Summary

see also Heart Disease

Angina is a symptom not a disease.  It is a symptom of the heart not receiving enough oxygen which in turn causes the chest pains termed angina. The pain is noted as a tightness or pressure in the chest.  Some with severe angina describe it as a severe or very heavy pressure on the chest.   There are two common and one unusual type of angina. 

·    Chronic angina – this occurs with physical activity or other times (stress, high altitude, over eating, even smoking) when the heart is working harder than normal.  This usually lasts a short time (5 minutes) and may subside with rest.  Essential oils can help relieve the discomfort and shorten the duration of such occurrences.

·    Unstable angina – This condition requires medical attention since there is an immediate risk of a heart attack.  When the symptoms described above occur with no physical activity or other reason why the heart should be working harder than normal then proper precautions for a heart attack should be followed. 

·    Variant angina – This is rare symptom that comes on without warning and is caused by a coronary artery spasm or tightening.

Any of these symptoms are exacerbated by CHD (Coronary Heart Disease) where plaque, caused by fat and cholesterol, builds up in the artery limiting the oxygen being taken to the heart muscles.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends: Ginger, peppermint

Essential oils based products:

Also consider:

Suggested protocols:

Peppermint or ginger may be applied topically (dilute with a carrier for those with sensitive skin) directly to the heart area or reflexology points on the feet or hands.  Inhalation using cup and inhale or diffusing may also be considered.

Experiences and Testimonials of others

John - I have a friend that has had to often uses meds to control angina attacks.  I gave him some peppermint the other day and he says he is thrilled because he puts a few drops on his hands, rubs them together, then massages the oils into his upper chest and neck area, and then inhales from his hands.  It immediately alleviates the symptoms.  He has not used his medications once during the 3 weeks he has had the peppermint.

Protocols folks recommend for children

Diet and Nutritional complements to essential oils

What Science & Research are saying