Aromatic Scents for Type 2’s: Good Smells, Essential Benefits

Using scents to heal and change the smell of a room has been around since ancient times.  But, what ever happened to those aerosol room sprays we know and love? While those smell amazing, did you know there are other ways to leave a room smelling great that might also have powerful health effects? Essential oils and room diffusers have taken over the traditional spray can allowing us to breathe in beautiful scents, a lighter mood, less stress, along with possible health benefits. 

Essential Benefits

There are many benefits from using essential oils, for one they smell great and many are considered to be antibacterial.  They can also change our moods to lower symptoms of depression, anxiety and even to boost energy in some cases.  Some essential oils are even said to aid in the healing of wounds or help certain skin conditions.  One study showed that some essential oils may be added to the long list of natural products that can affect insulin sensitivity.

The International Federation of Aromatherapists provides some important information about essential oils and diabetes including, “oils are not suitable for everyone. The way they encourage the hormones in the systems to alter can create damaging effects in some groups such as Diabetes sufferers”.  However, they share that, “people with diabetes can safely use most essential oils with the exception of angelica oil. It is worth keeping essential oils containing high ketone content to a minimum especially when the diabetes symptoms are erratic”... for example peppermint. 

While chronic physical or mental health conditions should always be treated by a doctor. There is research that supports the medicinal properties in a variety of essential oils.

We narrowed down some of the best oils for type 2’s and the variety of benefits we may be searching for…

Best for wound healing

Ylang Ylang oil (Cananga odorata)

Geranium oil (Pelargonium odorantissium/ graveolens)

Neroli oil (Citrus aurantium var. amara)

With diabetes, wounds tend to heal more slowly and progress more quickly. In some cases, this can lead to severe complications. You should find and treat cuts, scrapes and other wounds immediately after washing your hands with soap and water, applying pressure to stop any bleeding and covering with a bandage. Certain essential oils have anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties — or sometimes both. Keeping infection and inflammation at bay can help wounds heal and improve skin health overall. Using essential oils while a wound is healing may help minimize any scarring.

Best for skin

Rosewood oil (Aniba rosaedora)

Sage oil (Salvia officinalis)

These two are known to moisturize itchy and irritated skin. They are also good for reducing inflammation in all kinds of rashes.  The application of rosewood or sage is very easy, just add a few drops of rosewood oil in some carrier oil, moisturizer or cream and apply it directly over the affected areas of the skin.

Best for stress

Lemon oil (Citrus limon)

Lemon verbena oil (Aloysia triphylla)

Rose oil (Rosa damascena)

Apply a couple drops to a carrier oil and massage it into your neck and shoulders. Just a few drops on the chest or neck with some deep breathing will help you relax and calm your mind.

Best for depression

Jasmine oil (Jasminum officinale)

Lavender oil (Lavendula angustifolia)

You can put these onto the temples and back of the neck to calm runaway stress and emotions or apply it to the abdomen to promote a relaxed mood. Feel free to make your own blends of oils by mixing lemon, rose, lavender or jasmine to a carrier oil.

Best for energy boosting 

Basil oil (Ocimum basilicum)

Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus)

Scots Pine oil (Punus sylvestris)

These are just a few oils that decrease fatigue and increase focus and are safe for type 2’s.  Put a few drops into a diffuser or into the base of your shower or bath in your morning shower to increase productivity and alertness.

Best for circulation and detoxifying

Juniper berry oil (Juniperus comunis)

Sage oil (Salvia officinalis)

Sweet Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris ct. thujanol)

These are just a few oils that can be used to create a compress or a bath that will promote circulation and detoxification.

***The West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy recommends several ways to use essential oils topically for varicose veins: 

1. Create a warm or cool compress by soaking a cloth in a blend of five drops of essential oils and 1 liter of water. Apply the compress to the affected area for 15 minutes. Keep your legs elevated during application.
2. Combine up to 30 drops of essential oil with approximately 3 tablespoons of carrier oil. Popular carrier oils include sweet almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. You may also add the oils to shea butter or cocoa butter. Use the mixture to massage the affected area in the direction of your heart.
3. Dilute up to eight drops of essential oil in a small amount of carrier oil. Add the mixture to warm bathwater.
4. To relieve hemorrhoids (varicose veins of the anus), add up to eight drops of diluted essential oils to a sitz bath.

 Some Precautions...

Make sure to read the labels before using your essential oil or blend.  Some people may experience allergic reactions to contact with certain essential oils. Always contact a qualified Aromatherapist who will guide you on the oils that are suitable for your individual needs.  Most essential oils must be diluted to use safely, so please understand the recommended uses of each product before you use it and try it on a small area. In most cases pure essential oil should be applied directly to skin or ingested unless it is specifically stated. 

Share your Favorites! 

We are wishing you an aromatic experience and encourage you to share your favorite uses for essential oil in our facebook group, Winning Type 2 Diabetes Together where thousands of type 2’s come together, striving to live our healthiest lifestyle possible.