- Do Essential Oils Really Work To Treat Spider Veins?
- How To Use Essential Oils to Treat Spider Veins?
- How To Use Essential Oil To Relieve Pain and Increase Calm
- What Are The Best Essential Oils for Venous Disease?
- Can Essential Oils Stimulate and Boost Blood Circulation?
- Are There Risks Associated With The Use of Essential Oils?
- Can I Use Essential Oils If Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
- Other Remedies and Treatments to Help Reduce Spider Veins
- Can I Prevent Spider Veins?
Spider veins, while unsightly and unwanted, are prevalent. Many vein specialists can help, but if you prefer a more natural option, essential oils may be all that is needed.
Can Essential Oils Treat Spider Veins?
Several essential oils can naturally treat spider veins. Look for the following properties when considering essential oils for spider veins:
- Venous decongestant: to help thin the blood and work against poor circulation
- Circulatory stimulant: to increase blood circulation
- Astringent action: to tone, tighten and strengthen vein walls
- Anti-inflammatory: to reduce inflammation in the body
Do Essential Oils Really Work To Treat Spider Veins?
As is often found with homeopathic, alternative remedies, there is no scientific research to prove the efficacy of essential oils and their impact on spider vein.
Anecdotally, many people have found that certain essential oils have properties that can boost circulation, reduce swelling/inflammation, and lower pain.
How To Use Essential Oils to Treat Spider Veins?
Essential oils should be used topically to treat spider veins. Below are instructions on how to use essential oils topically:
- Soak a warm or cold compress cloth in a blend of 1 liter of water and 5 drops of essential oil. Apply the compress for 15 minutes at a time and keep your legs elevated.
- Combine 3 tablespoons of carrier oil, such as almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil or olive oil, with 30 drops of essential oil. Additionally, 30 drops of essential oil may be added to cocoa butter or shea butter. Use the mixture to massage the area in need, always moving in the direction of your heart.
- Run a bath of warm water and add up to 8 drops of essential oil in a small amount of carrier oil.
Incorporating essential oils into your daily routine, specifically, oils that help to improve stronger and more elastic veins can help minimize the development or progression of spider veins.
How To Use Essential Oil To Relieve Pain and Increase Calm
The following steps can help relieve pain and induce a sense of calmness:
- Diffuse essential oil using a room diffuser
- Apply essential oil to a cotton pad, handkerchief, and inhale deeply
- Inhale essential oil directly from the bottle or inhaler tube
What Are The Best Essential Oils for Venous Disease?
The best essential oils to decongest poor blood circulation after standing or sitting for prolonged periods are:
- Cypress
- Grapefruit
- Lemongrass
- Sage
- Sandalwood
- Helichrysum
- Rock Rose (also known as Cistus)
- Valor
- Yarrow
Can Essential Oils Stimulate and Boost Blood Circulation?
While essential oils can be used as a venous decongestant, many essential oils can provide a boost to your circulation in the legs. When appropriately used, the following essential oils use their vaso-dilating/constricting qualities that will increase blood flow toward the heart and prevent pooling.
The best essential oils for increased circulation:
- Basil
- Black Pepper
- Cedarwood
- Cypress
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Helichrysum
- Hyssop
- Juniper Berry
- Laurel
- Lemon (use steam distilled unless the area is covered with clothing to avoid direct exposure to sunlight)
- Lime (do not expose areas of application to sunlight to reduce risk of burning)
- Myrrh
- Orange
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rock Rose
- Rosemary
- Wintergreen
What Are The Best Astringent Essential Oils for Strengthening Veins?
The following essential oils will help tighten and strengthen damaged vein walls:
- Black spruce
- Clary sage
- Lemon
- Mandarin
- Myrrh
- Rock Rose
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Yarrow
What Are the Best Anti-Inflammatory Essential Oils?
Lowering inflammation levels will reduce the likelihood of developing and worsening of spider veins. The following essential oils are recommended to reduce inflammation:
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus Globulus
- German Chamomile
- Ginger
- Helichrysum
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Peppermint
- Roman Chamomile
- Thyme
- Yarrow
Are There Risks Associated With The Use of Essential Oils?
Essential oils are safe to use externally; however, undiluted essential oil applied directly to the skin may cause irritation or burning. Even worse, essential oils may be toxic if ingested or swallowed, leading to nausea and vomiting. Please use care when applying or using oils.
Also, there is always a chance of an allergic reaction. Watch for the following symptoms:
- Skin burning
- Skin irritation or redness
- Rash
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
Practitioners recommend to always test a diluted mixture of the desired essential oil on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no underlying allergies.
Can I Use Essential Oils If Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
It is recommended that you contact your doctor or trained aromatherapist before the use of essential oils if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Factors That Cause Spider Veins:
Several risk factors increase your chances of developing spider veins, such as:
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy
- Pressure due to constipation
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Poor posture
Other Remedies and Treatments to Help Reduce Spider Veins
There are lifestyle changes that you can make that will help reduce the development of spider veins:
- Avoided prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Avoid wearing clothing that is tight around the waist and legs
- Elevate your legs when possible
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Use compression stockings
- Avoid dehydrating substances such as caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid overly refined, processed and high-sugar foods
Can I Prevent Spider Veins?
While genetics, age, and occupation may put you at an increased risk for developing spider veins, there are steps you can take to help minimize or prolong the onset:
- Increase your fiber intake to prevent constipation
- Increase your daily activity levels to promote healthy circulation in the legs
- Use a timer to remind you to get up and move each hour if your job required prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Choose a low heel shoe as opposed to high heels
- Avoid sitting with legs crossed
- Avoid a low-salt diet to prevent water retention and swelling
Additional Treatments for Spider Veins
Outside of essential oils, below are other treatments available to reduce the appearance of spider veins:
- Compression Stockings
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser Treatments
Citations
Veinly uses medical reviewed journals, medical research, and has strict editorial review guidelines by medical professionals. You can read more about our editorial policy and how our writers produce content for Veinly.
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