Swollen ankles can be an uncomfortable and painful experience. Fortunately, there are some essential oils that can offer relief. In this article, we will explore five of the best essential oils for swollen ankles and explain how to use them. We will also discuss the benefits of essential oils for swollen ankles, and provide helpful tips for selecting the right essential oils for your needs.
How often should I use essential oil on my swollen ankles?
It is recommended to use essential oils on swollen ankles up to 3 times a day. Start with a few drops of the essential oil on the skin, massaging it gently. Essential oils that are best for swollen ankles are lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
What type of essential oil is best for treating swollen ankles?
Lavender oil is considered one of the best essential oils for treating swollen ankles. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain. Other essential oils such as eucalyptus, chamomile, and peppermint can also be used to reduce swelling.
Does CBD oil help with swollen ankles?
Essential oils such as lavender oil, peppermint oil, and frankincense oil have been known to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and reduce swelling. They are also safe to use topically on the skin. While there is no scientific evidence that CBD oil specifically helps with swollen ankles, some people may find relief with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Are there any side effects associated with using essential oil on swollen ankles?
Yes, there are some side effects associated with using essential oils on swollen ankles. These may include skin irritation, an allergic reaction, or contact dermatitis. It is important to always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin, and to do a patch test before using them on a large area. The best essential oils for swollen ankles are Lavender, Frankincense, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Cypress. These oils can help reduce inflammation and pain.
What is the best way to apply essential oil to swollen ankles?
The best essential oil for swollen ankles is a combination of Lavender, Marjoram, and Cypress oil. To apply, mix 4 drops of each oil in 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil. Massage the mixture into the affected area two to three times a day.
Oedema fluid retention can occur in any part of the body, but typically develops in the legs, feet, ankles, arms and hands. This article explores the relevant anatomy and physiology, possible causes and symptoms, along with self-help remedies. Oedema is swelling or puffiness that occurs when there is a build-up of fluid in the body tissues. When oedema starts to develop, it is caused by an imbalance between the amount of fluid in the tissues and its transport system, the lymphatic system. When blood is circulated round the body, fluid known as plasma is leaked from tiny blood vessels which brings vital oxygen and nutrients to our tissues. While most of this tissue fluid returns into the blood capillary walls and back into the blood stream, some is left behind. Lymph is then transported around the lymphatic system. It is cleaned and filtered by lymph nodes and passed into lymph ducts to be returned to the blood stream. For more detailed information read our blog on the Lymphatic System. Under normal circumstances the lymph capillaries will prevent the accumulation of tissue fluid, but there are many reasons as to why oedema can still occur. For example, pregnancy, premenstrual tension, allergic reactions, injuries such as sprains and strains, medications, and underlying medical conditions such as heart problems, liver or kidney disease and certain cancers can all cause oedema. There is also an increased risk of developing oedema if you have a poor diet, a sedentary inactive lifestyle and are overweight. Other common causes are heat and standing or sitting in the same position for extended periods of time. As there are many factors that can cause oedema, it is important to see your GP if you believe you are suffering from the condition, as they will be able to diagnose whether there is an underlying cause. The main symptoms are puffiness or swelling which can cause discomfort and tightness. If the swelling occurs in the feet and lower legs it may become worse as the day progresses, making moving around more difficult. In more severe cases, left untreated, oedema can cause increased pain and stiffness, stretched, uncomfortable, itchy skin, infection in the swollen area e. In mild cases the swelling should go away on its own and there are several things that you can do to help. If you have any concerns, you should seek the advice of or your GP. To help prevent oedema in the lower limbs you should try to avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time. If you have a desk-based job, it is advisable to move around frequently throughout the day to aid lymph flow. It is squeezed through the lymph vessels when we use our muscles and lungs. Movement and exercise are therefore important for maintaining a healthy flow of lymph. I would however always recommend having a chat with your G. P before starting any kind of exercise regime to ensure that it is safe for you to do so. Wearing loose clothing can help prevent swelling. Tight clothing, especially around the abdomen, feet and ankles can restrict circulation and make it more difficult for the lymphatic system to work effectively. If you already have oedema however, your GP may advise you to wear support stockings which are specifically designed to improve circulation and reduce pain and swelling. You should also choose comfortable, wide fitting shoes with a low heel. Lying down and raising swollen limbs with pillows can help move extra fluid back towards the heart for circulation to the rest of the body. The aim is to raise the limb slightly above heart level. When sleeping, it may help to put a pillow under your legs. Dry skin brushing can help encourage lymph flow too. This can be done very easily by briskly brushing the surface of the skin with a soft brush before a shower or bath, beginning at your feet and working up the body in a direction towards the heart. Complementary health therapies may also be used to help alleviate some of the symptoms of oedema. Indeed, you may recall that in my article on massage, massage techniques, such as effleurage and petrissage, follow the venous flow of the blood along the limb to the heart. These types of techniques are used in aromatherapy massage and can support the lymphatic system by increasing lymph flow and helping lymph nodes drain. Regular aromatherapy massage treatments in which essential oils with diuretic properties are used can therefore improve the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems. The following essential oils are said to be diuretic Cypress Cupressus sempervirens Juniperberry Juniperus communis Geranium Pelargonium graveolens , Mandarin Citrus reticulata , Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis and Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis. A build-up of toxic waste can contribute towards fluid retention as the body tries to dilute the toxins to render them less harmful.
