Essential Oils for Diabetes
Oils |
Usage |
Recommendation |
Cinnamon | Aromatic, Internal | 1st |
Rosemary | Aromatic, Internal, Topical | 1st |
Geranium | Aromatic, Topical | 1st |
Basil | Aromatic, Internal, Topical | 1st |
Ylang Ylang | Aromatic, Topical | 1st |
Eucalyptus | Aromatic, Topical | 1st |
On Guard | Aromatic, Topical | 2nd |
Cypress | Aromatic, Topical | 2nd |
Juniper Berry | Topical |
2nd |
Cassia | Internal, Topical | 3rd |
Ginger | Aromatic, Topical | 3rd |
Fennel | Aromatic, Topical | 3rd |
Lavender | Aromatic, Topical | 3rd |

Body System(s) affected:
Endocrine System
Those suffering from diabetes have to be especially careful about sores of any kind, especially those on the feet and hands. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so wounds heal much slower. Many who suffer from diabetes experience decreased sensation in their hands and feet, making it more difficult to even notice an injury right away. Even a small sore left untreated can turn into an ulcer, ultimately making amputation necessary.
Dilute the oils with a plant-based oil (e.g. fractionated coconut oil) and apply on back, chest, feet and over pancreas.
Further information
17 Best Essential Oils for Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes is a common problem for many in the United States and other countries across the globe. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that restricts an individual’s ability to utilize the sugar in their body for energy generation due to which the sugar remains in the blood itself. Diabetics feel the need to urinate frequently and are often thirsty or hungry. When left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications such as renal failure, ocular damage and even heart disease.
What Are the Major Types Of Diabetes
Type I diabetes is a viral disease that generally occurs in the early years of the life of an individual and leads to the destruction of pancreatic cells that produce insulin. In such situation, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to maintain low levels of sugar in the blood.
Type II diabetes generally happens in adulthood where the body cells become so toxic that they cannot accept the insulin produced in the body. This is the most common type of diabetes.
How Can Essential Oils Help In Cases Of Diabetes?
Aromatherapy is one of the best alternative therapies that can be used for the management of diseases like diabetes. Essential oils promote low glucose levels in the blood. Due to the 50 million olfactory receptors present inside your nostrils, essential oils can be directly absorbed into the blood to start their action immediately. Having said that, here are some of the best essential oils are recommended for diabetes.
1. Coriander
Coriander has its origin in western
Asia and eastern Mediterranean region. Conventionally, coriander has been used
as a blend to help cure digestive problems like diarrhea in young ones, colic
pain, anorexia and flatulence. For the diabetes, Coriander promotes low blood
glucose levels by increasing the insulin secretion in the pancreas. In
addition, this essential oil is also known to exhibit insulin like activity at
the cellular level.
2. Cinnamon
Consuming Cinnamon orally may ease the symptoms
of diabetes. Research has shown that Cinnamon is able to reduce the levels of
glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol in the body. Other than that, this oil
has the ability to fight infection, reduce inflammation and balance blood sugar
levels. It has natural antifungal and antiviral properties to combat infection
and along with that, it is a natural immune booster. There are no known adverse
effects of using cinnamon; but it may cause irritation to the skin or to the
nasal passage if not diluted properly before use. Cinnamon can be taken as a
supplement or it can be inhaled.
3. Clove
Researches have shown that Clove when consumed
as a supplement can balance the insulin levels. It also helps to reduce
cholesterol and glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. An
individual may consume 1-2 cloves a day to help balance the symptoms of
diabetes. Other than that, the essential oil of clove can be useful for
conditions like acne, food poisoning, lice manifestation, cataracts,
inflammation, ulcers, diarrhea, nausea, arthritis and rheumatism and
cardiovascular disorders. It is recommended that young ones and individuals who
are taking anticoagulants should not use the clove as it can cause severe skin
irritation. Even when it is being used on adults, I would recommend diluting
the oil with any carrier oil before use. It can be consumed orally as a dietary
supplement or used in a diffuser.
4. Myrrh
Myrrh can help control blood sugar levels. Its antioxidant properties support the immune system, making it one of the best oils for people suffering with diabetes. Myrrh is also a natural antioxidant and antiseptic and contains powerful healing properties. It is considered as safe, except for young ones under the age of six or pregnant women. It can be used in a diffuser, as a food grade supplement or for the topical application.
5. Clary Sage
Clary sage can help prevent the renal disorders, which are quite common in people suffering from diabetes. You can consume it orally or apply it topically. When taken in right amounts, there are no adverse effects seen.
6. Vetiver
The essential oil of Vetiver has soothing and grounding effects on the body. It is also known to ease anxiety, trauma, shock, and is ideal for relaxing muscles when used as massage oil. It can be used as a food supplement or can be inhaled directly. Although, Vetiver is harmless when taken as a medicine but the possible adverse effects are still unknown. Expectant females should not use it.
7. Lemon
Lemon essential oil can help you relax and can be used for renal calculi, ringing ears, swine flu and common cold. For diabetics, it can ease the tension and stress that many of them generally acquire due to the disease.
It can be taken orally in small doses or can be
applied topically. While the adverse effects of the higher intake of the
essential oil of lemon are unknown, applying it directly over the skin can
increase the risk of sunburn, especially if you have fair skin.
8. Ylang Ylang
The essential oil of Ylang Ylang can be both relaxing or stimulating. For diabetics, it is useful for coping with stress and anger. Inhaling its aroma can regulate the blood circulation thus reducing the blood pressure. This essential oil can be applied topically over the back, wrists, neck and feet or can be diffused.
9. Thyme
Essential oil of Thyme is useful as an
analgesic, expectorant, diuretic, anti catarrhal, immune stimulant and an
antiseptic. This oil is also helpful in the prevention of diseases like
psoriasis, dermatitis, hepatitis, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases,
which a diabetic is likely to suffer from.
Use of this oil is not recommended for
individuals with high blood pressure, young ones and expectant females. It can
be used as a dietary supplement, diffused or applied topically.
10. Orange
Orange essential oil helps in restoring endocrine and immune systems to their normal states and helps in reducing depression. There are no known adverse effects of the use of this essential oil. It can be consumed internally or can be diffused.
11. Marjoram
Essential oil of marjoram may be helpful in treating constipation, whooping cough, bronchitis, headaches. It has no known adverse effects when used in right amounts.
12. Cypress Oil
One of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes is improper circulation of blood. While there are many essential oils that can regularize the blood circulation in the body, one of the most touted ones is the essential oil of cypress. Cypress is also well-known oil in the alternative medicine community for its cardiovascular benefits.
13. Citrus Oils mixture
Diabetes is a disease that not only affects pancreas but many organs and processes all throughout the body including the vision. Blends of Citrus oils can support the visual system and the major organs such as the liver as they are rich in natural antioxidants. However, the reason why the alternative medicine community banks upon citrus oils is their ability to support the pancreas so that they are able to release the right amount of insulin required by the body.
14. Black Pepper Oil
Black Pepper can control and even prevent hypertension and type II diabetes. A study held in 2013 states that the oil of black pepper naturally restrains two enzymes that break down starch into glucose. This effect helps to normalize blood sugar levels and slows down the absorption of glucose.
15. Lavender Essential Oil
While a lot of research on Lavender and its effects as a treatment for diabetes is still pending, some of the investigations have concluded that Lavender can surprisingly reduce the levels of glucose in the blood.
Best Essential Oil Blends To Help in Type I and Type II Diabetes
In 12oz of water, mix 3-5 drops of each Lemongrass Oil, Coriander Oil and Cinnamon Oil and drink it 2-3 times in a day You can use 4 drops of essential oil of Cinnamon Bark and Cypress over the stomach and the bottom of the feet and Coriander oil over the chest every morning.
Massage Frankincense Oil over the back of the neck or on bottom of the feet for feeling light headed and relaxed after an insulin course. Regularly massage Lavender oil on the feet during night. Every morning massage Clove oil over the feet.
Add 2-3 drops of Coriander and / or Basil oil in a capsule and take it daily.
Few Other Useful Tips For Managing Diabetes
Other than previously mentioned essential oils, you should always be prepared to explore new alternatives. Understand the mechanism of your body and consider what you need. At times, in chronic conditions such as diabetes, the body seems to develop immunity of a particular essential oil. In other words, if one oil losses its effectiveness over the period of time, consider switching to some other essential oil on a temporary basis.
Few Other Overall Health Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Diabetes
Almost all of the essential oils support vision and improve the liver function. As a dietary supplement, essential oils can reduce the free radical activity in the body. If you are searching for an anti-aging agent, essential oils can surely do the job. Essential oils, when consumed after a meal can prove to be miraculous for your digestive system. Just add a drop of any of the essential oils mentioned above in a cup of boiled water and drink slowly. It is to be remembered that pancreas are connected with spleen and stomach, so when you consume anything that supports the functioning of the stomach then in turn it supports the pancreas.
Keep a drop of essential oil of Fennel on your finger and then put it on the tongue. Virgin Coconut oil has a positive effect on the sugar levels in the blood.
Add 2 drops of Lemongrass or Cinnamon Bark in a capsule with 2-3 drops of any carrier oil and ingest this capsule along with your meal daily. Be regular at least for a month to see the changes. Put a drop of Coriander oil on each of your ankles before bedtime to keep the sugar levels normal.
The Bottom Line
Essential oils contain strong natural elements, and some may be irritating to the skin or even toxic for the body when not used correctly. For the same reason, it is imperative to consult a health professional before using any of these essential oils in your body. In my view, the use of essential oils is surely going to grow in coming decades and there will be a major hike in their clinical use in USA.
Source: Essential Oil Benefits