My Top 3 Essential Oils for Heart Health

February is heart health month. Now I certainly don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but let’s visit a fact about heart health. According to the 2017 statistics from The American Heart Association, coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Stress, bad diet, and inactivity are three major causes. All three contribute to inflammation in the body. Study after study points to chronic inflammation doing great harm to the body. It has damaging effects on arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Yes, reducing stress, improving diet and exercising are crucial in maintaining good heart health, but let’s focus on a few essential oils that are beneficial to your ticker.

These are 3 of my favorite essential oils for heart health: 

1) Marjoram – Marjoram is in the same family as oregano. If you have used Oregano essential oil right out of the bottle without diluting, you know how spicy hot it is! I like Marjoram since it is milder, although you still want to dilute when putting directly on the skin.

The inhalation of Marjoram essential oil has been shown to calm the nervous system and, thus positively impacting your cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. (1) It is naturally high in antioxidants which makes it excellent for not only the cardiovascular system, but the entire body. It’s also an effective vasodilator, which means that it can help relax and widen the blood vessels. When you do this, it eases the flow of blood, reduces cardiac strain and reduces blood pressure.

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

 

2) Ginger – When we think of Ginger, most of us think of digestive health. Although Ginger essential oil is phenomenal for gut health, it is also beneficial for heart health as well as a number of other benefits. Ginger root has over 100 chemical components and the therapeutic benefits come from gingerols, which is a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger essential oil is made up of about 90 percent sesquiterpenes, which are defensive agents that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties, Ginger essential oil has the power to reduce cholesterol levels and blood from clotting, which can be helpful against heart disease, where blood vessels can become blocked and lead to heart attack or stroke.

Ginger also appears to improve lipid metabolism, helping decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care and on blood thinning, blood pressure or diabetic medication, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

 

3) Ylang Ylang – Ylang Ylang essential oil is one of my favorites! I use this oil on a daily basis for its many benefits! Because of its sweet, floral scent, it is most commonly known for its uses in perfumes.

Ylang Ylang has a positive effect on immune health, blood flow and emotions. It supports a healthy circulatory system and can help control blood pressure and prevent heart arrhythmia. Add a drop to a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil and massage over the heart.

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, such as dealing with low blood pressure or with an existing heart condition, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

 

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care provider before using products based on this content