Essential Oils for Diabetes: What Does the Research Say?

Hands down, the best preventative measures against diabetes include achieving a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight. However, complementary medicine may also have positive benefits when combined with these important changes. 

Essential oils are concentrated oils derived from plants that have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Their high concentration of plant compounds makes them particularly potent for helping with a wide variety of ailments, from headaches to the common cold and more. Research suggests that essential oils can be added to a diabetes care plan to improve health outcomes.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that changes how the body processes glucose, the primary sugar source for the body. In the United States, it is estimated that around 30 percent of those over the age of 18 have diabetes. 

Because of the body's reduced ability to metabolize glucose, the buildup of sugars can lead to serious complications like stroke, heart disease, and cancer. Managing the condition under the guidance of a doctor is an important step in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and improving health outcomes in the long term. Natural methods like essential oils can provide helpful complementary therapy.

Using Essential Oils for Healing
Pure essential oils have been part of treatments and medical practice for hundreds of years. As research into essential oils has increased, compounds isolated from the oils have also been incorporated into a lot of Western medications. 
Care should be taken when using essential oils. Most pure oils should not be ingested; it is mostly recommended to use oils topically or with an aromatherapy diffuser. The majority of topical applications should also be diluted. The most common method is a 2-3% dilution using a neutral carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. This oil blend can then be applied to pressure points on the body, like the temples or wrists, using a rollerball applicator or by rubbing the oil into the skin. 

It is important to note that essential oils contain potent compounds. This is what gives them their strong effects, but it also means that children, those who are pregnant or anyone who has additional health concerns should be careful about which oils they choose to use, as some may have adverse effects for specific populations. Always be sure to research the particular oil using a reputable source like the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (www.naha.org) and talk with a doctor before using a new oil in your routine. 

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