The Health Benefits of Essential Oils for Congestive Heart Failure

By Lindsay Curtis 

 Medically reviewed by Jeffrey S. Lander, MD

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease accounts for nearly one in every four deaths in the country each year.1

Having congestive heart failure (CHF) can affect every aspect of your life. Managing the condition is important. In addition to conventional treatments, you may also want to explore complementary therapies to help alleviate your CHF symptoms.

Verywell / Jessica Olah

Essential oils are an alternative therapy option that may improve heart health. Research suggests that when used in aromatherapy, short-term exposure to essential oils may reduce blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and help you relax.2

Read on to learn more about how essential oils might be beneficial for congestive heart failure. 

What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a chronic health condition that occurs when the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs. The body depends on the heart’s pumping mechanism to deliver oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to all of the cells in the body. 

Many heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and a history of a heart attack, can eventually lead to heart failure.3

American Heart Association. Causes of heart failure.

The symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) can have a tremendous impact on your quality of life.4 Common symptoms of CHF include:

• Fatigue

• Increased heart rate

• Lack of appetite

• Persistent coughing/wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling (edema) in the ankles, feet, and legs

Risk Factors

Your age, family history, lifestyle, and other health conditions that you have can increase your risk of developing heart disease.5

Common risk factors for CHF include:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Obesity

• Diet (e.g., high in processed foods)

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Sleep apnea/poor sleep

• Stress

• Tobacco use

Essential Oils for Heart Failure 

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are derived from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants.

A 2014 study found that when essential oils are used in aromatherapy or breathed in for an hour or less, the oils can improve sleep as well as lower a person’s heart rate and blood pressure.2

Basil 

Basil essential oil is loaded with antioxidants that offer immune-boosting health benefits. It might also promote heart health by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) levels.

Research has shown that basil essential oil can reduce cholesterol levels and lower a person’s risk of developing atherosclerosis-related heart diseases.6

Clary Sage

Stress and high blood pressure have a direct effect on heart health. Clary sage is widely used in aromatherapy for its relaxing effects. Breathing in the oil vapors from the flowers of clary sage can relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Research has shown that clary sage essential oil decreases systolic blood pressure and lowers heart rate.7

Eucalyptus

Commonly used in cold relief medicines like cough drops, eucalyptus is also good for your heart health. A 2013 study found that inhaling eucalyptus oil significantly decreased blood pressure and helped reduce pain.8

Lavender

The extract from the blue-violet flowers of lavender is versatile and offers a pleasant smell along with promoting relaxation.

Research has found that inhaling lavender essential oil provides relaxation, which can help lower blood pressure, calm anxiety, and promote better sleep.910

Ylang Ylang

Derived from star-shaped flowers on the tropical ylang ylang tree, ylang ylang essential oil has been shown to have a calming, sedative effect. It may also reduce heart rate and blood pressure levels.11

Summary

Congestive heart failure is a chronic health condition that can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. Essential oils may help some people with heart failure manage their symptoms because they can decrease blood pressure and heart rate while promoting relaxation.

11 Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart disease facts.

Chuang KJ, Chen HW, Liu IJ, et al. The effect of essential oil on heart rate and blood pressure among solus por aqua workers. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2014;21(7):823-828. doi:10.1177/2047487312469474

American Heart Association. Causes of heart failure.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Heart failure.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Know your risk for heart disease.

Amrani S, Harnafi H, Bouanani Nel H, et al. Hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous ocimum basilicum extract in acute hyperlipidaemia induced by triton WR-1339 in rats and its antioxidant property. Phytother Res. 2006;20(12):1040-1045. doi:10.1002/ptr.1961

Mitic M, Zrnić A, Wanner J, Stappen I. Clary sage essential oil and its effect on human mood and pulse rate: an in vivo pilot study. Planta Med. 2020;86(15):1125-1132. doi:10.1055/a-1211-6325

Jun YS, Kang P, Min SS, et al. Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: a randomized clinical trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:502727. doi:10.1155/2013/502727

Sayorwan W, Siripornpanich V, Piriyapunyaporn T, et al. The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. J Med Assoc Thai. 95(4):598-606.

Moeini M, Khadibi M, Bekhradi R, et al. Effect of aromatherapy on the quality of sleep in ischemic heart disease patients hospitalized in intensive care units of heart hospitals of the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 15(4):234-239.

Jung DJ, Cha JY, Kim SE, et al. Effects of ylang-ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men. J Exerc Rehabil. 2013;9(2):250-255. doi:10.12965/jer.130007