Robert Tisserand summarizes: Many aromatherapy books and training courses list essential oils that are contraindicated for people with high blood pressure, such as Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Pine and many others. A 1964 French book by Jean Valnet mentions Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme oils as being hypertensive. However, a close examination of the original 1940s research reveals that, if anything, these essential oils reduce blood pressure. In other essential oils, the effects on vascular tone depend on whether they are ingested, rubbed on the skin or inhaled. Ultimately, there is currently no compelling evidence that any essential oil is dangerous to use in hypertension. (Essential Oil Safety, 2013, page 657.)

Tisserand also notes: Many essential oils potentially lower blood pressure . . . However, there is no evidence that any essential oils exacerbate hypotension. (Essential Oil Safety, 2013, page 658.)

On page 237 of Aromatherapy for Health Professionals by Shirley and Leon Price, they write: "Hypotensors include Achillea millefolium [yarrow], Cananga odorata [ylang ylang], Citrus limon [lemon], Lav. angustifolia [lavender], Melaleuca viridiflora [niaouli], Origanum majorana [sweet marjoram] and Rosmarinus officinalis [rosemary]. Rosemary is a peripheral vasodilator (Mills 1991), the camphor/predominant oil having 'a paradoxical action on the heart: stimulating it if failing, yet dilating the coronary circulation', thus echoing the opinion of Franchomme and Penoel (2001) that it is balancing for blood pressure - in low concentration for high blood pressure and high concentration for low blood pressure."

In the Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness  (page 187-188), Purchon/Cantele suggest Eucalyptus citriodora, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang for blood pressure issues. They suggest this formula:
20 drops Sweet Marjoram
10 drops Geranium or Ylang Ylang
10 drops Mandarin
5 drops Lavender
This is the base blend. For topical use, combine 6 drops of this "Take Time Off" massage blend with 2 tsp (10 mL) Grapeseed or Sweet Almond oil. Mix well and massage over your body.

Oils/blends noted for LOW blood pressure (from Higley's Reference Guide for Essential Oils):
Circulation blend
Hyssop
Pine
Rosemary
Ylang Ylang

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Blood Pressure Drugs...and How to Avoid Them  by William Campbell Douglass, MD

The Effects of the Inhalation Method Using Essential Oils on Blood Pressure and Stress Responses of Clients with Essential Hypertension, a PubMed Article
Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Bergamot inhaled once daily for 4 weeks - The blood pressure, pulse, subjective stress, state anxiety and serum cortisol levels . . . were significantly statistically different. Results suggest that the inhalation method using essential oils can be considered an effective nursing intervention that reduces psychological stress responses and serum cortisol levels, as well as the blood pressure of client with essential hypertension.

Ylang Ylang for High Blood Pressure by Ann Wooledge, RN, CCAP of Wingsets
"According to Jane Buckle's very comprehensive book, Clinical Aromatherapy, Essential Oils in Practice, Freund (1999) completed a non-published study specifically looking at blood pressure and Ylang-ylang. It was a controlled and well-done study that showed that the group being administered Cananga odorata experienced a 50% greater drop in systolic and diastolic pressure than did the control group. The Cananga odorata group also had a 50% greater reduction in stress levels."

Blood Pressure Meds More Than Double Breast Cancer Risk

Garlic Beats Best-Selling Blood Pressure Drug In New Study
"Given the results of this latest study, garlic has now been vindicated as an effective blood pressure lowering alternative to atenolol. This is especially good news, as an accumulating body of clinical and epidemiological research now indicates that beta-blockers, while undoubtedly effective at lowering blood pressure, actually increase cardiovascular mortality in doing so.[2] Garlic, on the other hand, has potentially life-saving cardiovascular benefits, which we explored in depth in a recent article titled, How Garlic Can Save Your Life."

Effects of Allium sativum (Garlic) on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension by PubMed
"In each garlic treated group, significant reduction in SBP and DBP (p<0.005) were observed when compared with atenolol (P<0.005) and placebo."

Genetic study suggests causal link between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension by Lancet
"Researchers used two common genetic variants that affect circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D concentrations (which are generally used to determine a person's vitamin D status), to measure the causal effect between vitamin D status and blood pressure and hypertension risk. They found that for each 10% increase in 25(OH)D concentration there was a drop in diastolic blood pressure (-0.29 mm Hg) and systolic blood pressure (-0.37 mm Hg), and an 8.1% decrease in the odds of developing hypertension."

Black Cumin Seed Oil
N. sativa seeds have been traditionally used for helping relieve hypertension, and this hypothesis was tested out in a study published
in Phytotherapy Research. In a double-blind, randomized experiment, results showed that test subjects who were treated with black seed oil showed a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those who only took placebos.
Blood pressure lowering effect of Nigella sativa L. seed oil in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

It is very difficult to structurally improve blood pressure with essential oils without significant changes in health habits such as smoking, drinking, stress and diet. Family history of heart/vessel disease is also a factor.

Testimonies
1. After I used Circulation, Lavender and Endurance for just a little while, my doctor cut my blood pressure medication in half. I apply just a drop or two of Circulation topically over my heart and on the pulse points on my wrists. I also put a drop or two of Lavender in the palm of my left hand and massage it with particular emphasis about an inch below the first knuckle of my ring finger (on my palm). I take the Endurance in capsules at least once a day to control my cholesterol. I also try to get a good 30-minute brisk walk in at least four times weekly – just enough to become a little breathless.

2. My brother got off his blood pressure medications by using Circulation. At first, he used it daily, morning and night, topically over his heart and on his wrists (pulse points). Now he keeps the bottle on his nightstand and only uses it about once a week because his blood pressure is totally under control.

3. Congestive heart failure and high blood pressure run on both sides of my family going back several generations. I’ve been hospitalized at 285/250. I knew I had to do something drastic or I wouldn’t live to see my 50th birthday! I began a simple exercise “program” where I take a brisk, 30-minute walk twice a day if possible. This is important: Before you walk, while you walk and after you walk, drink filtered water (not Gatorade, tea, juice or anything else – just good, clean water.) Drink a few sips at a time, frequently. This helps keep your body hydrated and helps to flush out toxins. Don’t flood your system with glasses of water at a time and overwhelm your body. Your system can make the best use of the water when it gets 2-3 ounces frequently so that by day’s end you’ve consumed ½ your body weight in ounces every day. Exercise lowers bad cholesterol and that helps lower blood pressure. Exercise releases endorphins in the bloodstream, which can have an uplifting emotional effect. I also paid much closer attention to my eating habits, which means I have stopped eating processed foods and eat a lot more raw fruits and vegetables. My weight began to drop off of me and my cholesterol improved so much that my doctor doesn’t even mention it. My doctor reduced my medications in half after recording my blood pressure at 107/72, and I expect that I’ll soon be able to be medication-free. I applied a few drops of Circulation topically over my heart and on my wrist pulses throughout the day. I also massaged Lavender on my left hand about an inch below the knuckle on my palm. This is the heart vitaflex point. These oils alone can drop blood pressure very rapidly.

4. My blood pressure shot up dangerously high after my last birth. I took Circulation blend internally along with Lavender and was able to not only bring the blood pressure down but able to manage it as well. I’m very impressed! - Marilyn
[HEO's Comment: We don’t advocate taking the oils orally for blood pressure issues, and many have used them topically (appropriately diluted) with good results. Oral use should only be considered with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate the internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer them, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns, and so on. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils.]

5. I suffer from congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. My friend suggested that I try the Circulation blend by just putting a few drops on my fingertips and rubbing them over my heart. I felt relief almost instantly. I am able to manage my blood pressure very well now when I consistently use this blend.

6. Ylang Ylang consistently controls my blood pressure. As an example, I took my BP and it was 146/90. I applied Ylang Ylang to my forearms. Thirty minutes later my BP was 110/60. I have to reapply every 3 hours, but this is working very well. - Virgil W.

7. HEO's Sweet Marjoram is helping my brother-in-law who had a heart attack a year ago. He also uses Hawthorne Berry Extract by Dr. Christopher. Both have been invaluable for him. He tried Ylang Ylang, and it helped, but he gets more sustained relief from the Marjoram. I would not limit myself to thinking that I will HAVE to take any medication for the rest of my life. Ask the Lord to teach you HIS WAYS to heal. He is faithful. - Ame

8. My husband went for a doctor's visit today and his blood pressure is so much better. Three months ago, he registered at 145/93 but he's been using some of the oils for various things: Myrrh and Myrtle mostly. At his well checkup today, his BP had come down to 114/73! Nothing else has changed so I think it's safe to say the oils are helping with overall health! What a great report! :) - Laura

9. My new blood pressure numbers are: 129/69. Five fresh cloves of garlic a day and 5 ounces of apple cider vinegar. Straight, no chaser. - Mark

10. I have used Lavender along with a low-sodium diet, and it has helped my pregnancy-related high blood pressure. In fact, at my last appointment, my blood pressure was in the normal range. I dilute the Lavender with fractionated Coconut oil and apply it to my wrists, the inside of my ankles and over my heart. I have also put it on the bottoms of my feet and on the vein in my neck when my blood pressure has spiked. This may be overkill, but it works. - Emily

11. I tried applying Circulation on my mom, and she seemed to respond well to it (after we discovered her blood pressure was low that morning). We rechecked after an hour of Circulation application, and the blood pressure went up quite a bit into the normal range! Praise God! It was originally 98/58 and then rose to 115/65, much better. :) - Carolyn

12. My mom has had trouble with high blood pressure for years. Her normal lows were 140/75. Highs were 160-180/90! Sometimes even her prescription drugs wouldn't keep it down. She started using your Ylang Ylang, Circulation and Palo Santo, and her blood pressure. has been around 120/65!! She applies the oils on her neck, at pulse points and bottom of her feet once or twice a day. - Brenda

13. I diffuse Circulation at night and it has really helped my blood pressure. - Mitzi

14. On a whim one day my friend and I decided to test her blood pressure. Her systolic (top number of the BP reading) should have been approximately 120. Hers was 165! I don’t remember the diastolic number (bottom number). We decided to do an experiment. She applied a diluted Circulation blend from a 10ml roll-on over her heart and on the sides of her neck. After 15 minutes we checked her BP again. Her systolic number had dropped to 140! While this is still too high, the fact that it had dropped 25 degrees in 15 minutes was quite the testimony for the Circulation blend! - Sherri

15. I have been battling trying to get off my blood pressure meds after having pregnancy-induced hypertension. I know that to reduce this kind of medication, it has to be gradual weaning. My son is now 5 months old. I have been using Circulation blend for over 2 months now, diluted on my wrist and heart. I was able to reduce my meds in half, and then it came to a stagnant point. I ordered Marjoram essential oil and started using it yesterday. My numbers are so good that I didn't take my dose yesterday, and this morning I cut my meds in half again (so a quarter dose), and it is reading very good. Marjoram smells so good, and I dilute it with 5 ml fractionated coconut oil and 5 drops of Marjoram (5%) in a roller bottle and have been applying it every hour. I hope to get off my meds completely. - Anne

16. The Organic Apple cider vinegar route is so good for health in general, but I've used it to help lower and regulate my blood pressure. I drink 3 tablespoons 2-3 times a day in water with raw, organic honey. I sip on it throughout the day like I would with regular water. Make sure it is raw organic, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar with "the mother" in it. Braggs is the brand our family uses. - Abbie

17. I have had great success with Frankincense for high blood pressure and Pain X and Regeneration for back pain. I use the Frankincense topically, diluted 2:1 and apply it on the bottom of the feet, over the heart, on the left wrist, on the sides of the neck on either side of the spine, behind the ears, and also inhale from the bottle. I also use Lavender on the bottoms of feet, behind the ears and at the back of the neck, as well as Serenity behind the ears before bedtime. I have just recently added Adagio, using 1 drop on the wrist. Occasionally I will use Circulation over the heart and a bit on the bottom of the feet. I have had great success with regulating blood pressure this way. (I also use L-arginine and L-citrulline, amino acids and nitric oxide precursors, which work like a blood pressure medication, but without the side effects. Different amounts are required for each person) I love your oils! They are of superior quality and I recommend them to everyone. God bless you in your endeavors! Thank you for your prompt service. - Cindy Parker, BND, NBC Sclerologist

18. I have been blessed by your Circulation blend. I have had to come off blood pressure medication and when my blood pressure has spiked, the diastolic has come down 50 pts in half an hour using the diluted blend in a roll-on. - Edie

19. I have been using Frankincense frereana/carterii and Lavender to help my blood pressure come down. If my blood pressure is high, sometimes I will put a couple of drops in my bath, and it will help lower my blood pressure every time! - Rhonda

20. I am happy to say that due to using HEO's Circulation blend I am off all my blood pressure medicine. I use it diluted from a roll-on applicator. Initially, I used it with 'short-term' dilution and applied it over my jugular, heart, wrists and inside my elbows. Since it was working so well, the next time I diluted it at about 2-3%. I also inhale it frequently throughout the day from one of your handy nasal inhalers. My MD was amazed that I was able to drop my meds! - Vicki

21. I wanted to find more than one oil that works as well as Ylang Ylang does for my high blood pressure. I tried Marjoram at 5%, as suggested in testimony #15 above. It worked great, and I love the scent!  My blood pressure usually goes up in the evening, so I set a timer to remind me--around 6 p.m., every 2-3 hours on my chest, wrists, and sometimes forearms. - Donna