Can essential oils help these conditions? My internet search for evidence came up pretty short so I pulled out some of my aromatherapy books. While the books don't contain evidence, they did recommend certain essential oils for each condition along with safety information.
Diabetes
In a 2005 study, some combinations of essential oils lowered the circulating glucose levels of rats.
A 2013 study on black pepper oil found that enzymes relevant to type 2 were positively affected.
Cypress, geranium, rosemary, ginger, juniper berry, fennel and grapefruit oils were recommended to reduce pain, numbness, swelling. Specifically, the use of anise and geranium orally should be avoided orally (as with all essential oils) as they will interfere with diabetes medication.
Gout
Ginger and camphor essential oils proved to be potent essential oils at inhibiting an enzyme that contributes to gout in a 2019 study.
A 2014 review of studies shows the potential of essential oils on anti-gout effects by their inhibitory action. In animal studies, essential oils were shown to reduce uric acid production.
Other common essential oils recommended to decrease symptoms such as pain and inflammation include basil, juniperberry, rosemary, thyme, grapefruit, spearmint, peppermint, chamomile, cypress, geranium, bergamot and fennel.
Epilepsy
In a 2019 systematic review of human, animal and in vitro studies, some essential oils were shown to have anticonvulsive activity. No clinical studies have been performed on humans but there are reports of adverse effects.
The effect of frankincense on induced seizures in rats was studied in 2020 and found that it decreased the severity of seizures.
A study published in 2015 found that the anti-epileptic activity of clove oil in chemical induced convulsions in mice showed significant effects.
Other common essential oils to help with epilepsy include lemongrass, lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang and clary sage.
Hyssop, sage, camphor, thuja should be avoided as they can trigger a seizure.
Osteoporosis
A study published in 2019 on the impact of thyme and rosemary on the prevention of osteoporosis in rats showed a significant inhibition of bone loss.
Another study in 2003 examined the effect of sage, rosemary, thyme, juniper, pine and eucalyptus on bone metabolism and found they inhibit bone resorption when added to the food of rats.
So it looks promising for all conditions. If you want to try essential oils for these conditions or to help with symptoms, consult with your doctor or an aromatherapist first. Do not stop your medication!
