Essential oils just sound a little bit hippie-ish, right?
They kind of are. Essential oils are often splashed on as natural perfume and considered as natural remedies. Frankincense and Patchouli have unofficially become the smell of the hippies over the years.
But you know what?
They work. Science supports the use of essential oils to treat a whole host of ailments, diabetes included.
Here are 6 essential oils that may be worth checking out for diabetics.
#1 Coriander Essential Oil
A recent study showed that coriander essential oil may help boost insulin production, even among type 1 diabetics. It is said to do this by supporting the pancreas, the organ responsible for insulin production. You can create a nice massage oil by mixing a few drops of coriander essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and gently massage the mixture onto your skin. You can also try inhaling the essential oil with the use of a diffuser.
#2 Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is best known to support the immune system. Since diabetes is essentially the result of a faulty immune system, frankincense essential oil may help reduce the body’s faulty response to insulin. Instead of resisting insulin, as is the case in diabetes, it will begin responding to it more normally.
#3 Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang essential oil is the delicious smell that many perfumes are made from. Though it is not directly beneficial to blood sugar or insulin production, this essential oil does help regulate blood pressure. This is particularly important for diabetics as heart disease and weakened blood vessels are a major risk factor.
#4 Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon is perhaps the most well-known spice to benefit diabetics against the battle of unstable blood glucose level. The even-better news is that cinnamon essential oil may be just as beneficial. Through the inhalation of cinnamon essential oil, with the help of a diffuser, you may be able to lower your fasting blood glucose levels. Plus, it smells really good!
#5 Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is popular for its calming effects. Inhaling lavender essential oil can result in a calmer heart rate and lower blood pressure. While this isn’t directly related to diabetes, it is indeed important. Diabetes causes serious heart issues, so controlled blood pressure will help alleviate some of the risk involved with the heart.
#6 Oregano Essential Oil
Inhaling oregano essential oil may help lower glucose levels by inhibiting the digestion of carbohydrates. Finally, there is a way to eat your carbs and enjoy them too! Add a few drops of oregano essential oil to a diffuser and enjoy the pasta-like aroma. Then go and actually eat your pasta (in moderation, of course).
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Essential Oil Experts. URL Link. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
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