Overview
Varicose veins are raised, enlarged, and often red or blue-colored blood vessels, which most commonly appear in the legs and feet.
Insufficient blood circulation and weak or damaged valves are common causes of varicose veins. Small valves in your veins are responsible for transporting blood, but blood can accumulate in the veins, causing poor circulation and even potential blood clots if they’re weak or damaged.
Other possible causes include long periods of sitting or standing, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, being overweight, and hormonal changes in women.
It’s important to incorporate lifestyle changes that can prevent future varicose veins from forming:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a clean, low sodium diet
- Move your body regularly
- Elevate your legs from time to time
- Alternate between sitting and standing
Varicose veins are often confused with spider veins, which are closer to the skin surface and have a smaller and thinner appearance.
Common symptoms of varicose veins include aches and pains or a sense of heaviness in your legs, muscle cramping, swelling and inflammation, itching, burning, and even skin discoloration.
Possible varicose vein treatment options include compression stockings, sclerotherapy (injections that help them fade), radiofrequency, and laser treatments.
If you’re looking for a natural aid to help manage varicose veins, then aromatherapy and the use of essential oils might be helpful.
Essential Oils As Natural Home Remedies
Essential oils (EOs) are highly concentrated plant extracts containing active chemicals known to support the body’s healing processes.
Many EOs possess pain-relieving, anti-itch, anti-spasm, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them particularly useful for improving blood circulation and managing the sympt bb zoms associated with varicose veins.
There is currently no evidence that essential oils themselves can get rid of existing varicose veins. Only by undergoing treatment can you rid yourself of this condition.
The Best Essential Oils For Varicose Vein Symptoms
Thyme oil
Thyme can be effective at increasing blood circulation and balancing hormones. It’s also a potent pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and can help with aches and spasms.
Cypress oil
Cypress stimulates blood flow, boost circulation, and can reduce fluid retention, which might help reduce varicose veins’ appearance. Regular topical application of this oil may help strengthen vein walls. Cypress is also a pain-reliever and antispasmodic.
Helichrysum oil
Helichrysum is pain-relieving, anti-coagulating, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and can help relieve muscle pain.
Geranium oil
Geranium is a pain-reliever, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic. It’s also been shown to improve blood circulation and hormonal imbalances.
Other oils that can increase circulation and may help alleviate varicose vein pain and inflammation are:
Frankincense oil
Lemongrass oil
Yarrow oil
Horse chestnut seed extract
Lavender oil
Rosemary oil
Peppermint oil
Chamomile oil
Ginger oil
Clary sage oil
How To Use Essential Oils For Varicose Veins
The most effective way to use EOs for varicose vein symptoms is to apply them directly onto the skin. Always dilute your EOs with carrier oils like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil.
Stick to 2-3 drops of EO per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Gently massage your legs and feet with the mixture.
Safety Concerns
When essential oils are used safely and mindfully, they typically offer little to no harmful side effects.
EOs aren’t regulated by the FDA (Food And Drug Administration), so do your research and always choose certified organic, therapeutic-grade products that have not been diluted or contaminated.
Essential oil blends can be particularly useful because mixing EOs often amplifies the healing effects.
If you’re using EOs directly on the skin, then always dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut oil first.
EOs are powerful, and a little goes a long way; some oils can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions if they’re not applied properly.
Make sure you’re aware of the contraindications for each oil you’ll use. Some oils aren’t suitable for babies, young children, pregnant and nursing women, and high blood pressure or epilepsy.
If you experience any adverse reaction while using any oil, discontinue use immediately.
DIY Varicose Vein Rx Blend
- 3 drops of cypress oil
- 3 drops of helichrysum oil
- 3 drops of thyme oil
- 3 drops of rosemary oil
- 3 drops of frankincense oil
- 3 drops of horse chestnut oil
- 2-3 tablespoons of your choice of carrier oil
Gently massage oils on the affected area at least once a day for best results.
