The circulatory system is responsible for carrying blood around the body, which is how your organs and tissues get oxygen and other nutrients. Having poor circulation means that blood is not getting to where it needs to get to, which can lead to numbness, muscle cramps, pain and tingling.
What causes poor circulation?
Poor circulation is caused by various issues within the body such as blood clots, cholesterol, or narrow blood vessels. It can also be caused by health issues, including diabetes, low blood pressure, and heart disease. Regular exercise and eating a healthy balanced diet can help to improve poor circulation.
How to use essential oils for circulation
Essential oils can be used in lots of different ways to help with a whole host of health issues. Here are some of the best ways you can use essential oils to help improve poor circulation:
Diffuser
A diffuser is a very common way to utilise essential oils. Adding your chosen essential oil into a diffuser and deeply breathed in is a relaxing way to absorb your chosen oil.
Massage
You can add your chosen essential oil into a carrier oil, such as coconut or argan oil, and massage it directly onto the affected areas.
Baths
Having a warm bath is also known to help dilute blood vessels to help with blood circulation. So, you could add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to your next relaxing bath to help boost blood circulation.
Top Essential oils for circulation
Essential oils are a great natural remedy to use to help increase blood flow. Here is a list of the top essential oils you can use to help improve circulation:
Cypress essential oil
Cypress oil contains antioxidants which can help to remove toxins from the body. It can help improve circulation whilst also calming the nervous system.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus oil helps to increase the size of blood vessels, which will allow more blood to flow freely around the body.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint oil is a great essential oil to help improve circulation when applied directly onto the affected area using a carrier oil. Peppermint essential oil is also a handy essential oil to use to help relieve constipation. For more information on this, check out our blog on essential oils for constipation.
Black pepper essential oil
Black pepper oil is an earthy oil that helps to dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow. It also contains a substance known as limonene which is thought to help dissolve cholesterol.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is well known for its calming and soothing properties. This oil can help improve poor blood circulation by helping to eliminate stress, tension, and anxiety.
Ginger essential oil
Ginger oil is another oil that includes antioxidants to help remove waste from the body and can help with inflammation. When applied to the skin with a carrier oil, it can provide a pleasant warming sensation as well.
Key takeaways
There are lots of ways you can help improve circulation, including wearing compression socks, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy and balanced diet. If you were looking for another natural way to help improve blood circulation, using essential oils would be a fantastic addition to your routine. Essential oils can be used in lots of different ways and you can even amplify their effects by combining them.
As with all at home remedies however, you should consult your doctor to ensure they are safe and are right to use for your issues.
