It is thought to be a result of prolonged standing and walking upright that increases the pressure in the veins of the lower body, with the effects of gravity being mostly to blame. Dysfunction of tiny valves in the blood vessels themselves has also been seen to play a role. Other risk factors include age, sex, family history, and obesity.
The following are a list of natural treatments in the form of essential oils for varicose veins:
16 essential oils for varicose veins
Helichrysum oil: One major cause of varicose veins is poor circulation, making this essential oil ideal as it has anti-inflammatory and blood circulation properties. Helichrysum oil can be a great choice for calming down inflamed tissue and even preventing the development of new varicose veins.
Cypress oil: Constricts blood vessels and tightens tissue, promoting the upward flow of blood and promoting blood circulation
Frankincense oil: A great healing essential oil, frankincense helps boost circulation, making sure blood doesn’t pool in your lower extremities.
Lemongrass oil: Helping promote blood circulation, this essential oil is great for treating bulging veins, as it is good at inhibiting blood from pooling and becoming stagnant. Lemongrass oil is also known for keeping blood vessels dilated, proving smooth transportation of blood flow.
Geranium oil: A multifaceted essential oil, geranium is also used to help stimulate hair growth. It can also help treat varicose veins as well.
Lemon oil: The oil from this citrus fruit has a lot of beneficial properties. Applying this oil to your skin will not only promote proper blood circulation but also help tighten blood vessel walls.
Ginger oil: This oil is known for providing a pleasant warming sensation when used. It also contains antioxidant compounds that help the body eliminate wastes and reduce inflammation. The combination of these two effects can help promote blood circulation. Ginger essential oil is commonly used on the skin for swollen extremities and sore muscles.
Chamomile oil: Helps relieve the heaviness and discomfort that occur from throbbing veins. Massaging of this oil into the legs before bed can help relieve pain, especially from prolonged standing helping to promote healthy blood vessel constriction.
Yarrow oil: This relaxing oil helps regulate irregular periods and can even help alleviate some menopausal symptoms. It is also known for stimulating the circulatory system, ensuring blood doesn’t pool in the veins, causing them to bulge and twist.
Clary sage: Having a floral aroma, this essential oil is great for treating the symptoms of PMS and menopause. It is also great at reducing swelling of the veins, preventing blood from pooling.
Lavender: Lavender is known to aid in reducing pain and inflammation. As one of the most widely popular essential oils used worldwide, it has antioxidant, sedative, calming, antimicrobial, and anti-depressive properties. Lavender essential oil is gentle enough to put directly on the skin and can be added to baths or to a diffuser.
Rosemary: Some studies have shown that rosemary can improve blood circulation along with relieving pain. By massaging rosemary essential oil on varicose veins, it can offer quick relief from pain.
Juniper Berry: Juniper berry essential oil has been used for detoxification and boosting the immune system. It has been shown to reduce inflammation, pain, and improve sleep.
Cedarwood: Cedarwood is often used to relieve muscle, nerves, and circulation-related spasms. Avoid placing cedarwood essential oil directly on to the skin and instead use a carrier oil to avoid irritation.
Myrrh: Myrrh is known to have antimicrobial, anti-fungal, stimulant, immune-boosting, astringent, and circulation-boosting properties. For varicose veins specifically, myrrh has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain and swelling.
Oregano: Oregano has a slew of beneficial properties with one of them being a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Because oregano essential oil is strong and can cause irritation, avoid putting it directly on the skin and mix it with a carrier oil.
Different ways of using essential oils for varicose veins
It is important to use essential oils for treating varicose veins in a safe and correct manner. The following are some ways to use the oils mentioned:
- Warm or cool compress: Soak a cloth in a blend of five drops of essential oil to one liter of water. Soak your compress in this solution, wringing out any excess. Apply the compress to the affected area for 15 minutes while keeping your legs elevated.
- Massage: It is important to remember that you should never use pure essential oil of any kind directly on the skin, as it can be exceptionally potent. Instead, first mix approximately 30 drops with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Once this solution has been properly mixed, apply it to the affected area.
- Bathwater: Dilute up to eight drops of essential oil in a carrier oil of your choice and then add it to a warm bath.
Recipes including essential oils for varicose veins
Foot bath blend (hot and cold)
What you need:
- Two large bowls that are big enough to soak your feet
- 3 drops lavender
- 3 drops geranium
Directions:
- Fill one bowl with cold water. You may add ice cubes if you desire.
- Fill the other bowl with hot water.
- Add 3 drops lavender to the cold water.
- Add 3 drops geranium to the hot water.
- Place both feet in the cold water. Leave them there for five minutes.
- Next, place both feet in the hot water. Leave them there for five minutes.
Simple massage blend
What you need:
- 4 tsp of a carrier oil of your choice
- 10 drops geranium
- 10 drops neroli
- 5 drops cypress
Directions:
- Combine essential oils and carrier oil in a 1 oz (30ml) glass bottle.
- Shake to blend.
- Use about 1 tsp of this mixture to massage your legs twice daily.
- Using one hand and a gentle grip, start at the ankles and stroke firmly but gently upward on either side of the varicose veins (never directly over them),
- Elevate legs after massaging
Yarrow based massage blend
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or another carrier oil)
- 4 drops Yarrow
Directions:
- Combine yarrow with your choice of carrier oil.
- Starting from the ankles, gently massage on either side of the varicose veins.
- Progressively massage in the direction of the heart.
- Apply two or more times a daily.
- Elevate legs after massage.
Varicose being preventative massage oil
What you need:
- 10 drops geranium
- 10 drops cypress
- 5 drops peppermint
- 5 drops lemon
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
Directions:
- Combine ingredients in a non-reactive bowl.
- Massage the oil from your feet up your legs in the direction of your heart. Avoid massaging directly on the varicose veins.
- Apply this massage oil twice daily or more if desired.
- Elevate legs after massage.
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