Chic & Health

Varicose veins, poor circulation, swollen ankles, chillblains and discoloration of the legs can all be assisted by using aromatherapy.

Body Oils

Spread the oil evenly all over the legs. Sit up and work firmly up and down the legs using a massage movement, crossing hands backwards and forwards, Lying down, massage the legs as if you were putting on stockings, from foot to thigh.

Lotions

Use either peppermint or geranium clay lotion. Use old stockings, wrung out in water and then soaked in lotion. Put these on and then sit or lie down with the legs raised and leave for one hour or until dry.

Bath Oils

Soak in a bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Never take too hot a bath, especially if you have varicose veins as this can aggravate the condition.

Heavy, Aching Legs

These are due to poor blood circulation, which often results in cold feet and blue or mauve legs. In the morning apply body oil made up of essential oil of cypress, geranium, sandalwood and sage in soy bean vegetable oil.

In the evening alternate between a lavender bath, a rosemary bath and a plain clay compress. Finish by massaging geranium body oil all over the body.

Swollen Ankles and Feet

This is due to excessive infiltration of fat or fluid retention.

In the mornings massage the legs with a body oil, made up of a mixture of geranium, rosemary and sandalwood in soy bean oil.

In the evenings alternate between a rosemary bath, plain clay lotion compresses, a sage bath and peppermint compresses. Finish by massaging rosemary oil all over the body.

Thread Veins and Varicose Veins

These are cause by the fragility of veins and poor circulation.

In the mornings, gently apply to the legs a body oil made up of essential oils of cypress, geranium, lavender and rosemary in soy vegetable oil.

In the evenings, alternate between a sage bath, geranium clay lotion compresses, a rosemary bath and plain clay lotion compresses. Finish by applying geranium body oil all over the body.

Discolored Patches on the Legs

These can be due to ulceration, burns and poor circulation.

In the mornings, alternate between using sandalwood body oil and juniper body oil.

In the evening, alternate between a lavender bath, plain clay compresses, a sage bath and peppermint clay lotion compresses. Finish alternately with juniper body oil or sandalwood body oil and massage all over the body.

Chilblains

Chilblains are an inflamed condition of the skin. They are generally found on the feet but can also occur on the hands. They are due to a number of things, including defective circulation, a lack of vitamins and a poor state of general health.

In the mornings, apply thyme and lavender oil and over the legs.

In the evenings alternate between a pine bath, pine body oil, a lavender bath. After a bath, finish by applying geranium oil all over the body.

Try to avoid sitting with crossed legs as this can hinder circulation. Changes in temperature can also mean problems for your legs. Sleep with feet raised when sleeping and put your feet up as often as possible during the day. Do not wear tight clothing or footwear as they would impede both the circulation and lymph flow. A sensible diet and mild exercise can also be a great help.

For more information about aromatherapy visit us at http://www.aromahome.org