We all need a healthy heart. Lavender essential oil has been shown to lower blood pressure, regulate heart rate, and reduce stress, all of which are important for cardiovascular health. To use lavender for your heart, inhale the oil, diffuse it in your home, or apply it to your skin topically.
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The soothing scent of lavender has long been prized for its calming and relaxing properties. But did you know that this fragrant flower also holds scientifically backed power to benefit heart health?
Mounting research confirms lavender’s cardiovascular benefits, including its ability to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Regulate heart rate.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
These effects are likely due to lavender’s ability to:
- Influence the autonomic nervous system.
- Reduce stress hormones.
- Promote relaxation.
Lavender Blood Pressure and a Healthy Heart
Multiple studies demonstrate lavender’s ability to lower elevated blood pressure. In one study, diffusing lavender oil at home lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 3-5 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 2-3 mmHg in patients at risk for heart disease.
Another study found that applying lavender oil for massage or mixing with baths may also benefit those with borderline hypertension.
Lavender for a Healthy Heart Rate
Lavender also improves overall heart rate variability, which is crucial for a healthy heart rhythm. Studies show lavender activates the parasympathetic nervous system which regulates heart rate and slows down rapid heartbeats
People struggling with palpitations, fast heart rate (tachycardia), or atrial fibrillation may benefit from using lavender to regulate heart rhythm, especially when stressed or anxious.
Lavender to reduce Stress for a Healthy Heart
Much of lavender’s cardioprotective abilities relate to its potent stress-relieving properties. Both smelling lavender and applying it to skin has been shown to significantly reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood
Elevated cortisol causes glucose intolerance, increased heart rate, hypertension, and other detrimental heart effects. By lowering cortisol, lavender helps prevent these unhealthy cardiovascular outcomes of chronic stress.
Research confirms lavender aromatherapy reduces symptoms of anxiety just as effectively as common medications like lorazepam. Diffusing lavender oil can rapidly calm feelings of tension, panic, and unease.
This makes lavender an excellent non-pharmaceutical option for supporting heart health, as chronic anxiety and depression damages cardiovascular wellness. The soothing act of smelling lavender’s sweet fragrance triggers neurochemical responses that relax the body and mind.
How to Use Lavender for Heart Health
To fully reap lavender’s benefits for your heart health, be sure to use 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oil. Follow dosage guidelines carefully, as concentrated oils can interact with heart medications. Always dilute in a carrier oil before applying to skin and never ingest oils unless working with an aromatherapy practitioner.
Here are a few ways to use lavender for a healthy heart:
- Diffuse lavender oil in your home or office.
- Add a few drops of lavender oil to your bath or shower.
- Massage lavender oil into your skin, focusing on areas like your chest, neck, and temples.
- Inhale lavender oil directly from the bottle or from a tissue.
- Add lavender oil to your pillow or bedding at night.
Tips for Safe and Effective Use of Lavender
- Use only 100% pure, therapeutic-grade lavender oil. Avoid synthetic fragrances and perfumes.
- Always dilute lavender oil in a carrier oil before applying to skin. Common carrier oils include jojoba oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil.
- Never ingest lavender oil. Lavender oil is not safe to consume and can cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
- Be cautious if you are taking any medications. Lavender oil can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and sedatives. Talk to your doctor before using lavender oil if you are taking any medications.
Beyond the Basics:
How Lavender Works to Promote a Healthy Heart
Lavender’s effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and stress are likely due to its ability to influence the autonomic nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and promote relaxation.
The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating many involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Lavender activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which has a calming effect on the body. This can lead to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Lavender also reduces stress hormones, such as cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic health problems. By reducing cortisol, lavender can help protect the heart and improve cardiovascular health.
In addition to its physiological effects, lavender also has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind. This can help reduce anxiety and stress, both of which can have a negative impact on heart health.
Other Potential Cardiovascular Benefits of Lavender
In addition to its well-established effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and stress, lavender may also offer other cardiovascular benefits. For example, some studies have shown that lavender may help improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and protect against atherosclerosis.
More research is needed to confirm these findings, but they suggest that lavender may have a broader role to play in promoting cardiovascular health.
How to Use Lavender for Optimal Heart Benefits
There are many ways to use lavender for heart health. One simple way is to diffuse lavender oil in your home or office. This can help create a relaxing and calming environment, which can be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety.
You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to your bath or shower. This can help you relax and de-stress after a long day. If you have any skin concerns, be sure to dilute the lavender oil in a carrier oil before adding it to your bath or shower.
Another way to use lavender for heart health is to massage it into your skin. You can massage lavender oil into your chest, neck, and temples. This can help to relax the muscles and promote relaxation.
If you prefer, you can also inhale lavender oil directly from the bottle or from a tissue. This can be a quick and easy way to experience the calming benefits of lavender.
Finally, you can also add lavender oil to your pillow or bedding at night. This can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
Conclusion
Lavender is a safe and effective natural remedy that can support cardiovascular health in a number of ways. By lowering blood pressure, regulating heart rate, and reducing stress, lavender can help you maintain a healthy heart and reduce your risk of heart disease.
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your heart health, consider incorporating lavender into your daily routine. You can diffuse lavender oil in your home, add it to your bath or shower, or massage it into your skin. With its calming and relaxing properties, lavender can help you unwind and de-stress, which is beneficial for your overall heart health.
