Essential Oils and Diabetes

On several occasions, over the last few weeks I have been asked about what essential oils one could use with diabetes. So I decided to do a bit of a search and see whether I could come up with any research papers.

One study published in 2004 :

Effects of a novel formulation of essential oils on glucose– insulin metabolism in diabetic and hypertensive rats: a pilot study by N.Talpur, B. Ingram, D.Bagchi, H.Preuss Background: Insulin resistance and its most severe form type 2 diabetes mellitus are rapidly increasing throughout the world. It is generally recognized that natural products with a long history of safety can increase insulin sensitivity.
Aims: The present investigation examined the ability of various combinations of essential oils such as fenugreek, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, etc. to enhance insulin sensitivity. As a first approximation, we examined the effects of these natural products on Zucker fatty rats (ZFRs), a model of obesity and insulin resistance, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), a model of genetic hypertension.
Material and Methods: Water or essential oils were given orally via droplets, and insulin sensitivity was estimated by systolic blood pressure (SBP) changes and circulating glucose and/or insulin concentrations.
Results: We have found that the ability to alter SBP in rat models is the most sensitive early index of insulin sensitivity. The combined essential oils lowered circulating glucose levels and SBP in both ZFRs and SHRs, suggesting that these natural products are enhancing insulin sensitivity. The second series of studies examined two additional combinations of essential oils along with the original formula. The major differences were in the types and proportions of individual oils contributing to a given formula.
Conclusions: Although all the three formulae decreased SBP in ZFRs, one of the formulae was more effective than the others in lowering circulating glucose in the glucose tolerance testing. Accordingly, some essential oils may be added to the long list of natural products that can affect insulin sensitivity.

In an article appearing on Diabetes Spectrum, Jane Buckle says:

Whereas there is some evidence that the oral intake of herbs such as Asian ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and aloe (Aloe vera) may improve glucose tolerance, aromatherapy does not make this claim. Also, there is no suggestion that essential oils can cure diabetes (type 1 or type 2). However, essential oils can be used to reduce the side effects of some complications (i.e., ulcers, loss of skin integrity) and to reduce infections that often take longer to resolve than in nondiabetic patients. Essential oils can also ameliorate the stress of coping with a lifelong chronic condition such as diabetes. Aromatherapy has a long history of use for stress reduction, and aromatics have been used in many cultures to enhance quality of life. Nurses have used inhaled essential oils to help reduce their patients’ stress. Essential she recommends for stress include: Roman Chamomile, Neroli, Petitgrain, Lavender, Mandarin, Geranium, Rose and Sweet Marjoram. She goes on to say that Aromatherapy holds at least as much potential for use with people who have diabetes as for use with those who do not have diabetes. Health care professionals can enhance their patients’ lives by either obtaining training in clinical aromatherapy or referring patients to people who have such training. She says that aromatherapy can be beneficial either when used in conjunction with medical treatment (such as for wound healing) or when used to encourage general relaxation. The potential for even greater positive benefits exists, for as our patients’ aches, pains, and stresses are relieved, so may their physical health be less challenged, with resultant improvements in their blood glucose levels. Making our patients more comfortable, whether through the healing of an infection, the amelioration of a sore muscle, the lessening of neuropathic pain, or the reduction of psychological stress, can improve their overall quality of life.

While most of the articles I was able to find were consistent in suggesting that the use of essential oils were best used to help decrease the side effects often associated with diabetes, I did come across a couple of interesting personal stories.

According to the Sweet Diabetic:

Many studies have been done on the medicinal properties of Cinnamon Essential Oil. These studies suggest that it is anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting, and anti-microbial. It has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes. Tests have also shown that it helps to lower cholesterol and triglycerides as well. Just the smell of Cinnamon Essential Oil can help to boost brain activity and alertness.

I did find this paper on Cinnamon and diabetes:

Effect of cinnamon on postprandial blood glucose, gastric emptying, and satiety in healthy subjects Joanna Hlebowicz, Gassan Darwiche, Ola Björgell and Lars-Olof Almér, From the Departments of Medicine (JH, GD, and L-OA) and Radiology (OB), Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
Background: Previous studies of patients with type 2 diabetes showed that cinnamon lowers fasting serum glucose, triacylglycerol, and LDL- and total cholesterol concentrations.
Objective: We aimed to study the effect of cinnamon on the rate of gastric emptying, the postprandial blood glucose response, and satiety in healthy subjects.
Design: The gastric emptying rate (GER) was measured by using standardized real-time ultrasonography. Fourteen healthy subjects were assessed by using a crossover trial. The subjects were examined after an 8-h fast if they had normal fasting blood glucose concentrations. GER was calculated as the percentage change in the antral cross-sectional area 15–90 min after ingestion of 300 g rice pudding (GER1) or 300 g rice pudding and 6 g cinnamon (GER2).
Results: The median value of GER1 was 37%, and that of GER2 was 34.5%. The addition of cinnamon to the rice pudding significantly delayed gastric emptying and lowered the postprandial glucose response (P < style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusions: The intake of 6 g cinnamon with rice pudding reduces postprandial blood glucose and delays gastric emptying without affecting satiety. Inclusion of cinnamon in the diet lowers the postprandial glucose response, a change that is at least partially explained by a delayed GER.

There is an article on Cinnamon on the main website.

A couple of other sites suggest that Coriander, Fennel and Dill may help to lower blood sugar without drugs, while Cypress can also be helpful as it improves circulation and circulation of the extremities can be a problem for diabetics.

So while I couldn't come up with a proven protocol for using essential oils with diabetes, it would certainly appear that there are some oils that one could consider incorporating into one's lifestyle when faced with diabetes, or the side effects brought about by this conditions.

Upcoming Workshops

November 7: Reiki Level II
November 21: Advanced Massage Techniques - Back and Neck
December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Aromatherapy Courses are available to start at any time during the summer - so if you are looking for something to do this summer perhaps one of our aromatherapy courses is the way to go.

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.

Juniper Berry- Juniperus communis

A mini profile for Juniper can be found on the Articles page of the website.

Did you know....
Of the more than fifty species of juniper, there is only one, Juniperus communis, from which an essential oil is produced?

In Ancient Egypt juniper was used in anointing preparations and it was one of the ingredients used in embalming mixtures. It was also burned as incense for both physical and spiritual protection. During biblical times juniper was often used to banish evil spirits and there is a legend that while Mary and Joseph were fleeing from King Herod they hid the baby Jesus under a juniper tree to protect him. This added to juniper's reputation of granting protection against harm.

Down the ages and in many different parts of the world, Juniper has been traditionally used as an agent against the spread of plagues, epidemics and contagious diseases. Many medieval Europeans considered juniper to be a cure for many things both physical: headaches, kidney and bladder problems, pulmonary infections, against fevers; and more esoteric: hanging bundles of juniper berries over the door to ward off witches, and burning juniper wood to deter demons. Native Americans ate juniper berries, either on their own or added to their food, and made a tea from the stems and leaves of the plant to relieve arthritis and urinary tract infection. They also applied juniper topically to cleanse infections and heal wounds, and burned the needles and branches for purification.

Juniper berries have urinary antiseptic properties, they are a stimulating diuretic, a digestive tonic, an emmenagogue, applied externally a parasiticide, a carminative and a sudorific. Juniper berries are used in the making of gin and it is the diuretic properties in the essential oil in the berries that give gin the diuretic action that it has.

On a subtle level, Juniper aids in strengthen spiritual will. Juniper clears and cleanses a room of negative energies. It also protects against negative influences, and cleanses and detoxifies the subtle bodies. Juniper helps to strengthen will power and can ease the fear of failure. Using Juniper can help restore confidence and increase self-worth. Juniper has been known to dispel mental stagnation and assist clairvoyance if used for the right reasons. It can bring enlightenment as it promotes inner vision and wisdom and helps us to connect and act from our highest ideals. Because of its great cleansing ability it can be used to help clear away feelings of uncleanliness (in particular rape) due to past actions, whether done by or to the individual.

Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Prolonged use can damage kidneys. On skin non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

In class workshops will continue to be offered once a month throughout the year.

Upcoming Workshops

October 24 & 25: Lymphatic Stimulation
November 7: Reiki Level II
November 21: Advanced Massage Techniques - Back and Neck
December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Aromatherapy Courses are available to start at any time during the summer - so if you are looking for something to do this summer perhaps one of our aromatherapy courses is the way to go.

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.

Thanksgiving Blend and Potpourri

The Thanksgiving weekend is fast approaching and I have made my blend for Thanksgiving and it is sitting maturing. It smells pretty good to me I have used Bitter Orange, Tangerine, Neroli, a little nutmeg and a little Clove. Aroma preferences are so individual so if you decide you want to use the same oils I'll leave it to you to figure out the best proportions for your aroma preference. In any case as the blend matures you might want to add a drop or two more of one or other of the oils.

I've also made up a nice Potpourri with items that are readily available.
1 orange thinly sliced; 1 lemon thinly sliced; 4 large cinnamon sticks; 2 whole nutmegs; pine cones; and a few cloves. I still had a few roses in my garden so I have added some dried rose petals to the mix as well. I put everything into a large glass jar (or a large plastic bag) and added my essential oil synergy of Sweet Orange 10 drops; Lemon 10 drops; cinnamon 2 drops; nutmeg 1 drop; clove 1 drop. I will leave everything in my glass jar to mature until I'm ready to put it out on the weekend in a pretty glass bowl.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. I know that I will. I have so much to be grateful for and it's lovely to have a time of year to focus on this.

You might also get some ideas of what to make from the e-Book Aromatic Gifts for all ages and for all seasons.

In class workshops will continue to be offered once a month throughout the year.

Upcoming Workshops

October 24 & 25: Lymphatic Stimulation
November 7: Reiki Level II
November 21: Advanced Massage Techniques - Back and Neck
December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Aromatherapy Courses are available to start at any time during the summer - so if you are looking for something to do this summer perhaps one of our aromatherapy courses is the way to go.

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.