Naturopathic medicine principles have taught me that wellness is more than personalization of dietary protocols. It incorporates all aspects of nourishment including healthy relationships, mental health, emotional balance, financial resources, and respecting cultural and ethnic values.

In honor of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, I decided to shift my focus from last week’s post on mental wellbeing and discuss a more holistic approach to cardiovascular health.

In this post, I will discuss:

• How physical factors are only one component to a vibrant heart.
• How essential oils holistically support cardiovascular function.
• My favorite essential oils that benefit the circulatory system and promote romance.

Why a Holistic, Naturopathic Medicine Approach to Heart Health is Needed

Heart disease has remained the number one killer in the United States for quite some time. Our healthcare system has been attempting to “fix” these mortality statistics by using drugs to suppress cholesterol numbers and through diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and getting proper rest.

These wellness components are important. In fact a clinical study has shown that naturopathic doctors who provide lifestyle interventions for supporting cardiovascular health get better results than usual care. Furthermore, it is cost effective.

Yet, I believe that naturopathic medical doctors’ “secret sauce” for triumphing in circulatory support is in their ability to build quality, therapeutic relationships. This is because the most important predictor of cardiovascular death is not healthy diet, exercise, or weight.

The number one determinant of cardiovascular death is isolation and perceived loneliness.

This is why I advocate for promoting positive, people connections over prescribing restrictive,  elimination diets.

One way I help people move forward to create resilience and build courage in relationships is by using essential oils. This is because their molecular components simultaneously support physical, psychological, and biochemical healing. By balancing emotions, they aid in clearing blocks that prevent deep connections and living to one’s highest potential.

In fact, a few years ago I listed exactly how essential oils can encourage and optimize relationships. This is through alleviating negative reactions to stress, promoting bonding, building trust, and balancing hormones. You can read more of the specifics on this here.

Furthermore, essential oils also promote cardiovascular health directly through various mechanisms of action. They have multiple physiological and biological impacts as well as promote emotional and mental health. For example, juniper may relieve hypertension due to its antioxidant properties.

Below is a list of my favorite essential oils and their uses for cardiovascular and relationship health. If you use them, you may just feel the courage to “fall” in love more effortlessly.

Essential Oils That Promote Connection and Heart Health

Ylang ylang is one of my favorite “perfume” oils. It is the perfect oil to open your heart and keep it at a healthy beat. Use it to calm your nervous system and infuse your surroundings with an enticing aroma.

Patucholi oil will soothe and beautify your skin, calm your belly, and squelch inflammation in the body so you radiate happiness during the month of love.

Rose Geranium oil is beyond beautifying! This essential oil will enhance your mood and keep your hormones, heart, and health in peak shape to receive all of February’s romance. Learn more about geranium oil  here and here.

Cedarwood is a “wise oil” that sharpens the mind, yet also can relax your nervous system. I like to diffuse it to create an atmosphere of comfort and solace on chilly winter nights. It is a great scent to fill a room for cozy cuddles and sweet dreams!

RLV Blend is a calming mix of essential oils that enhance emotional balance as you ride the exciting waves of relationships. It contains rue, lavender, and valerian. (Note, Rue can be photosensitive, so no sunbathing after application!)

Rose oil is known for its intoxicating aroma as it fosters relaxation and acts as a potential aphrodisiac for romantic evenings. With all those benefits, why not wrap up a bottle of rose oil to go with the flowers on Valentine’s Day for your Valentine?

Safe ways to use these oils include:

• Placing a drop or two on your wrists diluted in a carrier oil.
• Smell them straight from the bottle.
• Diffuse them in your atomizer diffuser.

In an upcoming blog, I’m going to dive in with more specifics on how essential oils modify the brain and mental health.

Please comment below and list your favorite “Essential Oils of Love.”