Find Natural Relief from Atrial Fibrillation with Essential Oils

Using Essential Oils to Find Relief from Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)

Atrial fibrillation, also known as afib, is a common heart rhythm disorder that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. While afib is not life-threatening, it can lead to troublesome symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. Certain essential oils may help provide relief when used as a complementary therapy under medical guidance.

Understanding Atrial Fibrillation

With afib, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly. This causes the ventricles to contract at an uneven rate. Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Valvular heart disease
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Excess alcohol

Afib often causes symptoms like:

• Heart palpitations
• Fluttering in the chest
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Doctors can detect afib using physical exams, ECGs, Holter monitors and other tests. Treatment options include medications, cardioversion, surgery, ablation therapy and lifestyle changes.

Essential Oils for Atrial Fibrillation

While essential oils should never replace doctor-prescribed afib treatments, some oils may help provide complementary symptom relief when used properly. Many herbs contained in essential oils have been traditionally used around the world to promote heart health and circulatory function.

Hawthorn Berry Oil

Hawthorn berry oil is extracted from the berries, leaves and flowers of the hawthorn plant. It contains antioxidant flavonoids that may help dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation. This gentle oil also has mild sedative effects that decrease anxiety.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is believed to have a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system. It helps stimulate blood flow and has antispasmodic properties that relieve chest tightness and discomfort associated with afib. Its nervine qualities also reduce stress.

Lavender Oil

Studies show lavender oil can lower blood pressure, heart rate and emotional stress. By promoting relaxation, lavender relieves afib symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath and chest pain. It may also improve sleep quality.

Frankincense Oil

This ancient oil promotes feelings of peace, wellbeing and optimism. By reducing stress and anxiety, frankincense oil helps minimize afib episodes related to high stress levels. It also boosts circulation.

Ylang Ylang Oil

This floral essential oil acts as a natural sedative, reducing excitability, palpitations, rapid heart rate and hypertension. By decreasing stress and anxiety it helps stabilize heart rhythms and control afib symptoms.

Marjoram Oil

Marjoram oil has antispasmodic, vasodilating and sedative properties that make it beneficial for cardiovascular health. It naturally widens blood vessels, controls arrhythmia and lowers high blood pressure.

Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil contains active compounds called sclareol that have antispasmodic and anti-arrhythmic effects on the heart. It may help regulate heart rhythm and rate, relieving palpitations and fluttering sensations.

Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil is a natural sedative that reduces stress, anxiety, rapid breathing and agitation common afib triggers. By promoting relaxation, it helps control arrhythmia and normalize heart rhythm.

Lifestyle Changes for Atrial Fibrillation

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can also help control afib episodes:

Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

Eat a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Limit processed foods, salt, sugar and saturated fats.

Exercise Regularly

Get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, like brisk walking. Check with your doctor before intensive exercise.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight strains the cardiovascular system. Losing even a modest amount can better control afib if overweight.

Monitor Blood Pressure

Keep blood pressure under control through diet, exercise, medication and stress reduction techniques.

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine can trigger afib episodes. Follow your doctor's recommended limits.

Stop Smoking

Smoking worsens heart disease. Quitting can significantly improve arrhythmia control and overall cardiovascular health.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress harms heart health. Try relaxing activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation, massage and deep breathing.

Get Enough Sleep

Not getting quality sleep strains the cardiovascular system. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Using Essential Oils Safely for Afib

To safely use essential oils for afib relief:

• Use 100% pure therapeutic-grade oils
• Dilute oils with a carrier oil before applying to skin
• Use only mild oils like lavender and frankincense at first
• Apply oils topically with gentle abdominal massage
• Add oils to a warm bath or diffuser
• Always do a patch test before extensive use
• Talk to your doctor before using new oils

Avoid ingesting essential oils without medical supervision. Also use caution if prone to allergies or if you take blood thinners. While promising, essential oils do not cure or replace standard afib treatments.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your physician right away if you experience:

• Racing, pounding heart rate
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fatigue impacting daily activities

Routine care with a cardiologist can help manage your condition. Report any side effects or worsening of symptoms after using essential oils as well.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.