Aromatherapy and Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus-What is it?

Diabetes Mellitus or sugar diabetes is a commonly known inherited disorder of metabolism.



In simple words diabetes is a condition wherein the body is unable to produce enough of the hormone insulin which regulates the glucose level in the blood.

Essentially, there are two distinct forms -Type I and Type II:

• Type I (juvenile-onset): also known as diabetes insipidus or insulin - dependent diabetes begins in childhood or adolescence but usually before the age of 30.

• Type II (adult-onset): is known as diabetes mellitus or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. This type of diabetes affects older adults and usually strikes the middle aged, is comparatively less severe and not autoimmune in origin.

• Gestational Diabetes: is another form of diabetes which can develop during pregnancy and generally resolves after the baby is delivered. This type of diabetic condition develops during the second or third trimester of pregnancy in about 2% of pregnancies.

Here is a compilation of medical reasons that are known to cause diabetes:

• Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough or any of the hormone insulin or when the insulin produced doesn't work effectively. This leads to an increase in the level of glucose in the blood which causes various health complications.
• Commonly used medicines may also affect the body’s use of insulin.



For egs: Certain medicines consumed to counter high blood pressure, contraception, anxiety, depression, inflammation may impair the body’s use of insulin.
• Diabetes can also develop as a result of pancreatic disease, excess intake of alcohol, malnutrition, or other severe illnesses that stress the body.
• The body is in under excessive stress because of which it is constantly breaking down fat in order to produce enough energy in the blood to deal with a crisis. It is proven that long periods of stress can eventually lead to high blood sugar levels.
• Diabetes may also be caused as a result of age, obesity, or hereditary

How can Aromatherapy help diabetes?

Aromatherapy is a popular method of healing naturally. Aromatherapy puts to use the immense benefits of the natural extracts of medicinal plants.



These natural extracts also known as essential oils having medicinal properties treat various disorders with the aroma of the oils. The essential oils are extracts from a plant's flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots.

Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose and interact with the body's hormones and enzymes to cause changes in blood pressure, pulse, and other functions of the body.

It is important to note that essential oils are either applied to skin, inhaled or sprayed in the air and an intake of essential oil is considered to have harmful effects.

Though various studies prove that aromatherapy cannot cure diabetes. It can surely reduce the alarming side effects of the disorder and also reduce infections. Here is a compilation of the best known aromatherapy recipes that can help control diabetes:

• Ginseng tea is believed to lower the blood sugar level.



But it is advisable not to use this herb if one has high blood pressure. Ginseng enhances immune function, promotes lung functioning and stimulates the appetite. Ginseng is known to treat bronchitis, circulatory problems, diabetes, lack of energy and stress.

• Diabetes, over a long period of time can affect all parts of the body one leading to another. One common problem experienced by most diabetics is that the legs become cold and numb and at times and one may experience pain when walking.



A foot bath is ideal for this condition. Essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Cypress, Lavender, Juniper or Hyssop can be added to warm water for a foot bath.

• Massaging the feet, legs, hands and arms with any of these aromatherapy oils may prove beneficial in regulating blood circulation.

• Some essential oils, used by professionals in the correct measure for a session of massage therapy may prove beneficial to diabetics. Essential oils used by therapists for massage include: Eucalyptus, Juniper and Geranium oils with vegetable oil base.

• There is some evidence indicating therapeutic benefits by oral intake of herbs such as Asian ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and aloe (Aloe vera) known to improve glucose tolerance which is beneficial for diabetics.

• Many essential oils have been prescribed by therapists as having a blood sugar lowering effect .Dill, coriander, and fennel essential are some of them. These essential oils also help unblock blocked receptor areas which cause cells to be resistant to the effects of insulin. The ideal method to use either of these essential oils is to use one drop of any oil, and massage onto the bottoms of the feet.  This may be done twice a day. 

• To help improve circulation which is often lacking in diabetics and which later contributes to gangrene of the lower extremities, blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, etc. The essential oils Cypress, Helichrysum and Lemon are excellent for normalizing the circulatory system. One drop of Lemon essential oil may be dissolved in each glass of water .This drink many times a day will help maintaining healthy arteries and veins