Essential Oils and Balancing Blood Sugars

Editor’s Note: This is a personal account only and in no way designed to treat, cure or act as a prescription replacement. Caroline Potter is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and author of the cookbook, All American Paleo Table.

Essential oils or extracted aroma compounds from plants have been around for ages. The earliest recorded mention of how to produce essential oils is by Ibn-al-Baitar, an Andalusian physician and chemist in the twelfth century. For hundreds of years, we know that essential oils and herbs were used for medicinal purposes from uses such as an anesthesia to relaxation.

Thankfully modern medicine has come a long way since then (and I am so thankful for it saving my life daily). As grateful as I am for modern medicine though, I also know that other factors come into play that affect not only our day-to-day blood sugars but most importantly our overall health. Factors like stress management, getting a restful night’s sleep, laughter, healthy food, meditation, exercise and positive relationships can all impact how we feel.

Personally, I seek to have a balance in it all—finding moderation in healthy eating, eliminating stress and choosing to stay positive despite my circumstances. I have also found that balance by incorporating essential oils into my daily routine. I’ve found it helpful in terms of improving my energy (thanks to a deep, restful night’s sleep), naturally encouraging detoxification and supporting my immune system, (because being sick with type 1 is no good!).

Today, I am excited to share with you all my experience with essential oils and which ones I particularly enjoy using and why!

Lemon

I love lemon for it’s natural detoxification properties and use it daily in the morning to help flush any toxins out.  Supporting your liver with simple and natural detoxification will provide support for your blood sugar as well.

Lemon is also known for its natural purification properties and can cleanse the air, skin or surfaces in your home! Like most of the citrus oils, lemon is also uplifting and can encourage a happy spirit and good concentration.

Cinnamon

This essential oil has long been used to support blood sugar balance as it can help moderate blood sugar, support the pancreas and encourage a healthy weight. In addition, cinnamon oil is high in anti-oxidants and very anti-inflammatory, something that is so important for general immunity and health.

Grapefruit

One of my absolute favorites, plus I just love the smell. Grapefruit oil, like most of the citrus oils, can boost your mood and calm your emotions due to its uplifting properties.  Primarily, grapefruit oil is known for encouraging a healthy metabolism/weight, lessening sugar cravings and supporting a balanced appetite.

Often the afternoons bring both a slump in energy and those lovely cravings for something sweet. I love adding two drops of grapefruit oil to sparkling water with a splash of lime juice for an afternoon pick me up free of any sugars or sweeteners!

Lavender

Oh there are truly endless uses for this oil, plus it smells delightful. It has been used and cherished for centuries for its unmistakable aroma and many therapeutic benefits. Lavender is frequently used to help soothe skin irritations and help skin recover quickly from burns or cuts. It’s also been shown to help reduce muscle tension and headaches.

Inhaling lavender promotes relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, making it an ideal oil to diffuse at bedtime, especially for children, and when stress levels are high. Personally, I have found that I sleep better and wake up feeling so refreshed! I like to diffuse lavender and wild orange at night and the combination just smells delightful! When you sleep well at night, your body can naturally re-build, rest and detoxify something so important to supporting blood sugar, immunity and overall health.

Oregano

Oregano is a powerful antioxidant and great for supporting the immune system.  I like to keep this oil handy, especially when I am traveling, to use at the first sign of a cold or that under the weather feeling. Oregano oil is very powerful at cleansing agent, supporting a healthy respiratory response as well as supporting your immune system!

Wild Orange

This is a fun one to get the kids involved as well as most everyone loves the smell of oranges or fresh orange juice!  Wild orange can boost the mood, energize you, while at the same time promote relaxation, making it a great oil to diffuse during stressful situations or to promote a deep sleep.

To learn more, email Caroline, listen to her free webinar or visit her website! Also Read 5 Foods to Always Keep Stocked in Your Refrigerator by Caroline Potter.