The severity of varicose veins should not only be viewed from a cosmetic perspective. They provide suffering, pain, mobility problems and swelling to the millions of people in the world. Although there are some invasive treatment options, such as laser therapy or vein stripping, many people try to manage the symptoms with natural approach. Essential oils can be used for symptomatic management because of their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and stimulating action. In this article, I’ll be exploring the best essential oils for varicose veins, and how they can help you find relief and even heal your condition naturally.
What are Varicose Veins?
One common cause of varicose veins health is a condition in which veins become abnormally distended, stretched, and bulged or engorged with blood. This is mostly observed in the legs after standing or sitting in one position for too long due to increased pressure on the veins. Over successive periods of time, there is a breakdown of the elastic property of the veins and a weakening of valves that control blood flow leading to blood backflow in the legs. Consequently there arises enlargement of the vessels which are twisting and blue or dark purple color.
Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- Prominent, distorted bluish or dark veins directly beneath the skin.
- Fullness within the legs particularly after remaining in a stationary position for long hours.
- Throbbing, itching or sensitive pain
- Discomfort in or around the vein
- Changes in the color of the skin in the inflamed half
There are many lifestyle changes such as exercising, managing weight, and abdominal compression, which help, but also essential oils are becoming widely used as a natural way of relief and improving overall vein health.
How Do Essential Oils Assist with the Relief of Currently Visible Varicose Veins?
Essential oils are plant-sourced oils that contain volatile compounds known to have medical and aromatic properties. Topical application of such oils or their deep inhalation has been shown to lower swelling and pain and enhances blood flow.
Advantages of Using Essential Oils for the Treatment of Varicose Veins
- Enhances blood circulation: Some oils increase the flow of blood thereby lowering the accumulation of blood within the veins.
- Temporarily reduces swelling and redness: Swelling and infection are the two major factors that lead to pain in the varicose veins. Some oils are very effective in convincing inflammation to subside.
- Combats pains: Analgesic effect and salient for aching legs are amazed in fundamental principles from experienced essential oils.
- Repairs and maintains the wavering blood vessels: Use of certain oils on a frequency basis can help improve the flexibility and durability of the blood vessels to avert any additional harm.
- Deters the formation of blood clots: Certain essential oils help in thinning out the blood, thus helping regulate problems associated with blood clots in the injured veins.
Best Essential Oils for Varicose Veins
Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress essential oil is one of the best oils for varicose veins, thanks to its active promotion of blood circulation. It prevents the deformation of the vein walls and enhances blood movement. Being an astringent, it helps reduce enlarged varicose veins over a period of time due to the action of enhancing tissue tone.
How to use: Recommended to take a few drops of cypress oil mixed with coconut or jojoba carrier oil to the affected area twice daily.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is popular because of its soothing effects and is perfect for managing pain and discomfort related to varicose veins. In addition, lavender is also useful in that it possesses an anti-inflammatory effect that helps to decrease the edema of the legs.
How to use: Lavender oil can be poured into warm water and take the bath or massages the affected parts using distilled essential oil mixed with carrier oil.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum essential oil is extraordinary oil that is less widely known but effective in dealing with varicose veins. Its anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in overcoming other problems like poor circulation and blood clots. This oil can also heal open wounds and alleviate pain and swelling by assisting the body in the resolution of clotted blood.
How to use: Apply helichrysum oil with carrier oil on the areas with enlarged veins and massage it gently.
Peppermint Essential Oil
The topical application of peppermint oil has a cool and pain killing property which makes this oil ideal for management of pain associated with varicose veins. Its vasoconstriction actions are of advantage in aid management for swollen veins by preventing the bulging.
How to use: Affected areas can be massaged with peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil for a cool and pain releaving effect.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary Essential Oil is one of the oils that increase blood circulation and decrease the swelling of the legs. This effect is due to the anti-inflammatory characteristics, which help with pain and improve the condition of varicose veins. Rosemary oil works in that way that it enhances the blood flow and that is why fewer dirty veins are emerging.
Usage: You could mix rosemary oil with a carrier oil and rub it on the varicose veins. Alternatively, you could put a few drops in warm water and soak your legs in it.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oils helps in enhancing the vein function due to its strong astringent properties. It also has toning effect on blood vessels and can help reduce the visibility of the varicosities.
How to use: Apply lemon oil twice daily on the affected area by mixing it with a carrier oil to help the varicose veins.
Geranium Essential Oil
The properties of geranium oil include anti-inflammatory and balancing benefits which make it beneficial to people who have varicose veins. It reduces the swelling, enhances blood flow and alleviates pain due to inflamed veins.
How to use: Mix geranium oil with a carrier oil and apply around affected areas and rub gently.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is oil that helps unclog veins and reduces the soreness of varicose veins. It also hastens the recovery of veins and improves blood circulation in the area.
How to use: Apply diluted frankincense oil on the affected areas and rub to facilitate circulation.
Ginger Essential Oil
In addition, ginger oil reveals its skill to improve the blood circulation as well as reduce inflammation, very well. Its warming properties make it particularly effective in increasing blood circulation and consequently help in lessening the swelling usually found with varicose veins
How to use: Take carrier oil and add some ginger oil into it and massage it on the affected areas of the body in order to improve the blood flow and lessen the pain.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile oil is considered to be one of the oils that have calming properties, which is quite beneficial in relieving varicose veins pain and inflammation. This oil contains properties which help to prevent inflammation and blood congestion, thus easing pain.
How to use: Mixing the oil of chamomile and the carrier oil together and use the combined oils on the varicose veins helps in alleviating any pain while massaging the affected spots.
Essential Oils and Varicose Vein Treatment: Safety measures to follow
Essential oils are also an effective remedy for varicose veins but must be applied with caution. Essential oils must not be used in their undiluted form on the skin or even on the scalp. This usage is usually best supplemented by massage with base oil like coconut, almond or olive oil. It also ensures even distribution of the oil and prevents skin irritation.
Carrier Oils for Diluting Essential Oils
- Coconut oil: Contains antioxidants and used due to its reach in fatty globules.
- Jojoba oil: Ideal for the hydrating skin as well as working on the elastic features of the skin.
- Sweet almond oil: Characterized by a lower viscosity and relatively high proportions of natural vitamin E.
- Olive oil: Contains good fats and is useful for moisture deficient skin.
Always do patch test prior application of any oil mixture so as to avoid allergic condition particularly for new users.
Conclusion
Although varicose veins can be bothersome and impair the quality of life, oils from plants are a natural remedy for controlling the symptoms. From cypress, lavender, ginger and chamomile these oils have anti-inflammatory, improve blood circulation and relieve pains thus reducing varicose veins injury and pain. Please again keep in mind that essential oils are potent and should be used in dilutions and in certain cases, it is advisable to seek professional help before using any oils, especially if you have any other diseases.