Essential oils to ease diabetes symptoms

Aromatherapy essential oils and diabetes

11/11/2017 Joannah Metcalfe 4597 All Blog Articles Aromatherapy A-Z

November 14th is World Diabetes Day! This global diabetes awareness campaign was jointly introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) amidst concern over an escalating diabetes epidemic. November 14th was chosen because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting (Banting discovered insulin in 1922, in conjunction with Charles Best).

According to Diabetes.co.uk it is estimated that 415 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. This is approximately 1 in 11 of the world’s adult population. This figure is expected to rise to 642 million by 2040. In the UK, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is thought to be approximately 3.5 million, with another half a million who are undiagnosed. The majority of these cases in the UK are of type 2 diabetes (90%) which has been growing at a high rate. Type 2 is by far the most prevalent form of diabetes and is now one of the world’s most common long-term health problems.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic condition that causes higher than normal blood sugar levels. The two main types are Type 1 and Type 2. According to the NHS, type 1 diabetes is where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin producing cells. Type 2 is where the body produces insufficient insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin.

There is also gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy. This is where the pregnant woman has such high levels of blood glucose that their body is unable to produce sufficient insulin to absorb it.

Where people have higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes, it is known as pre-diabetes. This can develop into full-blown diabetes if left untreated.

Symptoms of diabetes may include feeling thirsty, weeing more - especially at night, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss, itching around the penis or vagina and cuts or wounds that heal more slowly. It is important to be checked by your GP as diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations.

Preventing / controlling diabetes

Late onset diabetes is often preventable, and if you have a genetic predisposition a preventative, holistic healthcare plan is highly recommended. This could significantly improve your chances of preventing the condition – as well as improve your general quality of life, health and wellbeing.

A nutritional therapist will help you choose a diet/way of eating that is most suitable for your individual needs. A diet low in refined carbohydrates is particularly important as well as increasing foods that are low on the “glycemic index” and high in nutrients, such as fresh leafy green veg. Increasing fresh vegetables and proteins and reducing fruit and other sugars – especially the relatively “hidden” ones can be the key for many.

Certain supplements can also be useful if low blood sugar is already an issue – chromium being particularly important. BioCare produce a supplement called ”Sucroguard” specifically to help support blood glucose levels. Key nutrients include chromium, manganese, magnesium, a full range of B vitamins and vitamin C.

Exercise is also important both in preventative terms and to help control symptoms if diabetes has been diagnosed. Regular exercise helps to lower levels of sugar in the blood (as well as cholesterol) and helps improve general strength, stamina, and immunity. Blood sugar levels are more difficult to control if the body is fighting infection.

How aromatherapy and essential oils can help with the symptoms of diabetes

Although aromatherapy essential oils cannot do anything to help stabilise blood sugar levels, they can help with some of the side effects of diabetes.

Regular Aromatherapy massage can be a real benefit in helping symptoms in a variety of ways. Aromatherapy massage helps improve circulation which is particularly important for diabetics who are prone to poor peripheral circulation. Massage with specific essential oils will help improve venous return (the rate of blood flow back to the heart) - the venous circulation being the weakest. It will also increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood corpuscles, boost immunity and help lower blood pressure. The lymphatic circulation will also be improved, helping to detoxify the system more efficiently. Oils that are particularly beneficial in stimulating the circulation and detoxification are Black Pepper, Rosemary (not for high BP) Geranium and Juniper. Try: 30ml Sweet Almond Oil, 1 drop Black Pepper essential oil, 2 drops Rosemary, 5 drops Geranium and 4 drops Juniper. You could also consider adding more ‘stress relieving, calming oils’ if tension/stress levels are high!

It is thought that blood sugar levels can increase in diabetics when stress levels rise. Essential oils can therefore help to relieve stress and help the person cope better with this chronic condition. Massage with calming aromatherapy oils has been proven to help create a relaxed, meditative state, decreasing beta wave brain activity. Stress hormones are removed more easily, and the release of endorphins is stimulated which act as natural painkillers and anti-depressants. The potential for even greater benefits exists, for example by helping to ease aches and pains, and stimulating your immune system, your physical health will be less challenged, which can have a positive effect on blood glucose levels. To help reduce tension, stress and anxiety try 10ml St John’s Wort Oil, 20ml Sweet Almond Oil, 8 drops Lavender, 2 drops Neroli and 4 drops Ylang Ylang or Bergamot.

It is thought that high blood sugar levels can weaken the body’s immune system, leaving people with diabetes more prone to infection. Essential oils can therefore be useful for boosting the immune system and fighting infection. Popular choices include Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Manuka, Ravensara and Tea Tree. Or, for a pre-blended solution try our Bug Buster pure essential oil which contains a unique blend of six health-supporting oils.

Essential oils can help to support weight loss and exercise programs. Oils such as Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Lime and Peppermint are thought to reduce hunger and cravings and stimulate the breakdown of fat. Try diffusing 3 drops each of Grapefruit, Lime and Peppermint and 1 drop Cinnamon. Stimulating oils such as Lemon, Lime and Rosemary can help boost your energy levels in preparation for exercise and there are a whole host of oils that can help ease post-workout aches and pains, including Black Pepper, Lavender, Plai, Rosemary and Sweet Marjoram.

Essential oils can also be helpful for other complications i.e. ulcers, loss of skin integrity, and to reduce infections that often take longer to heal than in non-diabetic patients. Lavender, Frankincense and Lemon essential oils are particularly useful: Blend 15ml St John’s Wort Oil, 15ml Calendula Oil, 10 drops Lavender, 3 drops Frankincense and 2 drops Lemon. You could also add Tea Tree if an ulcer is infected. Do not apply over an ulcer – instead apply around the area to help stimulate the healing process - assuming you have your doctor's prior agreement.