Today, medications for the heart, blood pressure and cholesterol are undoubtedly the most frequently prescribed and longest-used treatments. These include statins for high cholesterol, antiarrhythmics for the heart, antihypertensives and anticoagulants, etc. However, paradoxically, cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in our consumer societies.
Isn’t there a contradiction here? And could essential oils and aromatherapy offer valuable tools for prevention of such problems and for supporting cardiovascular health?
Cholesterol: an essential lipid
Cholesterol is a lipid that plays an important role in many biological processes. It is used to build cell membranes and participates in intercellular exchange, particularly that of serotonin (a key neurotransmitter important for maintaining mental balance and circadian rhythms) in the brain.
When cholesterol levels are insufficient, cognitive function and nervous balance may be affected, potentially leading to memory problems, depressive moods and a decrease in libido. If there is insufficient cholesterol, cognitive abilities and nervous balance can be impaired, leading to memory problems, depressive moods and a decrease in libido. Cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of cortisol, which is an endogenous anti-inflammatory, and is a resource used in stress resistance and vitamin D synthesis.
What if variations in blood cholesterol were simply reflections of the body’s adaptive mechanisms? For example, cholesterol levels often rise during hormonal transitions such as menopause or andropause, and almost systematically during periods of intense stress or overwork. From this perspective, cholesterol may be seen less as an enemy to fight and more as a marker of adaptation that deserves understanding and respect.
The role of essential oils on blood vessels and cholesterol
When used appropriately, essential oils display what can be described as eubiotic properties: they support life-enhancing processes rather than opposing them. When the body adapts, compensates, or defends itself, essential oils may accompany and support these natural responses.
In the context of elevated cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), certain essential oils support organic functions beyond the sole objective of lowering cholesterol levels. Among the most commonly used are:
- EO Lovage root (Levisticum officinalis) and Celery (Apium graveolens)
- EO Rosemary ct. verbenone (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone, also called Salvia rosmarinus ct. verbenone)
- EO Helichrysum (also called Immortella: (Helichrysum itacum)
- EO Carrot seed (Daucus carota - in this case, the cultivated version is preferable to wildcrafted version)
- EO Ledum of Greenland (Ledum groenlandicum)
Essential oils rich in phthalides, such as lovage root essential oil (as well as celery), are known for their strong draining properties along the hepato-renal axis. This metabolic crossroads plays a central role in blood quality and circulation. Lovage root essential oils regulates urinary elimination and cleanses the hepatic and renal filters,. Also, it can gently support blood pressure regulation when needed.
Italian helichrysum essential oil regenerates liver cells and therefore supports all these functions. Its fibrinolytic profile is traditionally valued in approaches aimed at supporting healthy circulation and vascular resilience.
The essential oils rosemary ct. verbenone and carrot seed are also regarded as excellent detoxifiers. They also purify the blood of excess fats, particularly through the mucolytic effect of verbenone. Carrot seed oil, known for its affinity with epithelial integrity, may contribute to maintaining the quality of vascular walls, when it circulates in the vessels and seeks to repair the surfaces of these vascular walls that may be clogged with atheroma.
Properties: support of lipid balance (hypolipidemic), diuretic activity, hepatic drainage, and fibrinolytic support.
Synergy for cardiovascular balance
Preparation: Using a 10 ml amber glass bottle with a dropper, add the essential oils in the quantities indicated below. A simple method for measuring essential oils is to use a 10 ml measuring cylinder.
Lovage root essential oil (Levisticum officinale) – 2 ml
Helichrysum essential oil (Helichrysum italicum) – 2 ml
Carrot seed essential oil (Daucus carota) – 2 ml
Rosemary ct. verbenone essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone) – 4 ml
Directions for use: Sublingual route. Take 3 drops in a small spoon with a little flaxseed oil at the end of meals, 2 to 3 times per day. Follow for 3 weeks out of 4.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, or a history of hormone-dependent cancer.
Stress, overwork, and cholesterol balance
Sometimes stressful life situations put the body under severe strain. High blood pressure, palpitations and high cholesterol can accompany overwork, stress and insomnia.
In such cases, supporting the autonomic nervous system may help promote relaxation, support cardiovascular balance, and contribute indirectly to lipid regulation.
Suggested blend: In a 10 ml amber glass dropper bottle, mix:
- Ylang-ylang complete essential oil (Cananga odorata) - 1 ml
- Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides) – 1 ml
- Fine lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) – 1 ml
- q.s. to (= fill up to) 10 ml with apricot kernel vegetable oil.
For measuring, you can use a graduated cylinder (size: 10 ml).
Directions for use: Apply 2 drops to the inside of the wrists and inhale deeply at least five times. Additionally, apply 5 to 10 drops over the heart center (chest area) up to four times daily. Also, put 5 drops in your mouth 4 times a day.
To further explore this topic, you may also read my article: essential oils for heavy legs.
If you would like to deepen your knowledge, consider joining the next scientific aromatherapy training focused on the heart, blood, and vascular system.
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Examples of studies on this topic
Alves-Silva JM, Zuzarte M, Girão H, Salgueiro L. The Role of Essential Oils and Their Main Compounds in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors. Molecules. 2021 Jun 9;26(12):3506. doi: 10.3390/molecules26123506. PMID: 34207498; PMCID: PMC8227493.
Vahid Aliannezhadi et al, A Review of Aromatherapy for Cardiovascular Disorders: From Persian Medicine to Current Evidence, Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences, Review article, Vol. 8, No. 4, October 2021, 248–257, eISSN 2148-9696
Sania Saljoughian, et al. (2017): The effects of food essential oils on cardiovascular diseases: A review, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1279121
Shiina Y, et al. Relaxation effects of lavender aromatherapy improve coronary flow velocity reserve in healthy men evaluated by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Int J Cardiol. 2008 Sep 26;129(2):193-7. doi: 10.1016/
de Andrade TU, et al. Cardiovascular Activity of the Chemical Constituents of Essential Oils. Molecules. 2017 Sep 17;22(9):1539. doi: 10.3390/molecules22091539. PMID: 28926969; PMCID: PMC6151533.
Chuang KJ, et al. The effect of essential oil on heart rate and blood pressure among solus por aqua workers. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2014 Jul;21(7):823-8. doi: 10.1177/2047487312469474. Epub 2012 Nov 29. PMID: 23197402.
Alves-Silva JM, et al. Protective Effects of Phenylpropanoids and Phenylpropanoid-rich Essential Oils on the Cardiovascular System. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2019;19(17):1459-1471. doi: 10.2174/1389557519666190620091915. PMID: 31218957.
Liu L, et al., The effect of aromatherapy on patients with acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract.(2024 Jul 6)
Lissandra de Souza Lopes, Aromatherapy in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review. Int J Cardiovasc Sci 34 (1), Jan-Feb 2021. https://doi.org/10.36660/ijcs.20190086
Buckle, J. (2004). Aromatherapy and Cardiovascular Disease. In: Stein, R.A., Oz, M.C. (eds) Complementary and Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine. Contemporary Cardiology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-728-4_15
Dabravolski SA, et al., Potential Application of the Plant-Derived Essential Oils for Atherosclerosis Treatment: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules. 2023 Jul 26;28(15):5673. doi: 10.3390/molecules28155673. PMID: 37570643; PMCID: PMC10420188.
Gavin Butler et al., Cholesterol-lowering activity of natural mono- and sesquiterpenoid compounds in essential oils, UT Health San Antonio,DO - 10.13140/RG.2.2.19564.28803
BENKŐ, S., et al., Effect of Essential Oils on Atherosclerosis of Cholesterol-fed Rabbits. Nature 190, 731–732 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1038/190731a0
Antoaneta Georgieva, Potential health benefits of the plant Levisticum officinale (lovage) in relation to its polyphenolic content, Acta Scientifica Naturalis, March 2023, DO - 10.2478/asn-2023-0003
Margaux Degrelle. Les hélichryses (ou immortelles) en aromathérapie : zoom sur l’Hélichryse italienne
corse. Sciences pharmaceutiques. 2015. HAL Id: hal-01731734
https://hal.univ-lorraine.fr/hal-01731734v1
Important information
Whenever we use the term ‘essential oils’ (EO), we always refer to essential oils that are 100% natural, 100% pure, 100% unadulterated, and preferably organic or wildcrafted. Only 100% genuine essential oils, obtained either by distillation or cold expression, are suitable for French aromatherapy. Proper storage and packaging, as well as adherence to the shelf life, are equally important in order to prevent the oxidation of aromatic molecules.
The information provided on this website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, prescription or treatment. Essential oils are excellent complementary tools, but are not a replacement for medication. Aromatherapy is not recommended without medical advice for anyone in a fragile state (children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with allergies, asthma or epilepsy), or for anyone taking medication.
French aromatherapy requires strict compliance with contraindications, dosages and duration of use, and requires the use of essential oils of the best quality that meet standard criteria (method of cultivation, extraction, packaging, analysis and traceability). It is important to strictly adhere to the botanical and biochemical identifaction of the essential oils mentionned.
Individual tolerance to essential oils varies significantly, and it is important that each individual respects their own tolerance. For people with a low tolerance threshold, it is advisable to further dilute the essential oils listed in this recipe and the proposed synergies. Long-term use of essential oils requires medical advice.
