Although essential oils will not cure varicose veins, in this blog post, we will explore 19 different oils that may help with symptoms caused by chronic venous insufficiency - including swollen ankles, restless legs, or a feeling of heaviness in your legs.
Find out what the research says...
What Does The Research Say?
The research data on essential oils suggests that these natural products may be an effective supplement to common medications. Essential oils have been shown to rejuvenate your skin, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation which may help speed up healing in your legs.
How Essential Oils Can Help Varicose Veins?
- Reduce Inflammation: We tend to think of inflammation as a good process that happens in the body when we're really sick, but it's actually bad for us if we have chronic inflammation going on. This is what causes our white blood cells to accumulate and release chemicals that damage the collagen, negatively affecting the veins. You can use essential oils to reduce swelling and stimulate the release of chemicals that help cells regenerate. This also improves blood flow and reduces your discomfort.
- Speed Up Wound Healing: You've probably experienced a cut on your skin that took ages to heal. There are many reasons this might happen, from genetics to vitamin deficiency. Now imagine having those same issues with the veins in your legs. It's going to take even longer for you to recover, and who wants that? You need a faster healing time and better circulation. You can make this happen by using essential oils. The oil will not only speed up the healing time but will have an anti-inflammatory effect on your skin.
How Do I Use Essential Oils For Varicose Veins?
- Apply topically: You can make massage oil or add the essential oils to your favorite body lotion and apply it directly to the affected area. Make sure you dilute before applying since it's very concentrated. Do not add essential oils to open wounds like leg ulcers or you may risk infection.
- Add to food: If you're using plant-based essential oils, then this is an excellent way of getting more nutrients into your system. You can add it to soups, smoothies, salads, dressings, etc. Please keep in mind, that you need to consult with a medical professional before ingesting essential oils.
- Internal: There are some oils you should only ingest in very small doses and possibly with the assistance of a professional. You can do this by taking drops orally or placing them under your tongue. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, dealing with medical issues like diabetes and high blood pressure, and taking other medications, then please consult a medical professional before using essential oils internally.
- Bathwater: You can add three to five drops of essential oils to your bathwater. This will help relax the muscles, improve blood flow, moisturize your skin, and reduce inflammation.
Best Essential Oils for Varicose Veins
There are many essential oils that are beneficial for varicose veins. However, here are the 19 essential oils that have been shown to be effective in scientific studies:
1. German Chamomile Essential Oil
A study published in The Korean Society of Veterinary Science in 2010 found that German chamomile oil is effective for treating dermatitis and skin irritation and may help increase blood flow to the affected area on the leg.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
According to BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2019 found that lavender oil is effective for diabetic wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Horse Chestnut Essential Oil
The National Institutes of Health found that horse chestnut oil may be effective for alleviating symptoms caused by varicose veins, and chronic venous insufficiency. It may help to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and elasticity, and strengthen blood vessel walls.
4. Yarrow Essential Oil
Journal of Herbal Medicine found that yarrow oil might be effective for treating varicose veins. It reduces inflammation, increases blood flow to improve oxygen levels, and helps to strengthen blood vessel walls.
5. Cypress Essential Oil
A study published in the Medicinal Plants of South Asia found that cypress oil is a vasodilator that helps increase blood flow.
6. Sea Pine Essential Oil
The National Library of Medicine found that sea pine reduces swelling and increases blood flow which helps to reduce edema, strengthens blood vessel walls, and prevents blood clots from forming.
7. Grape Seed Essential Oil
The Journal of Food Science and Technology found that grape seed oil reduces swelling, pain, and fatigue.
8. Clary Sage Essential Oil
The National Library of Medicine found that It treats pain, prevents inflammation which reduces swelling, and helps with blood flow.
9. Black Pepper Essential Oil
Black pepper oil is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to prevent infections.
10. Thyme Essential Oil
A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that thyme oil is an effective antibacterial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory essential oil.
11. Geranium Essential Oil
The Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal found that geranium essential oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, and wound healing properties.
12. Lemongrass Essential Oil
A study published in The Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge found that lemongrass oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, and has been used for varicose veins.
13. Rosemary Essential Oil
Primarily a Therapy-Oriented Journal found that rosemary essential oil may be an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps improve blood flow, memory, and reduce pain.
14. Frankincense Essential Oil
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that frankincense oil has vasorelaxant properties and also reduces pain for people with arthritis.
15. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. It also has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and vasodilatory properties.
16. Rue Essential Oil
According to the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Rue essential oil has long been an analgesic that has anti-inflammatory properties which are very beneficial for relieving pain.
17. Basil Essential Oil
Reported from Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Arthritis and Related Inflammatory Diseases that Basil has anti-inflammatory properties which means it will help reduce inflammation and pain. It may also stimulate blood circulation, and increase oxygenation of the tissues.
18. Ginger Essential Oil
The National Center for Biotechnology Information found that ginger essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve pain and swelling associated with varicose veins. It's also a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation, soothes irritated skin, and helps stimulate blood flow to improve oxygen levels within varicose veins.
19. Marjoram Essential Oil
According to the African Journal of Evidence-Based Alternative Medicine marjoram oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, and vasodilatory properties which help relieve pain.
How Long Will It Take To Show Results?
The best thing about using essential oils is that some people may feel a reduction in symptoms in a few hours.
"It's important to keep in mind, essential oils are not a cure for varicose veins. Vein surgery is the best option to remove varicosities and eliminate symptoms in your legs"
What Are the Side Effects?
Essential oils are generally a safe and effective alternative to try when dealing with CVI symptoms. There's very little risk involved in using them topically, but there can be some skin irritation for those who have sensitive skin or an allergy to one of their ingredients.
However, some essential oils for varicose veins should not be ingested orally. Please do your research and consult a professional before trying the internal method of using these chemicals in an effort to treat yourself or loved ones who are pregnant or breastfeeding - if you have diabetes or high blood pressure then use them under supervision from medical professionals as well!
How Good Are The Essential Oils to Reduce Varicose Veins?
Based on the findings of various scientific studies, essential oils may offer limited but some relief of symptoms that are associated with chronic venous insufficiency.
"Varicose veins cannot be cured by essential oils"
However, keep in mind that you should consult with a licensed aromatherapist or your doctor before using any essential oils, especially if you're taking certain medications or have a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Varicose Veins Be Cured With Exercise?
No, varicose veins can't be cured with exercise because this condition is often hereditary. In addition, the valves that control blood flow through your veins deteriorate as you age which can increase your risk of developing this condition.
But they can be prevented and controlled by staying active and exercising regularly. Research shows that regular aerobic exercises such as running, biking, or swimming can help strengthen your leg muscles and improve blood flow which reduces the symptoms associated with this condition.
Varicose veins and their associated symptoms can be cured by vein surgery.
Can Varicose Veins Go Away on Their Own?
No, varicose veins cannot go away on their own but they can be treated with various treatment options. Some of the most popular methods for treating this condition include Sclerotherapy, Laser ablation, and Endovenous embolization which are performed by medical professionals.
How Can I Get Rid of Varicose Veins Without Surgery?
Varicose veins can't be cured without surgery but you can get rid of them by injecting a solution such as Sclerotherapy which is used to destroy the affected areas. But you can also use essential oils, exercise, and compression hosiery to help reduce symptoms associated with this condition.
What Is The Best Vitamin for Varicose Veins?
The best vitamins for treating varicose veins include Vitamin A, C, E, and K which have antioxidant properties that strengthen your blood vessels. Taking a multivitamin can also help with varicose veins inflammation and pain because it contains important elements such as iron, which is required for optimal blood circulation throughout the body.
How Can I Permanently Cure Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy which involves injecting a solution into the affected area in order to improve blood circulation and prevent further damage.
Research shows that this procedure is safe and effective for reducing symptoms such as pain and inflammation associated with varicose veins.
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Varicose Veins?
There isn't a vitamin deficiency that causes varicose veins specifically. But this condition is often associated with conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure which are caused by an excessive amount of stress on your vein walls due to lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of exercise. But you still need the support of Vitamins A and B12 because these two vitamins help keep your blood vessels healthy and strong so they don't develop varicose veins.
Final Thoughts
Varicose veins are one of the most common conditions associated with veins and people who suffer from this condition may benefit greatly by incorporating essential oils into their treatment plan because these natural remedies have antimicrobial properties that reduce inflammation, pain, and edema.
But keep in mind that you should never self-diagnose or attempt to treat this condition by yourself because it can cause further damage which is why you should consult with your doctor for advice on the best treatment options.
Please schedule an appointment with one of our skilled providers. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the potential causes of your varicose veins and your best treatment options.
