artificially high!
I just read Safety Considerations When Using Essentail Oils and it stated to avoid Rosemary and Thyme for anyone with High Blood Pressure. You have it as one of your blood pressure control essential oils. What are your thoughts on this?
I am new to using Essential Oils and will be trying your essential oil combination for High Blood Pressure.
Thanks,
Jackie
With each day, I study and learn more about essential oils. I found some research citing Rosemary as an oil to use to control hypertension (high blood pressure) and so I added it to the formula I was experimenting with late last year. I am okay with it and, practically speaking, Rosemary is a component of Miracle Healing Salve which is my go-to oil for everything and anything.
Sounds like I need to revisit and amend the safety article that was written a while back.
thank you so much for all the work you put into this Gaye! I did my own research on rosemary and thyme and everything I read, especially written by Tisserand says that they are not usually a problem with high blood pressure. I know I am not the original poster, but you have to know how much many of us appreciate all the hard work and your wonderful articles!