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.
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114 Responses to “Managing Blood Pressure With Essential Oils”
How long should a 1oz jar of the BP salve last if used as you recommended? I just want to try to make sure I am not using it in an ‘overkill’ method. Or adversely, not using enough to gain benefits. Thanks
At one time I had tracked this but I no longer remember exactly. I believe a 1 oz jar lasts 2 to 3 weeks with two of using the salve twice a day. The next time I start a new jar, I will start counting.
I’d like to start using your EO blend for hypertension to treat my elevated bp, but I’m currently going through fertility treatments and both marjoram and rosemary are generally contraindicated for pregnancy. Are there pregnancy safe substitutions for those oils, you might suggest? Thanks in advance!
You can definitely omit the Rosemary. I only use it when stressed since it does serve as a powerful relaxant. On the other hand, I just consulted my two EO “bibles” and neither list Marjoram as an EO to avoid during pregnancy. As a matter of fact, Marjoram EO has no known contraindications that I know of. Still, since I am not a health care professional, I would suggest you seek their advice.
But I am curious, what resource suggested you avoid Marjoram EO? And finally, good luck with your treatment. I know how grueling fertility treatments can be.
Thank you for your reply, and that’s good to know! Honestly I wasn’t able to find much about marjoram being contraindicated for pregnancy, beyond a general internet search on the topic. I figured better safe than sorry. I’ll omit the rosemary, but otherwise keep it as is. Thanks!
Gaye, have you seen any research on how Clary Sage, Lavender, Marjoram, Cypress and Ylang Ylang affect your heart rate? Do you monitor BP and heart rate at the same time? In my research, the only ones that work to reduce BP without also lowering the heart rate are Marjoram and Lavender, which is important if you already have a low heart rate (you wouldn’t want it to go dangerously low). I’ve read the articles about Clary Sage being more effective than Lavender for BP, but Clary Sage also lowers the heart rate. I think the same is true for Cypress and Ylang Ylang. I welcome any information you may have.
Rosemary is a medicinal herb that provides protection from bacterial infections. This article is really nice.
I am too, Gaye. Thank you!!!
Craig Hohnberger
Oh my gosh. Thank you!! This is amazing.
My normal BP has historically been ~110/65 until 4 months ago when I was sick and it was 140/100. We thought it was 1x due to the illness/stress. But then 3 weeks ago at a routine physical it was way up there still. My doc said I needed to go on meds and that it was simply age related (I am 49). I said “no way” and I’d fix it with diet and other natural means. He relented with a stern warning and orders to measure it 2x every day and report findings.
I immediately cleaned up my diet which dropped it to 125/85 over about 2 weeks – so still too high. Found this article, made the roller ball version and within 4 days it was back to where I have historically been. My first foray into the world of EO’s … and I am a convert.
I am so thrilled this worked for you!
Thank you for his article. I all of a sudden have highly elevated BP. And will not use drugs. I already have one diffuser and will get another to have one in the living room and bedroom without having to move them back and forth.
I am ordering marjorum and cypress as I do not have those on hand. I do have the salve ingredients and make most of my own products including toothpaste/scrub, body butter, etc.
Also thanks for the tips on the roll on container.
I hope I can tell you that it work as great for me as it did for you.
Fingers crossed, Nancy.
I will keep you posted. I haven’t received the EO’s that I ordered yet. They should arrive today.
I was all set to start using rosemary in my shampoo and conditioner, to help with thinning hair. I have hbp. After reading about rosemary and hbp, would it be unwise to try it? It would be diluted to a 2% rate in the shampoo and conditioner.
I just started adding Rosemary to my conditioner for the same reason. I also mixed some with coconut oil and am using it as a hair serum around my hairline which to my eye, seems to be receding. The dilution is so minor that I honestly do no believe it will affect BP. I take my BP each night and so far see no change. If anything, it is lower. Good luck. For both our sakes, I hope it works.
PS – I have only been doing this for 2 weeks and am already seeing less hair in my sink!
I am in the process of changing my healthcare provider as my insurace has changed. My old dr was not happy with me for stopping my melds, but every time I went in for a checkup she added another pill, I just got tired of all those pills and still did not feel good. I feel much better after stopping the Medes. I now take a low dose aspirin daily and use my EO as needed. Thanks for the info. If you have any additional advise it will be appreciated.
Gaye, I am 72 years old female 5′ 1 and weigh 150 lb my bp averages 144/86. Is there a normal that bp should be for that age? I know that I am about 20 to 30lb overweight, but having lots of trouble losing weight, I am also under lots of stress and suffer from a-fib. I would appreciate any advice/suggestions you could give me. I am currently not taking any prescription meds I was on about five different ones I stopped taking them about six months ago.
When I had my last checkup last summer, my doctor went over the newest BP guidelines: “The new guidelines change nothing if you’re younger than 60. But if you’re 60 or older, the target has moved up: Your goal is to keep your blood pressure at 150/90 or lower. If you have kidney disease or diabetes, your target used to be 130/80 or lower; now it’s 140/90 or lower.”
My own BP has always been on the low side (110/80) so I never worried about it. Then, in December 2014 it jumped to 165/90 (in that range). I was freaked out and so I started dabbling with essential oils. My BP is currently running about 99/65 give or take and rarely gets above 118/80.
Still given the new guidelines, you may be okay. What does your doc say? BTW, good for you for not taking any meds – just make sure your healthcare provider is onboard. (Or find one that is!)