Using Essential Oils for Varicose Veins
The following are a few suggestions on how to use essential oils topically for the treatment of varicose veins.
Soak a cloth or muslin cloth in a blend of five drops of essential oils of your choice and 1 litre of water. This can be warm or cool water. Any of the oils listed above may help in your treatment. Elevate your legs for 15 minutes whilst applying the compress to the affected area.
Pick a carrier oil of your choice and dilute up to 8 drops of essential oil within a small amount of it. Carrier oils commonly used include jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, and sweet almond oil. However, you may want to use grapeseed oil as your carrier oil. Grape seed extract is said to contain compounds that increase elasticity in blood vessels. You can then add your creation to your bathwater for a soothing, hopefully, pain-relieving soak.
Take roughly 3 tablespoons of carrier oil and combine this with your chosen carrier oil. Other suggestions include coconut oil, argan oil and evening primrose oil. These are all anti-inflammatory. Give the affected area a massage in the direction of your heart.
Practical Lifestyle Tips
Use these following tips to help in the treatment of varicose veins
Exercise regularly to increase circulation. Also, maintaining a healthy weight leads to better vein health.
Wear loose-fitting clothes to increase blood flow and range of motion. These are vital for vein health.
Replace white carbs with whole-wheat or brown carbs. This change should increase blood flow.
Cut down on your sugar because this places added stress on your vascular system.
Eat rutin-rich foods. Rutin is a flavonoid found in certain fruit and vegetables, which supports the smooth running of the circulatory system. The University of Maryland Medical Center made a statement: ‘a number of studies have shown that flavonoids that come from rutin relieve swelling, aching and pain from varicose veins.’ Foods rich in rutin include blackberries, apricots, apples and grapes.
Elevate your legs to keep your blood circulating. Poor circulation leads to blood pooling in the veins in your legs, which can be a cause of varicose veins.
Ask your doctor about wearing compression stockings. These are specialised socks to help improve poor circulation, prevent blood from pooling and can help reduce the symptoms of pain and swelling that can come with varicose veins.