Onion Essential Oil & Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high. The World Health Organization states that hypertension is an increasingly prevalent cardiovascular health risk factor around the world, due to longer life-spans and a greater prevalence of obesity. Before using onion essential oil and other herbal remedies to help combat your hypertension, review all herb-related information with your primary care provider.

Hypertension Info

Your blood pressure depends on two unique factors, notes the Lab Tests Online website: the force and the contraction rate of your heart as it sends oxygen-rich blood into your arteries, and the friction, or resistance, to this movement of blood. The level of resistance to circulating blood is governed by the diameter of your blood vessels and their elasticity. Factors that can affect these parameters and cause hypertension include obesity, smoking, excessive salt consumption, prolonged elevated stress levels and alcohol abuse.

Plant Description

Onion, like garlic, chives and scallions, is a member of the lily family. Onion, also known as Allium cepa, is a plant indigenous to Eurasia, though it now grows around the world. Onion bulbs contain numerous medicinal ingredients and active constituents, including sulfur compounds such as allyl propyl disulfide and flavonoids such as quercetin. Important nutrients contained in onion bulbs and onion essential oil include zinc, sodium, potassium and vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-12, C, E and K.

Onion Essential Oil Uses

Onions, including onion essential oil, have traditionally been used in treating cardiovascular ailments. According to nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," onions may help to treat high blood pressure and to lower your cholesterol levels. It also prevents atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of plaque on the inner walls of your arteries, decreasing your likelihood of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Further clinical research evidence using randomized, controlled trials may be needed to determine the true efficacy of onions for these health purposes.

Considerations

Hypertension is often called the silent killer, as it rarely causes noticeable side effects in the people who have it. It is wise to have your blood pressure assessed by a licensed health-care provider on a regular basis to help monitor the health and function of your cardiovascular system. Natural remedies, including onion essential oil, should always be used with caution and with the knowledge that its use does not guarantee a cure for your health problem.