Aromatherapy Natural Cure For High Blood Pressure (hypertension)

Severe hypertension is a serious disorder (systolic pressure greater than 220 or diastolic pressure greater than 140) requiring emergency treatment before heart or kidney failure, cerebral haemorrhage or fits occur. High blood pressure is a fairly common disorder and the incidence increases with age.Symptoms

· headaches
· visual disturbance
· ringing in the ears
· breathlessness and/or chest pain

Treatment

Orthodox treatment

Drug therapy involves the use of diuretics and/or beta-adrenergic blocking drugs and vasodilators. Antihypertensive medications are among the most widely prescribed. Unfortunately there can be side effects.

All patients with hypertension should change both their diet and lifestyle. If the guidelines suggested were followed, most individuals would see a reduction in blood pressure.

If hypertension is not controlled then it can lead to hardening of the arteries (atheroma), heart failure, coronary disease and strokes.

Aromatherapy treatment

Aromatherapy can have a profound effect on blood pressure, although it is essential that dietary and lifestyle changes are also made. Essential oils which encourage deep relaxation and stress reduction are particularly invaluable.

Baths

Daily baths with essential oils added are highly therapeutic. Particularly useful essential oils include chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, garlic, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, rose and ylang ylang. Suggested combinations are:

- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops mafJoram
- 2 drops ylang ylang

OR

- 2 drops clary sage
- 2 drops frankincense
- 2 drops marjoram

OR

- 2 drops Roman chamomile
- 2 drops geranium
- 2 drops rose

If a cleansing, detoxifying action is required, for instance when dietary changes are being implemented, use two drops fennel, two drops juniper and two drops lemon.

Aromamassage

Aromamassage once a week is invaluable for reducing blood pressure. If massage is performed at regular intervals the effects are quite remarkable and blood pressure may be lowered for several days after a treatment. The massage should be gentle and soothing, always in the direction of the heart. Suggested formulae:

- 1 drop clary sage
- 1 drop frankincense
- 1 drop lavender

OR

- 1 drop marjoram
- 1 drop neroli
- 1 drop ylang ylang

diluted in 10 ml of carrier oil

For a detoxifying aromatherapy treatment:

- 2 drops juniper

diluted in 10 ml of 1 drop lemon carrier oil

Contraindications

Fennel should be avoided in pregnancy and should not be used excessively by epileptics. Marjoram should be avoided in pregnancy, although an adverse reaction is highly unlikely. Avoid strong sunlight after the application of lemon.

Diet

The diet should be low in salt, sugar and saturated fats as the effects of these substances on blood pressure are well documented. As the public has become aware of the dangers of salt, purchases of table salt have decreased but it is also important to look for hidden salt in processed and prepared foods. Sugar is also hidden in many foods. Increasing dietary linoleic acid as found in vegetable oils in Mediterranean countries, where the incidence of hypertension is lower, has an enormous hypotensive action. Fatty red meat can also cause blood pressure to rise.

A wholefood diet emphasising fruit and vegetables and garlic is recommended, with plenty of dietary fibre, particularly oat fibre.

The link between obesity and hypertension is well researched, and weight reduction will cause a substantial reduction in blood pressure. Weight reduction is probably more effective than taking antihypertensive drugs.

Caffeine, alcohol and smoking should also be eliminated from the diet as far as possible. Evidence reveals that 200 mg of caffeine (approximately three cups of black coffee) produces a temporary rise in blood pressure. Too much alcohol produces a significant rise in blood pressure in some individuals. It is well documented that smoking contributes to hypertension. Garlic has excellent hypotensive qualities. You should consume several cloves (preferably raw) daily. Cayenne pepper is also antihypertensive. Use one teaspoon a day in your cooking if you do not suffer from stomach ulcers. High levels of lead in water have also been linked with hypertension - buy a good water filter.

Supplements which have been found to be useful include:

· calcium - 1 g per day
· magnesium - 500 mg per day
· vitamin C - 1 g per day
· vitamin E - 200 iu daily
. garlic capsules - although raw garlic is preferable

Baths Daily baths with the following combinations of essential oils are excellent for stimulating the circulation and aiding hypotension.

Stress reduction is vital and deep breathing exercises and regular aroma therapy treatments will help to alleviate anxiety enormously. Regular exercise also helps to reduce states of hypertension. Only undertake an exercise programme with the permission of your doctor.

The herbs hawthorn berry and mistletoe have a regulating effect on blood pressure but they should be used only under the guidance of a qualified medical herbalist.

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