According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly nine percent of all adults aged 18 years or older suffer from diabetes, and nearly 1.5 million deaths were directly related to diabetes in 2012.  The WHO goes on to predict that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in the world by 2030. This malady has become a scourge on modern life where pre-packaged sugar laden foods and sedentary lifestyles have combined to trigger a massive increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes globally.  Contrary to popular belief, diabetes is not only a developing world problem.  Diabetes-related deaths in low- to middle-income countries account for more than 80 percent of the global death toll.

What is diabetes and how can Essential Oils be used to treat diabetes and high blood sugar?  First, the WHO defines diabetes as ‘a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.’  As such there is an imbalance in how the body functions.  One condition closely related to diabetes is hyperglycemia; this occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated and is a common signal that a person is suffering from uncontrolled diabetes.

Ultimately diabetes happens because the body can not properly control insulin levels in the bloodstream and while drug companies have spent billions on testing and managing diabetes, Essential oils can offer a safer, all-natural, and lower cost method to counter diabetes.  Many essential oils help to the body to regulate glucose levels in the blood and given the nose has nearly 50 million olfactory receptors, it is an extremely effective way to introduce the compounds in essential oils into the bloodstream.

What are some of the best essential oils for diabetes?  The list is quite long, but here are 9 of the best: Cinnamon, Coriander, Clove, Myrrh, Ocotea, Vetiver, Lemon, Thyme, and Orange among others.  Many of these essential oils can be effective in controlling type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Essential oils can cleanse cell receptors, allowing them to better function more effectively.  As such, aromatherapy for diabetes can be an extremely effective way to manage and perhaps reverse the disease.

Cinnamon is used to trigger memories of baking – making an empty house smell more like a home.  But Cinnamon is also effective in reducing glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol.  All of which are extremely harmful.  Research indicates Cinnamon’s effectiveness in stimulating insulin sensitivity and is an excellent essential oil for type 2 diabetes treatment.

Coriander comes from Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East areas, and while it has been traditionally used to battle digestive issues, it also helps to lower glucose levels in the blood by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.  Coriander acts to increase insulin-like activity at the cellular level and is a vital resource in combating type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  Whilst Coriander is commonly digested, there is strong evidence to suggest the use of Coriander essential oils in aromatherapy for diabetes is even more effective than digestion alone.

Clove can also be used to help the body better regulate insulin levels. However, some people on anticoagulants should approach the use of Clove with care as it may cause skin irritation, as such they should first consult their doctor and dilute it with a carrier oil during aromatherapy for diabetes sessions.

A great essential oil for Type 1 diabetes is Myrrh.  Not only does the use of Myrrh essential oils promote a stronger immune system and faster healing, it also helps to control blood sugar levels.  However, talk to your doctor as it might interact with other medication used to fight diabetes.

Ocotea is not well known, but can be highly effective.  It is generally taken as a tea, it can also be used for diabetes as the essential oil can help support pancreatic function.  If you do use the essential oil, remember to dilute it first.

Vetiver is often used to deal with the after effects of stress, trauma, and shock as it helps to relax the muscles.  Relaxing can be a tremendous benefit for the body as it makes a great essential oil for diabetes sufferers who are under constant stress.

Lemons have a number of uses and can help to calm the body. It is commonly used in the treatment of colds and flues.  It has also been proven to be effective for people with insulin resistant diabetes as is helps to promote circulation.  Furthermore, Lemon essential oil for insulin resistant Type 2 diabetes have been proven to be extremely effective.

Thyme is also a highly effective essential oil for diabetes as it has a very high antioxidant level which helps to protect the body against the effects of the disease.  While Thyme is more popular as a food, it can be an extremely useful essential oil for high blood sugar.

Lastly, there is Orange, which is good for repairing the endocrine and immune systems, both of which are affected by diabetes.

The use of essential oils is all about promoting balance and better health.  There are a number of essential oils to help fight diabetes. However, the use of any essential oil for high blood sugar should be part of a broader strategy which includes changes in diet, exercise patterns, and lifestyle.