While medical evidence doesn’t support essential oils for treating diabetes, there’s some evidence that suggests they can potentially help with certain symptoms and side effects.
Essential oils are potent plant essences extracted from the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots of plants, usually through cold pressing or steam distillation. People then dilute them and apply them to the skin or diffuse them through the air to take advantage of their health-promoting properties.
Although more research in humans is still needed to better understand the possible benefits of essential oils for diabetes and other health conditions, laboratory research has identified beneficial components in many essential oils.
It’s important to note that it’s not certain that these oils provide the same benefits in the human body as they do in test tube and animal studies.
Though more research is needed, limited research suggests certain essential oils may have potential benefits for diabetes, such as:
- decreasing pain
- relieving anxiety
- improving insulin sensitivity
- reducing oxidative stress, or the free radicals that can cause cellular damage
Keep reading to learn about the possible benefits of essential oils for diabetes and what research is still needed.
Essential oils disclaimer
While research suggests there are health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
You should only use therapeutic-grade oils that don’t contain synthetic fragrance and only purchase them from a trusted source.
Be sure to read all labels and look for any added ingredients that may be allergens.
Never ingest essential oils. Each essential oil is different, and some are toxic. This can include oils that come from plants used in cooking.
Some essential oils are dangerous for children, others are not safe for pregnant or nursing parents, and many are toxic to pets. When applicable, consult a medical professional, like your pediatrician, OB-GYN, and veterinarian, before implementing use.
It’s important to learn how to use essential oils, whether applying them to the skin or diffusing and inhaling them.
How to use essential oils on the skin
When applying an essential oil to the skin, it’s important to properly dilute it in a carrier oil. You shouldn’t apply undiluted essential oils to your skin. This can cause irritation and inflammation.
Before applying diluted essential oils to large areas of your skin, do a patch test on a small area.
This can allow you to determine whether you’re going to experience any irritation. It’s best to use your inner arm. Wait at least 24 hours to check if you have any patchy skin or discoloration.
If you itch, break out into a rash, or notice any patches of discoloration, discontinue use.
Before diffusing essential oils
When using a diffuser, make sure that you frequently clean it with a mixture of vinegar and water to remove any residual buildup of previous oils and extend the life of your diffuser.
Coriander essential oil (Coriandrum sativum L.) contains bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. Research suggests the oil may have properties that:
- reduce nausea and vomiting
- reduce Escherichia (E.) coli, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), and Bacillus (b.) subtilis infections
- have anticancer and antioxidant activity
- reduce markers of inflammation
For diabetes, in particular, coriander essential oil may improve glucose uptake in muscles and adipocytes (fat cells). It may also help decrease blood glucose and HbA1C levels.
However, this research is based on studies in test tubes and animals. It’s not certain that coriander seed extract will have the same effects in humans.
Coriander seed essential oil is likely safe to inhale during aromatherapy but can be toxic if consumed. The essential oil may cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with the skin.
Coriander seeds are generally safe in the amount used in cooking.
Fennel is a Mediterranean vegetable with an edible bulb, leaves, and seeds. Some people may also drink tea made from fennel for digestive health benefits.
While more research is still needed, 2023 research in rats induced to have diabetes with streptozotocin found that after 4 weeks of topical application of fennel essential oil, rats’ blood glucose levels had decreased. This also reduced the risk of cataracts.
However, more research in humans is still needed to determine whether it has similar benefits and to better understand possible risks.
The fennel plant is generally safe in the amounts used in cooking.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), also known as bee balm, is a lemon-scented plant in the mint family. It’s commonly used as a tea or in aromatherapy.
It may have effects that include:
- reducing anxiety
- reducing depression
- antioxidant
- heart-protecting
- antidiabetic
- improve fasting blood glucose
- improve A1C levels
- reduce blood triglyceride levels
- reduce systolic blood pressure
A 2023 study in people with type 2 diabetes who also experienced symptoms of depression found that 700 mg of hydroalcoholic extract of lemon balm daily for 12 weeks improved scores in depression and anxiety.
However, larger studies are still needed to support these results.
Clove essential oil may also have properties that support symptoms of diabetes. It’s extracted from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum) native to Southeast Asia.
It has properties that may include:
- antimicrobial
- anti-inflammatory
- pain-relieving
- anticancer
While there isn’t much research on its potential diabetes benefits in humans, a
However, this study was conducted in rats induced to have type 1 diabetes and was administered via injection. Additional research is needed to know if clove essential oil aromatherapy or topical application would have beneficial effects on people with type 1 diabetes.
Cinnamon essential oil is derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree or the Cinnamomum cassia tree, producing two varieties of cinnamon oil. Both are high in antioxidants, including phytochemicals cinnamaldehyde and eugenol.
According to some test tube and computer modeling studies, cinnamon essential oil has antioxidant properties that act on certain pathways that support glucose metabolism.
A 2022 review on the potential antidiabetic effects of cinnamon oil that looked at test tube and animal studies suggests that compounds in cinnamon essential oil may mimic the effects of insulin. It may also:
- improve glycemic management
- reduce inflammation
- lower cholesterol
- decrease fatty acid absorption in the gut
However, additional research in humans is still needed to better understand if these possible effects extend to the human body.
Black seed (Nigella sativa), also called black cumin seed, is a plant in the buttercup family.
A 2022 review of research that included lab studies, animal studies, and clinical trials in humans evaluated the potential of black seed oil (a carrier oil, not essential oil) as a potential complementary therapy for diabetes. Their results suggest it may:
- reduce fasting blood glucose levels
- improve insulin and AST levels
- improve 2-hour post-prandial blood glucose levels (glucose levels 2 hours after a meal)
- reduce insulin resistance
- reduce blood A1C levels
- reduce body weight
- have heart-protecting effects
However, in the human studies, participants consumed black seed oil in a variety of formats, including:
- capsules
- powdered seeds
- tea
It’s best to talk with a doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you’re already taking medications for diabetes or other health conditions. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and may also interact with other medications and supplements.
Rosehip oil is a carrier oil, not essential oil, and is extracted from the fruit of the rose bush. Rosehips are commonly used in tea and topical products for the skin.
A 2023 review of research suggests that rosehip extract may have benefits for people with diabetes, which potentially include:
- decreased in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
- decreased fasting blood glucose levels
- improved systolic blood pressure
- reduced visceral body fat, or body fat that is inside the body, generally around internal organs
- improved body mass index (BMI)
However, not all of the included studies found these potential benefits of rosehip extract to be consistent across all studies. Additional research is still needed to determine the effectiveness of rosehip oil. In many of the studies, rosehip extract was consumed as a tea.
The reviewers noted that rosehip has a favorable safety profile when used as directed, though some participants experienced mild gastrointestinal issues after using it.
Doctors typically advise against ingesting essential oils, as the long-term risks are not yet known. This is especially true for people with diabetes because it isn’t clear how ingestion can affect your blood sugar levels.
It’s generally considered safe to administer essential oils topically or diffuse them into the air.
If you want to apply an oil to your skin, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil first. A good rule is to add 1 ounce of carrier oil to every 12 drops of essential oil. This can help prevent your skin from becoming irritated or inflamed.
Common carrier oils include:
- coconut oil
- jojoba oil
- olive oil
- rosehip oil
While more research is needed, preliminary research suggests there may be possible benefits to using essential oils for diabetes symptoms.
You can diffuse essential oils or dilute them with a carrier oil and apply them to the skin.
It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate essential oils, so make sure to purchase them from reputable sellers with third-party verification.