Aromatherapy for High Blood Pressure

Aromatherapy for high blood pressure can be a useful addition to your program of stress management, good nutrition, and exercise.

First, if you have high blood pressure, it generally recommended that you AVOID some essential oils:

• hyssop (contains pinocamphone)
  
• rosemary (very stimulating)
  
• sage (contains thujone)
  
• thyme (hypertensive - increases blood pressure)

You can use the following essential oils for high blood pressure:

• ylang ylang
  
• clary sage
  
• lavender
  
• lemon
  
• orange
  
• geranium

Diffuse an oil or sniff it directly. Aromatherapy massage using these oils is also great, especially since massage itself often lowers blood pressure.

For a bath oil, Aromatherapy for Dummies suggests adding 4 drops of geranium and 1 drop of orange essential oil to your bath.

If you are trying to avoid or get off medication, be sure to work with your doctor.