Last Updated on December 16, 2021 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD
There are several remedies for managing your diabetic health. Essential oils aromatherapy is one among them as well.
But among the plenty of essential oil options available for diabetics, do you know which ones to use and which ones to avoid?
Some natural oil extracts like – Angelica oil, Sage, Red Thyme, Wormwood, etc., must be completely avoided if you are a diabetic patient. They can be risky for your immune system, and hence, their use for diabetic aromatherapy must be prevented. There are more to this list that we will discuss further in today’s discussion.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are important elements for aromatherapy and contain concentrated plant extracts. The scent and flavor of certain plants can be very remedial for one’s health and are captured as oils for accessible use.
Essential oils have been a part of traditional medicine systems for a long time and continue to be a crucial part of treatments. Therapies, massages, spas, etc., commonly make use of essential oils.
Essential oils are extracts from a plant’s fragrant bark, leaves, roots, flowers, etc. They are obtained through distillation in water or cold pressing methods that separate the precious oils from the plants.
How are essential oils helpful for diabetics?
You must be wondering if essential oils are useful for diabetics, and the answer is yes. They are indeed very useful in keeping several diabetic symptoms away.
Diabetic patients tend to experience several problems such as diabetic neuropathy, ulcers, aches, high blood pressures, stress, etc. Some of these issues can be efficiently tackled by the use of essential oils.
Aromatherapy with diabetes-safe essential oils can help to reduce these symptoms and bring in a better balance in the body.
Some essential oils like lavender, cumin, cinnamon, fenugreek, etc., are supported by many pieces of research about having blood sugar managing properties. These are also good for Type 1 diabetics.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetics can also benefit significantly from using certain essential oils. Type 2 diabetic patients often experience lifestyle-related problems such as weight gain, inflammatory diseases, etc.
Essential oils can efficiently look at issues like weight gain and reduce inflammation in the body.
In addition to this, essential oils have also been good for increasing insulin sensitivity in the body.
Foot neuropathy and ulcers are also some common signs of diabetes that can be very disturbing. Some essential oils have wound-healing and soothing qualities that can be used for such symptoms as well.
However, the use of essential oils may at times hamper your diabetic medications. Thus, it is important to be sure about what oils you choose to use. Moreover, we advise getting an expert or doctor’s opinion before resorting to the use of any essential oils.
Essential oils must be used in diluted forms mixed with carrier oils such as almond oil. The excess concentration in essential oils can have extreme effects on health if they are not diluted.
Some advantages of essential oils are magical. On the other hand, some side effects of using the wrong oils can be very dangerous. You must be very cautious about including them in your diabetes cure routines.
Let us tell you about some essential oils that diabetic patients must avoid.
8 essential oils to avoid diabetes
Before using the various types of essential oils available, one must be familiar with those not to be used. Some of these can hamper your overall health and also interfere with your everyday medication and diets.
These are natural medicines that must be used with care and attention.
Here is a list of 8 essential oils to avoid diabetes:
1. Wormwood oil
This is a risky essential oil to start with, so make sure that you know about its side effects on your health.
Wormwood oil is not suitable for people with heart problems and kidney diseases. Diabetic patients tend to have such problems and can face adverse effects by the use of wormwood oils.
2. Bitter almond oil
Excess amounts of bitter almond oil are considered toxic for the body and can be very dangerous to health, especially for diabetic patients.
If you are allergic to nuts, it can also cause related irritations on the skin. Therefore, it is best to have prior ideas and warnings regarding the use of bitter almond oil.
3. Angelica oil
The use of angelica oil for treatments has not been proved for several issues.
Moreover, this oil makes your skin more sensitive to light and can cause certain uncomfortable reactions. Some compounds in angelica essential oil called – Furocoumarins are known to give rise to cancer.
Due to these several risky impacts, diabetic patients should avoid its usage.
4. Rosemary oil
Rosemary essential oil and its pleasant fragrance are said to be curative for many ailments. However, its advantages are not too prevalent for people with blood sugar issues.
Excess use of rosemary can make you feel nauseous. It is also not recommended for pregnant women. Using rosemary oil is not fit for everyone’s immune system, thus, you must be extra careful.
5. Sage oil
Sage oil has also been studied for its several potential side effects. Sage oil can prove to be very toxic even when used in low quantities. Hence, one must be extra aware of its usage.
Using too much sage essential oil can give rise to vomiting, nausea, dizziness, increased palpitations, tremors, etc.
Moreover, it can also have damaging effects on the kidney.
6. Tansy
Tansy oil is usually used for its benefits on the digestive system. It can help to prevent stomach ulcers, bloating, indigestion, and other issues. However, it can also have adverse effects on the same such as cramps, severe diarrhea, and so on.
But it has also been found to possess qualities that can make one feel dizzy, nauseous, and restless. Too much tansy oil is also bad for the kidney as well as the liver.
It can also be toxic otherwise and lead to internal bleeding as well.
7. Red thyme oil
Red thyme oil is popular as a mouthwash component. It is also used to treat inflammation and microbial infestations.
However, its benefits have not been found for diabetic individuals, and thus, it is better to stay away from using red thyme essential oil. It may lead to health and skin complications.
8. Hyssop oil
Hyssop is one of the commonly used ingredients in traditional medicines as a cure for several ailments. However, this can also cause some side effects that diabetic individuals must stay away from.
Using hyssop in the skin can lead to rashes, irritation, inflammatory effects, dryness, skin peeling, and so on. Thus their usage must be done with caution and prior consultation with experts only.
Ensure you steer clear from these adversely affecting essential oils to ensure proper diabetic maintenance and avoid any complications regarding health.
How do these essential oils affect the diabetic body?
Essential oils can be taken in the body in three primary ways – by inhalation, ingesting as capsules, or by applying diluted essential oils on the skin.
Whichever method is used, there is a chance that these essential oils, if not used with care, can lead to disturbances in health.
They can affect your diabetic levels by:
- Interfering with your body’s ability to absorb and utilize medicines. This can reduce the effects of the medicinal drugs prescribed to you for diabetes control.
- Some of the essential oils can be diuretic and cause severe ramifications in diabetic levels.
- They compete with the drugs for being taken into the plasma proteins and tissues.
- Some of the essential oils, like the ones mentioned in the list above, can hamper the body’s digestive system as well. This, in turn, can decrease the efficacy of drugs that are taken to cure diabetes.
Therefore, you must always ensure all the precautions and learn about the essential oils you plan to use for your diabetic health management.
Is eucalyptus oil good for diabetics?
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular among the list of essential oils for its various curing abilities and many health benefits.
It is also effective in treating diabetes because of its anti-hyperglycemic effects. It acts as an agent that reduces diabetic blood sugar levels and keeps them under control.
In addition to this, eucalyptus oil is very helpful in keeping away inflammatory effects on health. Diabetic patients tend to suffer more inflammatory ailments due to a weaker immune system. Using eucalyptus oil is beneficial as it helps to keep away inflammation.
Using eucalyptus oil must be carried out with prior guidance and with all precautions in mind. It must never be taken in full concentration. Undiluted versions of eucalyptus essential oil can have inflammatory effects.
Diluted eucalyptus oil can be applied to the skin on the stomach to be absorbed by the skin or even taken as capsules.
Many traditional medicinal systems have also used eucalyptus oil overtime to lower blood sugar levels in the blood. However, this is not a permanent solution or one that can prevent or reverse diabetes.
What are the best essential oils for diabetics?
Until now, we discussed a list of essential oils that can be bad for diabetic health. But apart from them, which are the best essential oils for diabetics?
Here is a list:
- Coriander seed oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Cumin oil
- Lavender oil
- Clove bud oil
- Sweet orange oil
- Lemon balm oil
Etc.
Using these oils can reduce blood sugar levels and make your pancreas more reactive and increase better functioning of insulin in the body.
REFERENCES:
https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_rosemary/drugs-condition.htm
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