Best Essential Oils for Varicose Veins & Spider Veins – Varicose veins and spider veins might develop as a result of aging, pregnancy, or sitting for an extended period of time. These two conditions are caused by vein weakening or injury. Varicose veins are larger, yet both are visible.
Varicose veins and spider veins are painful, so people who have them have likely looked for ways to treat them other than surgery. The usage of essential oils is a common non-medical option. But can varicose veins be treated with essential oils?
Spider Veins Causes
When the veins’ internal valves stop functioning properly, spider veins in the legs might develop. Blood is returned to the heart by veins. They have a one-way valve that closes as the blood goes through it to stop blood from flowing backward.
The blood may have trouble flowing in the right direction and may start to pool inside the vein if this valve becomes weak or is damaged. Spider veins may develop as a result of a bulge in the vein’s branching out over time.
Tiny blood vessels frequently burst, resulting in spider veins on the face. These can happen as a result of elevated pressure or UV damage.
Most spider veins are small, thin lines that can be flat or just a little bit raised. Frequently, they are red, blue, or purple. Despite the possibility of minor discomfort, they are mostly painless.
Varicose Veins Causes
Veins are in charge of sending non-oxygenated blood back toward the heart. Small valves that prevent the blood from flowing backward are scattered throughout the veins at random intervals.
However, blood can flow backward and pool if these valves become weak or are destroyed. Varicose veins may develop as a result.
Spider veins and varicose veins are both symptoms of venous insufficiency, a medical condition. Both disorders are brought on by weak or broken valves in the legs’ veins. However, the signs and symptoms of the two problems vary.
Varicose veins are veins that are bigger than normal and commonly develop in the legs. They are flesh-colored, blue, or red veins that are elevated and frequently twisted. These veins can occasionally hurt, swell, or itch.
Leg veins experience the most pressure to deliver blood to the heart, which is why varicose veins are most frequently found in the legs.
Varicose vein symptoms might vary depending on the severity of the condition. These may consist of:
- itching
- pain
- Legs or ankles that are swollen
- a heavy or aching sensation in the legs
- bleeding
A person with varicose veins may also be at an increased risk for blood clots and circulation issues.
Risk Factors
The probability that someone may have varicose veins is increased by a number of risk factors. These consist of:
- spending a lot of time sitting down
- aging, when venous valves begin to deteriorate with time
- Sun exposure, which primarily results in varicose veins on the face
- pregnant women experience increased strain on their veins due to the expanding uterus.
- being obese
- family members with varicose veins have a hereditary history
Even though varicose veins are typically not a serious health risk, they can nonetheless be bothersome and even painful. A person may occasionally have skin ulcers or sores because of inadequate blood flow in the legs.
Prevention
In order to prevent spider veins from forming or worsening, it is recommended to make certain change to one’s lifestyle and self-care practices. These consist of:
- Limiting alcohol intake: For certain people, drinking alcohol can lead to facial flushing and blood vessel damage.
- Getting to or maintaining a healthy weight: This eases pressure on the veins and maintains blood flowing freely.
- Staying active: Avoid remaining stationary for long stretches of time without taking a break.
- Exercise on a regular basis: Exercise can assist to increase circulation and stop blood from collecting in the legs.
- Avoid wearing clothing that is overly tight around the waist, legs, or pelvis, as this might impede blood flow and raise the possibility of developing spider veins.
- Compression stockings: If you have spider veins or varicose veins, or if you have a family history of them, you might want to wear compression stockings or socks.
- Elevating the legs: When sitting or lying down, elevating the legs can assist prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities.
- Applying sunscreen every day, especially on the face, can help prevent spider veins. When spending a lot of time outside, wear sun-protective apparel and helmets.
- Using cover-up products: People may want to temporarily hide or decrease their spider veins if their look is a cause for concern. This can also be accomplished using self-tanning products.
- Avoid using hot tubs and saunas too frequently. The risk of dilated and bulging veins in the legs increases when the body is exposed to high temperatures.
- Contacting a dermatologist: People who have skin problems like rosacea, which can make spider veins more likely, may want to think about speaking with a doctor or dermatologist about treatment options.
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Effective Treatment
Medical Treatment
People with severe varicose veins may want to get medical attention to help them look better and feel better. A doctor might suggest any of the following:
- Stripping and ligature. The varicose veins are surgically removed during this operation.
- Sclerotherapy. The veins are sealed off and reduced in size during this process using a specific foam.
- Vein surgery using endoscopy. To aid the surgeon’s vision during the procedure, a tiny video camera is put into the leg. The veins are then removed using a succession of tiny incisions.
- Phlebectomy performed en route. A doctor will make small incisions in the skin here to remove the varicose veins. Afterward, scarring is typically not severe.
- Ablation using endothermy. The damaged veins are sealed during this operation using heat.
- Laser procedures. Here, the vein is exposed to powerful flashes of light, which cause it to rapidly deteriorate and vanish.
Home Treatment
If you dont want to go to hospital, the following are some home remedies that may help you who suffer from spider and varicose veins:
- Compression stockings
Most pharmacies sell compression stockings, which work by exerting pressure on the legs. This helps the blood flow toward the heart through the veins and muscles.
According to a 2018 study, persons who wore knee-high compression stockings for a week at a pressure of 18 to 21 mmHg experienced less pain and hurting from varicose veins.
- Keep your legs up
Circulation can be aided by keeping the legs raised, ideally at a level equal to or higher than the heart. As a result, the pressure in the leg veins is reduced, and gravity will aid in the blood’s easy return to the heart.
If a person will be sitting down for an extended amount of time, such as while working or relaxing, they should try to keep their legs raised.
- Continue to move
Spend as little time as possible sitting still. Aim to get up and walk around or change positions frequently if you have to sit for lengthy periods of time at work to maintain the blood flowing freely.
Avoid sitting with your legs crossed as this can further reduce blood flow to your feet and legs, which could make circulation issues worse.
- Massage
The blood flow via the veins can be maintained by gently rubbing the afflicted areas. For best results, one should apply moisturizer or mild massage oils.
But it is important not to press directly on the veins, as this could damage the fragile cells.
- Use essential oils for varicose veins
To relieve the uncomfortable vascular problem known as varicose veins, essential oils can be a calming, aromatic, and effective solution.
Essential oils have provided a comprehensive treatment for enlarged veins and can frequently lessen or even completely get rid of the edema, itchiness, and irritation that come along with the problem.
Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin as a topical massage therapy to relieve the discomfort caused by varicose veins while also smoothing the skin.
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Essential Oils for Varicose Veins
There isn’t any published scientific data on the essential oils for varicose veins, as is the case with many alternative treatments.
Therefore, applying essential oils to your legs won’t cause your blood to cease pooling or fix your broken vein. Only a vein therapy administered by a vein clinic specialist can effectively treat varicose veins.
Theoretically, essential oils that are used to promote blood flow, lessen edema, and lessen discomfort might be beneficial.
Essential oils are extracted from plants such as flowers, herbs, and trees. Alternative therapies frequently make use of these oils. Since the dosages and accompanying instructions are not regulated, a person should see a doctor before using essential oils.
The following are a few of the essential oils that have been investigated in relation to varicose veins and related signs, such as leg swelling:
Essential oil of horse chestnut
Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) can be made into a pill, tincture, or topical gel for application to the skin. It might be helpful in lessening itching, swelling, and pain.
Topical applications of HCSE have been shown to aid with the symptoms of varicose veins, including leg swelling, leg pain, itching, and heaviness, according to a study in the journal Advances in Therapy.
Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, it is believed that HCSE prevents the capillaries, which are tiny segments of veins, from disintegrating.
Essential oil from grape vine
The swelling in a person’s legs, including varicose vein-related swelling, may be reduced with grape vine essential oil.
Taking red grape vine extract at doses of 360 to 720 milligrams per day helped to reduce lower leg swelling associated with poor blood flow through the veins, also known as venous insufficiency, which is a common cause of varicose veins, according to a study published in the Journal of the German Society of DermatologyReliable Source.
Essential oil of lavender
Aromatherapy uses lavender essential oil to treat pain and inflammation. According to a 2012 study trusted source, lavender oil can shorten the size and length of ulcers. Varicose vein complications frequently involve skin ulceration.
Research about Lavender and the Nervous System said that lavender oil has calming and analgesic properties, which may help you manage the pain from varicose veins.
Serotonin and GABA, two brain chemicals linked to pain alleviation, are considered to be affected by lavender.
When massaged into the feet or other affected regions, lavender may help to lessen pain and the size of skin ulcers.
Essential oil of yarrow
Traditionally, yarrow plant known to be best oil for varicose veins. It could help to lessen symptoms if yarrow is applied to the skin above varicose veins.
Essential oil from sea pine
According to Research from JDDG, sea pine essential oil may help people with leg edema, or swelling, by reducing it.
2018 research demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of maritime pine oil, sometimes referred to as sea pine bark essential oil.
In addition, this study discovered that sea pine bark oil reduced edema associated with chronic venous insufficiency, which can result in varicose veins, better than horse chestnut extract. However, since only 40 participants were evaluated in this study, more study is required.
The Correct Way to Use Essential Oils
After knowing the essential oils to get rid of spider veins & varicose veins, there are methods for applying essential oils suggested by West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy:
- You can make a warm or cold compress by soaking a cloth in a solution of five drops of essential oils and one liter of water. Spend 15 minutes with the compress on the injured area. Maintain an elevated position while applying.
- 3 tablespoons of carrier oil should be mixed with up to 30 drops of essential oil. Olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil are examples of common carrier oils. You can also mix the oils with cocoa or shea butter. Massage the affected area in the direction of your heart using the combination.
- Add a few drops of carrier oil to up to eight drops of essential oil. Warm bathwater is added to the concoction.
- Add up to eight drops of essential oils that have been diluted to a sitz bath to alleviate hemorrhoids (varicose veins of the anus).
- To utilize essential oils for pain relief and to promote relaxation:
- Use an inhaler tube or the bottle’s opening to take a breath.
- Apply on a cotton pad or handkerchief, then inhale.
- Use a room diffuser to diffuse.
Essential oil risks
Essential oils are not governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. These oils do, however, fall under the GRAS classification, which stands for “generally regarded as safe.”
- The application of citrus oils may increase the UV sensitivity of the skin.
- Some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation after applying essential oils to their skin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin burning, a quick heartbeat, breathing difficulties, hives, skin irritation, and rash. Before using the oil, a patch test should always be conducted. In order to check for swelling or allergic reactions, a tiny patch of skin must be treated with an essential oil and left exposed overnight.
- Although they can be harmful when consumed, essential oils rarely have severe adverse effects other than nausea and vomiting.