Summary
see also Cholesterol
control, Heart disease
Poor circulation or limited blood flow is typically
noticed in the limbs. The legs, feet, or hands may
have pain or cramping accompanied by a feeling heaviness
and/or fatigue caused by the insufficient blood flow.
With the legs often the pain in the calf, thigh, or buttocks
will be more intense while walking or climbing but then will
be reduced when the physical exertion is stopped. If
this is a chronic condition and is not remedied it can lead
to
even more serious health concerns such as kidney problems,
varicose veins, slow healing or open ulcers, hypertension,
or even a stroke.
The most common type of poor circulation problem is
peripheral arterial disease or PAD that is caused by
atherosclerosis or the build up of plaque in the arteries.
As the fatty plaque builds up and then hardens the blood
vessels are constricted and at some point are not able to
carry the amount of blood required. The reasons for
plaque build up are well know and include a poor diet,
smoking, lack of exercise, and being overweight. Some
are genetically inclined and men and those middle aged and
beyond are more at risk.
[search helps:
thrombophlebitis, claudication]
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
AromaTouch, Citrus Bliss, coriander, cypress, eucalyptus,
frankincense, geranium, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram,
OnGuard
Essential oils based
products:
Life Long Vitality supplements
Also consider:
Suggested protocols:
For the long term help with atheriosclerosis
•
By far the most oft mentioned suggestion is to
consistently use the Life Long Vitality supplements
(that include the Omega 3). See also
controlling
cholesterol.
For immediate relief:
•
Some suggest massaging into the feet, legs, or arms cypress
or OnGuard (others have used coriander, lemongrass, or the
AromaTouch blend)
• For
more difficult situations make a blend of equal drops of
cypress, marjoram, lemongrass, and frankincense. Rub it onto
the heart area and the bottom of the feet.
Attributed to Dr. Hill is this
simplified procedure for “neuropathy of the feet” that some
find helpful for improved circulation:
· rub 2-4 drops Balance
into the feet
· rub 2-4 drops
each of basil, cypress, and marjoram into one foot
· finish with 2-4 drops
peppermint then cover with hot
moist towel and perhaps a dry towel to keep the heat in for
the longest time.
· repeat
on other foot.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Lehuah - My dad has
poor circulation in his legs due to his heart working at
25%. His legs swell from fluid retention and then oozes
liquid. He gets sores from it. What oils can he use?
Esther - I know cypress is good for
circulation.
Pat - Cypress is good and you might want
to try a blend that will help with what heart muscle he has
left. Equal drops of cypress, marjoram, lemongrass and
frankincense. Rub it on the heart area and the bottom of his
feet. Use OnGuard and FCO (fractionated coconut oil) on his
legs. And if after all these oils you could convince him to
go on the supplements (LLV) he will find some success in
taking care of his health. These are suggestions only.
Meredith - I have a
good family friend whose husband has congestive heart
failure and was newly diagnosed with stage 4 renal failure.
Is there any, any at all, oils that would help him? He is in
his late 40's or early 50's. He had 2 brothers die from
this, both of them around his age. He is stubborn as far as
taking care of himself.
Dot - I would say start with the
AromaTouch therapy. Wow - that’s my age, helichrysum
for one, it has strong cardio-vascular and lymphatic actions
such as: arteriosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, hypertension,
congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, thrombosis,
embolisms, liver disorders, and phlebitis. It has been used
for hematoma (swelling or blood-filled tumor) and bleeding.
Helichrysum improves circulation and reduces blood
viscosity. Ylang ylang has been used traditionally to
balance heart function. · Marjoram helps smooth muscle
tissue (heart). · Cypress improves circulation and lymphatic
drainage. Rosemary is powerful for heart conditions. Use
these oils separately or in a blend of equal amounts and
massage them over the heart area, along the carotid artery
areas (side of neck), and/or the reflexology points in the
feet, hand, or ear.
Cowgirl - My
husband has extremely cold feet. They are ice cold
most the time. We think it may be due to poor circulation in
his feet and legs. I also think he has restless leg
syndrome. Any suggestions of what oils to use to try
and help this situation out would be greatly appreciated.
Dian - OnGuard helps warm my feet that
are cold most of the time. I put it on the bottom of my
feet and put socks on. There is also a protocol for
neuropathy that might help his circulation. My husband uses
it even though he does not have neuropathy just poor
circulation from diabetes.
Editorial Note - This is the protocol
used for neuropathy mentioned above. 2-4 drops
Balance, rub into feet, Next, on one foot, add the next
three oils, either separately or combined: 2-4 drops
cypress, 2-4 drops basil, 2-4 drops marjoram, finish with
2-4 drops peppermint. Finally cover with hot moist towel and
perhaps a dry towel to keep the heat in for the longest
time. Repeat on other foot.
Carol - For poor circulation, cypress
should be used. Also, I have RLS, I take the supplements
and no more RLS!
Janet - I too have cold feet 24/7 365!
I was teaching a class last night and reading over my notes
from several classes I attended and saw that I had written
lemongrass for cold feet. So, I just tried it just now (cuz
of course my feet are cold) and they did warm up. And not
so much that I'm uncomfortable.
Pat – Coriander is known to help with
poor circulation.
Tara - I am not
sure if this is related to blood circulation, and if its not
I would still like to know what would be good for it. There
are times in the morning when I wake up and my hands are
numb. The pin and needles feeling, that won't go away till I
get up and get going. What oils would anyone recommend?
Kendra - I know that cypress is great
for circulation. Also how about frankincense?
Pat - You might get results from using
cypress and lavender with a small amount of carrier oil,
rubbed on the chest two to three times a day and again
before going to bed. Also put cypress and lemon on the
bottom of your feet.
Rob - Single oils that are mentioned in
gift of the earth as possibly helping with circulation are
helichrysum, marjoram, cypress, lemon, orange, grapefruit
and clove. The strong representation of citrus oils makes
it logical to assume that Citrus Bliss would be a good
blend. And for sure AromaTouch (marjoram, cypress,
grapefruit, peppermint, etc) would be excellent. Augment it
with helichrysum if you want.
I have personally have experience helping someone recover
from major circulation problems in one of his legs.
Consistent application of helichrysum, cypress and
marjoram, topically are helping. I would also recommend
taking lemon and/or peppermint internally.
My wife has trouble with her arms sometimes falling
asleep at night, even when she is careful not to sleep on
them. We have had very good success using AromaTouch on her
shoulders and arms. I would apply before bed and in the
morning. Aggressive massage by another person would be
ideal.
Ready, Set, Grow
