The heart or cardiac muscle is unique. This type of muscle tissue is found only in the walls of the heart. It works automatically, never stops and never gets tired. Conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes can damage or overwork the heart muscle leading to heart failure. This weakens the heart and diminishes its functions. As a complementary remedy, lavender oil used under the advice and supervision of an healthcare practitioner may help strengthen the heart muscle.
Functions of the Heart
The heart muscle works by contracting the heart chambers called atria and ventricles to squeeze blood out of the heart. Then it relaxes to fill the heart again with blood. It also causes the rhythmic beating of the heart that helps circulate blood throughout the body.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is extracted by steam distillation from the aromatic, fresh flowering tops of the lavender plant. It's been used in folk medicine for centuries as an antispasmodic, diuretic and as a general tonic, as well as a treatment for ailments such as diabetes, headaches and rheumatic pain.
Effects on the Heart Muscle
Lavender oil has a variety of properties; it has analgesic, antiseptic as well as bactericidal, sedative and balancing effects. Lavender oil's tonic and sedative properties act on the heart muscle. As a tonic, it strengthens the cardiac muscles enhancing the contraction of the atria and ventricles of the heart and improves the rhythmic beating and circulation of the blood throughout the body. Its sedative action reduces heart palpitation and hypertension. According to Dr. George Jacob, of the HolisticOnline website, lavender oil may be used to treat heart palpitations or heart failure.
Precautions
Lavender oil is not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Unlike medicinal products lavender oil is not subjected to the rigorous testing of these products to substantiate claims regarding its safety and effectiveness. The potency of the active ingredients in lavender oil may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and the labeling may not accurately reflect the content, according to Drugs.com website. Some people have also reported developing contact dermatitis when lavender oil is used directly on the skin. Consult your physician before use.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What is Heart failure?
- British Broadcasting Company: Muscles- Skeletal, Smooth and Cardiac
- Oils and Plants: Lavender
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology: University of Western Cape
- Holistic Online: Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Heart Disease.
Member Comments