Are there essential oils that will help manage blood sugar?

Plants have been used for centuries to help us maintain or restore health. The human body knows what to do with components found in plants. Essential Oils are components found in plants - we are more and more learning the benefits for health care. 

One of the issues that I get asked about often is managing health blood sugar and helping to manage the effects of diabetes. 

Coriander is known for digestive support. A study done in 2009 suggests that coriander may also help to reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin levels. Now, this was a study in rats, but it does give us clues. The study found that the beta cells in the pancreas were more active after using coriander seed oil. 

Melissa (Melissa officinalis) essential oil may help people with high blood sugar levels, A study in 2015, found that topical application or even diffusing the essential oil helped glucose metabolism - again not a human study, not too many of those out there, unfortunately. 

Clove essential oil is another that is known for preventing oxidative stress and helping to minimize cell damage throughout the body. Studies also suggest that the oil reduced levels of enzymes in the pancreas in a way that may help to manage health in those who have been diagnosed with "pre-diabetes" or confirmed diabetes. 

Black pepper essential oil also is highly antioxidant and can be use internally, as well as aromatic and topical.  A 2013 study showed that essential oil from a common kitchen spice, black pepper, might help manage or prevent type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 


Weight management is a key factor in controlling  symptoms related to blood sugar. While being overweight does not cause every case of diabetes, it can increase the risk or make symptoms worse. Losing weight is a first-line treatment for many people with diabetes. This involves exercise and changes to the diet, but essential oils may help.

Helichrysum essential oil and Grapefruit essential oils have been studied in rats and the rats gained less weight and had fewer signs of inflammation and less excess insulin that the rats who did not take these oils as supplements. You could use these oils as a massage with a base oil that contains these oils - very relaxing and uplifting! 

One that won't surprise you...

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been sited in many studies and found within the supplemental suggestions of diabetes educators. The essential oil also might improve insulin sensitivity and other features of diabetes. It's a great substitute for sugar in flavoring beverages and dishes as well. 

Lavender essential oil  oil has numerous uses in traditional and Western medicine, It is "ALL things calming". It has been found to help balance normal blood sugar levels and protect against oxidative stress, which causes complications in people with diabetes...and well, everyone. 

HOW TO: 
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Inhaling and applying to the skin are the two main ways of using oils. receptors in the nose and capillaries of the lungs pick up the particles of many essential oils and carry them into the bloodstream.

• In a diffuser: Add a few drops of essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser and take long, deep breaths of the vapor. The aim is to allow beneficial compounds to enter the body. A diffuser spreads the particles of oil through the air.
• Inhaled directly: Float a few drops of oil on some hot water to make an individualized diffuser.
• On a piece of cotton: Put a few drops on a piece of cotton or tissue, or aromatherapy jewelry -  and inhale.
• Diluted on the skin or in a massage: Some particles may be small enough to pass through the skin, where they may enter the bloodstream or provide localized treatment. Always dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond, jojoba oil.

As part of a massage, oils can also help a person relax, reducing stress levels.

Essential oils are not a replacement for what your health care provider recommends. They may help as an accompaniment to standard methods. If you are wanting more natural options, tell your doctor. Let your provider know your preference, your values and ask them to work with you. Don't expect your doctor to know about essential oils- you do the homework. If nothing else, remember too - there are many health benefits we get from essential oils - managing stress, decreasing oxidative damage, overall health  - that would  make trying them for more specific reasons worthwhile. Essential oils when used appropriately and in small amounts are safe and we have no evidence that any of the above mentioned oils are contraindicated with pharmaceutical approached. 

If you have questions, feel free to reach out! I would be happy to give you more guidance on how to safely use essential oils to take control of your health - more naturally! 

References: 

Coriander: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2642
Helichrysumand Grapefruit: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2014.0088?rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&journalCode=jmf