10 Effective Essential Oils for Varicose Veins That You Must Try

Updated on April 16th, 2020
essential oils for varicose veins

To cure a disease, we first need to know what that disease is and what causes it. Varicose (as in Oxford Dictionary) means “swollen, twisted and lengthened as a result of poor circulation especially in veins”. Our veins have a leaf-like closing to prevent blood from flowing back to the heart but when leg muscles push the blood against gravity leading to enlargement of the leaf-like opening causing the blood to collect this is varicose veins.

It is known as varicose veins and blood clots. The actual cause of this disease is the collection of blood in the vessels. Here are some essential oils for varicose veins.

It is a human tendency whenever we have an issue with our body any kind of ache or pain severe or minor our mind tends to work in the same direction thinking about the pain and therefore releasing chemicals that signal the brain and hence increases the intensity of varicose veins pain. Essential oils help in altering our mind with the fragrance of the oils and releasing feel-good hormones thereby reducing the varicose veins pain.

[Read: Essential Oils to Treat Blisters ]

What Essential Oils Are Good for Varicose Veins?

1. Cypress Oil

Originating from the East, the tree is perennial and conical shaped, also found in the Mediterranean region.

Why Does it Work?

The diuretic and styptic properties of cypress oil help in varicose veins(1). Being diuretic in nature the oil helps in the removal of excess water and salt which causes water retention, one of the causes of varicose veins.

In order to release the stored blood from the vessels, it is essential to activate the circulatory system of our body, and this work is done by cypress essential oils for varicose veins. The styptic (meaning ability to constrict blood vessels) property of this oil helps in the stimulation of blood.

[Read: Natural Treatments for Varicose Veins ]

How to Use?

Though this oil is not- irritant, non-sensitizing but it is best to avoid during pregnancy. The oil is directly applicable to the skin.

  • Take a few drops of oil in your hand.
  • Gently massage over the affected area.

2. Helichrysum Oil

helichrysum oil for varicose veins

Why Does it Work?

The helichrysum oil(2) is vastly known for healing damaged skin and other skin-related conditions including varicose veins. It has anticoagulant properties that help in decreasing the clotting of blood and inflammation. It also improves blood circulation throughout the body.

[Read: Essential Oils for Bladder Infection ]

How to Use?

  • Take some oil in your palm and rub it between them.
  • Then, apply it on the affected area.
  • Regularly massaging will also help in the circulation of blood and turn, cure varicose veins.

3. Peppermint Oil

Why Does it Work?

Peppermint oil is widely known for its cooling and soothing properties. It helps in reducing pain and discomfort by aiding in blood circulation. The oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation.

How to Use?

  • Warm the oil and rub it onto your palms
  • Gently massage on the affected area regularly for great results

4. Tea Tree Oil

tea tree oil for varicose veins

Why Does it Work?

Aloe-vera and tea tree oil can be used together to help combat varicose veins successfully. Research has revealed that they maintain control of inflammation, swelling, redness, and discomfort in cases of mild to moderate varicose veins.

How to Use?

  • Create a hot or cold compress by dissolving 15 drops of tea tree oil in one-liter water.
  • Apply this compress to the affected area for 15 minutes.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender(3) derives from the Latin name lavare meaning “to wash”. It is a flower known for its mint and sweet smell and is found in the Mediterranean region and is found to have multiple uses. The oil comes from the foliage of the flower.

Why Does it Work?

The oil is said to reduce varicose veins pain and to swell in the affected areas. It is found that the oil affects brain chemicals such as serotonin and GABA, which are associated with pain relief feeling in the body.

[Read: Benefits of Using Lavender Oil ]

How to Use?

  • Mix three-four drops of the oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
  • Rub it gently over the affected area for a few minutes.
  • Do this massage once every day till you achieve desired comfort.

6. Horse Chestnut

horse chestnut oil to varicose veins

Why Does it Work?

The extracts can be prepared as a topical gel, oral tincture, or tablet. They have shown results in improving swelling, leg pain and itching, and heaviness.

How to Use?

  • Take some oil on your palm and rub it to warm it a little.
  • Then apply it on the affected area and massage for some time.

[Read: Horse Chestnut Benefits]

7. Yarrow Oil

Why Does it Work?

Yarrow Oil is also known as milfoil referring to its appearance and was also used as a charm in Scotland. This oil originates from perennial herbs that grow up to 1-meter height and has many ferns like feathery leaves. Yarrow oil is extracted by steam distillation of dried herb. Do not use this oil during pregnancy. The oil improves blood circulation thereby healing varicose veins.

How to Use?

  • The oil blends well with angelica, cedarwood, oakmoss, and verbena.
  • After diluting the oil apply it on the affected area for 10 minutes.
  • Alternatively, one can mix 15 drops of yarrow oil in 1-liter water and use it as compression on the affected area.

[ Read: Yarrow Essential Oil Benefits ]

8. Sea Pine Oil

sea pine oil for varicose veins

It is extracted from the needles and bark of the plants by the method of Steam or Hydro distillation. The shelf life of this oil is three years. Sea pine oil is beneficial in flu and respiratory infections.

Why Does it Work?

Research suggests that sea pine reduces swelling and edema. The bark oil of sea pine is said to contain anti-inflammatory properties and reduces swelling thereby curing varicose veins.

[Read: Oils That Clear Age Spots ]

How to Use?

  • Dilute the oil with eight drops in a carrier oil and then massage in the direction of the heart.
  • To relieve varicose veins of the anus, mix the oil with the bathwater.

9. Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil has a sweet apple-like fragrance and is very light bright blue. The oil is extracted from the flowers by steam distillation. It is one of the natural remedies for varicose veins.

Why Does it Work?

Chamomile oil is said to promote blood circulation, reduces inflammation and clears out varicose veins, this oil is a component of every pain relief, and this strengthens blood vessels also contributing in the prevention of varicose veins.

How to Use?

  • Add five drops each of chamomile oil, cypress oil and Neroli essential oil to 30 ml of Jojoba oil.
  • Apply it daily to reduce or prevent varicose veins.

10. Lemongrass Oil

lemongrass oil for varicose veins

It has insect repellent properties to ensure that while you cure varicose veins, insects or mosquitoes do not disturb you.

Why Does it Work?

Lemongrass oil has anti-inflammatory properties which make it useful in the treatment of varicose veins. The leaves of lemongrass are dried and distilled to extract oil from lemongrass.

[Read: Benefits of Oregano Oil for Warts ]

How to Use?

  • Make the mixture of diluted lemongrass oil with a small amount of carrier oil
  • Then massage it on the affected area for 15 minutes

Side effects

All essential oils for varicose veins have the potential to cause a skin reaction, or inflammation symptoms include Rash, Hives, Skin burning, and Difficulty in breathing, rapid heart rate. It is advised to test the essential oil on a small patch on your skin.

If your skin shows no symptoms mentioned above then it can be applied to the larger area but, if it reacts then it’s better or shows signs, then you should discontinue the use of oil and contact a doctor. If you are new to essential oils for varicose veins, then understand its usage effects and side effects before including it to your routine.


FAQs

1. Should you massage varicose veins?

No, you shouldn’t. There has been a particular myth that massaging your varicose veins would cure it, however, massage could only help deal with the symptoms such as swelling and/or discomfort, however, there is no direct correlation in it curing the disease.

2. What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?

If the symptomatic veins are left untreated, they could lead to serious complications such as rashes, bleeding, sores, and blood clots.

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