Top 5 Essential Oils for Swollen Feet and Ankles
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November 28, 2017
10 Essential Oils for Varicose Veins
December 5, 2017
Best Essential Oils for Swollen Feet and Ankles!
I guess you are here because you are looking for essential oils for swollen feet and ankles! If that is true, then you are at the right place.
We are going to discuss the essential oils that are used to reduce swelling in the legs and ankles and how to use them in this post! So keep reading!
Swollen feet and or ankles can be painful and discomforting. However, swelling is not really a disease in itself.
Rather it is often a symptom of a disease or an indication that something is NOT functioning properly in your body!
My feet usually swell up when I sit in a confined position for a long period of time… most often when I go on a long journey sitting for hours in an airplane or bus/car.
I have come to realize that my swollen feet are as a result of poor circulation because of limited mobility on board an airplane or bus/car.
Possible Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles
There are also several reasons why your feet or ankles can swell and they include:
- Poor circulation
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention
- Varicose veins
The above list covers just the more common causes for swelling ONLY TO FEET AND ANKLES. It does not cover Lymphedema, Venous insufficiency, and other less common and more serious causes of swelling. This post concentrates on the more common causes of swelling to the feet and ankle area only!
ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR ANY NEW OR WORSENING SYMPTOMS BEFORE TRYING ANY NEW OR NATURAL HOME REMEDIES!
5 Best Essential Oils for Swollen Feet and Ankles
#1. Cypress
Cypress is a good essential oil for swollen feet and ankles because it is thought to regulate blood flow. Remember that poor circulation is one of the reasons swelling occurs.
Cypress oil is also used for it’s reportedly hemostatic and astringent properties. As an astringent, it is said cypress helps to stimulate the contraction in the muscles and blood vessels, thereby promoting blood flow.
Plant Therapy Cypress Essential Oil. 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade. 10 ml (1/3 oz).
The astringent and hemostatic properties of cypress oil are thought to work together in synergy to help maintain normal blood flow. This consequently helps to reduce swelling.
This makes it particularly helpful for swellings caused by varicose veins! Making it a popular essential oil by those with varicose veins.
Cypress is also thought to have and is used for its diuretic properties. Having diuretic properties mean it would be helpful for getting rid of excess water and toxins from your body, thereby helping to reduce swelling.
Another attribute that makes cypress helpful for swollen feet and ankles is its reportedly sudorific effect. This simply means that it is thought to help stimulate sweating, which is also helpful in reducing swelling.
Cypress is also used to relieve muscle spasms, which makes it an essential oil used by many for Restless Legs Syndrome as well as leg cramps.
#2. Lavender
The health benefits of lavender essential oil cannot be over-emphasized! In fact, it is one of the most common and versatile EOs because of its many uses and benefits. Lavender has calming and soothing properties that make it ideal for relieving stress, anxiety and pain.
Lavender EO can be used for arthritis pain, muscle aches and pains, backache and many other types of pain. It is one of the best essential oils for swollen feet and ankles because of its believed ability to stimulate blood flow.
#3. Peppermint
Peppermint has an icy-hot cooling sensation that can have a soothing and calming effect on the body, thus making it a popular choice for relieving pains.
It is also a strong penetrating essential oil that is used to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, and is noted by many for being helpful in reducing swelling.
This is why I chose it to be included as a natural treatment for swollen feet and ankles.
Other believed benefits and uses of peppermint include soothing sore muscles and joints, clearing mucus and congestion as well as respiratory support.
Peppermint has been used to relieve fever, support digestion and ease nausea among other benefits.
It is important to keep the dilution percentage low when using peppermint oil. Too strong of dilution can cause burning and pain! 1% to 2% dilution is what I use at the most. Remember more drops doesn’t always mean better results!!
Also, very important to keep peppermint essential oil away from young children. It can be neurotoxic to children under the age of five!
Plant Therapy Organic Essential Oil, Peppermint, 0.33 Ounce
#4. Juniper Berry
Juniper Berry is used for it’s reportedly antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought to be a natural pain reliever.
It also is thought to be an astringent. It is used to stimulate warmth and boost circulation, thereby to help reduce swelling and I feel works great for cold hands and feet.
Juniper is also used to relieving muscle cramps and other conditions associated with poor circulation such as arthritis. Other benefits that Juniper is thought to help include clearing infections (colds and flu) and respiratory support, especially for congestion.
#5. Helichrysum Italicum
Helichrysum Italicum has cooling and soothing properties that are thought to heal and restore our body from the inside out!
This is because it is felt it heals both emotional and physical wounds. It is used to calm inflammation, soothe skin irritation and calm the mind. Helichrysum is used also to fight inflammation, relieve pain, increase circulation, reduce swelling and soothe sore muscles.
How to Use Essential Oils for Swollen Feet and Ankles
I suggest using the following two steps to help swollen feet and ankles and they are:
- Foot Soak
- Massage
Foot Soak Blend Recipe
- 1 drop cypress
- 1 drop lavender
- 1 drop peppermint
- 1 drop juniper berry
Direction
Dilute the essential oils in a small amount of carrier oil. Pour warm water into a bowl (enough to cover your ankles).
Put a few round small pebbles in the water and add the essential oil blend. Gently roll your soles over the pebbles for a few minutes (this helps to stimulate circulation). Then soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Dry your feet and use the blend below to massage your feet!
Massage Oil Recipe for Swollen Feet and Ankles
- 5 drops helichrysum Italicum
- 5 drops cypress
- 1 drops peppermint
- 5 drops juniper berry
- 30 ml carrier oil
Direction
Blend the carrier oil and essential oils together in a glass bottle. Use a small portion to massage your feet and ankles starting from your feet, to your ankles and up to your knees. Resting with your feet up after the massage will be very helpful!
I have concentrated on using essential oils for foot and ankle swelling in this blog. Other important things to remember to do include elevating your lower extremities, as much as possible, and keep moving.
Exercise, such as walking, can get the blood circulating and help reduce swelling. Check with your physician before starting any exercise program!
You may also consider wearing compression socks because they help to increase circulation and reduce swelling.
Compression Socks for Men & Women, L/XL7 Pairs Compression Socks For Women and Men, Small / Medium
Safety First When Using Essential Oils
If you have never used a certain essential oil it is important to do a skin patch test prior to topically using! See my sections on topical use and other essential oil safety concerns:
- 8 Essential Oil Dangers and Risks
- How to Dilute Essential Oils for Topical Use
- Essential Oils that are Safe for Kids
- Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy
We hope you found the essential oils for swollen feet and ankles and the recipes here helpful. We will love to hear your feedback!
Recipes adapted from The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose or treat any disease. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.
Comments
Great info. Thanks
Only one foot/ankle is swollen.
It is not related to bloodflow (to doctors’ dismay as they can’t prescribe anything), nor heart or cholesterol etc.
It’s not painful, just a pain in the rear when trying to buy shoes that fit a size 8 and 9 or 8 and 10, depending on style.
I can give these oils a try, but I’m looking for a resolution, not a temporary fix.
If it is your right foot, treat your liver. I have had a very bad fluid retention problem. I remover gluten and sugar from my diet and that has helped a lot, about 80% of the problem. I still have a problem so I am treating blood sugar and liver. For liver take Dandelion and Milk Thistle. For blood sugar reduce carbs. Hope this helps.
Thank you I’m going to try all of this.
Hi Myrna,
I’m glad that you found it helpful.
May I suggest oils for pain & inflammation which I’ve found effective?
Ginger oil
Curcumin (turmeric) oil
Mix with carrier and black pepper (for absorption)
This is a very good recipe. My friend feet and ankles were swelling real bad, she asked me to make her a blend. I followed this one and within an hour a two she was calling and thanking me for it. Thanks.
Hi Cindy,
I’m happy to hear that the essential oil recipe for swollen feet and ankles worked for your friend.
I have ms and my feet swell. I use lavender essential oil on toes and ankles to keep inflammation down then cover feet with copper fit socks. Keeps my toes from looking like sausages.
Thank you this really helped a lot.
I want try it because my feet stay swollen
Thank you for sharing the recipe and complete instructions!
I have been suffering with swollen feet, ankles and calves for a while.
I can’t wait to use this!!!
Hi Dori,
Sorry to hear about your health issue. I hope you find the swollen feet essential oil recipe helpful. Come back and tell us how it goes.
What is a carrier oil?
Hi Martha,
A carrier oil is what you use to dilute essential oils for topical application. Essential oils are very potent and can cause burns if not diluted properly. You can learn more about carrier oils here.
Magnesium flakes are a good foot soak and good to add these essential oil to your foot soak
What can be substituted to helichrysum in the massage oil recipe?
Hi Ana,
You can use Sandalwood or Frankincense.
HI
Can I replace Juniper Berry with Wintergreen EO?
Thanks.
Jenny – I believe wintergreen EO would be a good replacement for the juniper berry in these adult recipes. It has an “aspirin-like” component which can help with the discomfort and is said to help swelling. It also has a cooling sensation which can feel good. I would decrease the amount used in the massage recipe to only 2 to 3 drops if substituting for Juniper Berry.
D’Ann
Very good, I will try these oils, I have swollen ankles time to time. Carol, can you recommend oils for healing that can be used internally or insert into my jaja for surgery wound. Also for hormone balance.
Hi Nneka,
Sorry to hear that you have swollen ankles from time to time. Unfortunately, I do not recommend ingesting essential oils internally, unless you are doing so under the supervision of a certified aromatherapist.
Will these combination of oils help with swollen knees? When I do my walking with hills, my knees tend to swell my left more than my right.
Any suggestions would be great.
thanks
Gail
Hi Gail,
Sorry about your knees. I really wouldn’t know if these oils will work on your knees as I don’t know the root cause of the swelling. However, you have nothing to lose by giving the oils a try. They definitely aren’t going to make the selling any worse. Please let us know how it goes if you decide to give it a try.
I was told by an aromatherapist to take equal amounts of lemongrass EO and peppermint EO and organic castor oil (50% EO – 50% carrier oil) mix in a 10 ml glass roller ball and apply to entire, front & back, knee. Massage and then wrap knees in plastic wrap and leave and leave it on over night. Crazy as it sounded, I tried it and it works! Next day my knee pain had vanished.
Hi Gail,
I myself use Copaiba Oil with a carrier oil on my swollen ankle & knee. Fantastic relief. Hope this helps & good luck.
All’s i can say is wow, my ankle stopped hurting within 3 mintues. I have asked my doctor repeatedly about this, his answer was move more. I cannot tell you how much i am feeling better. Oh my gosh, maybe now i can move more. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. ?
Hi Judy,
I’m happy to hear that the essential oil blend recipe worked great for your swollen ankles.
My 8 year old has edema with her left foot, she has been to every specialist u can imagine. She has has nuclear molecular scans, she has a unknown auto immune disorder,gerds disease , asthma,hypertension, yet no diagnosis. She is swollen from head to toe but tgey say nothing is wrong with her kidneys or her heart. Please my daughter has been hospitalized 18 times. Please any suggestions
Hi Heather,
I’m really sorry to hear about your daughter’s health problems. Unfortunately, I’m not a medical doctor so wouldn’t really know what is wrong with her. I would suggest you look for a good naturopathic physician around you – may be they will be able to find out the root cause of her problem.
What can be used instead of juniper berry. I have all the other essential oils.
Thanks!
Hi Carol, you can use black pepper instead of juniper berry.
I have had a total knee replacement in Dec and I still have swelling of evening. I think alot of it his I have a desk job and sit alot. Do you have recommendation on oils for message to use?
Hi Pamela,
I’m sorry to hear about your health challenges. I am NOT a medical doctor, so wouldn’t know the reason behind the swelling. However, as you mentioned that you have a desk job, I’m guessing it may be a circulation issue. So you can try the blend in this article and see if it will help.
Hi Im having tendonitis in my knees,I used the oils befoore reading this recomendation. The results are incredible,help me with pain and swollen,I recomend eucaliptus and lavender.❤️ Hope you can use it
I have never used EO’s however I do know about them as many of my family uses them but I have no idea what a carrier oil is can you advise me?
Hi Pennie,
Carrier oils are used for diluting essential oil. Essential oils are so potent that they can cause burns if used topically without dilution. Some of the carrier oils to use are fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil and avocado oil.
I am wondering why in one place you used lavender oil but it wasn’t in the ingredients for the recipe. Would you please tell me how much of the lavender to use.
Hi Carla,
If I understood you correctly, you want to know how much lavender to use for the massage oil recipe. The massage oil recipe doesn’t require lavender, so you don’t need to use it. You only need lavender for the foot soak.
I have been battling cancer (Chronic Mylogious Leukemia), my chromosomes are messed up. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Mary,
Please, see my previous response.
I read that you do not treat diseases. I suffer from many ailments. Question:. You say not to take internal but how do I treat my liver externally? I apologise but I am baby stepping thru EOs.
Hi Mary,
No need for apologies, I’m here to help as much as I can. I’m sorry to hear about your health issues. And you are right, I do not treat diseases and do not recommend internal ingestion of essential oils unless you are doing so under a certified professional. So, I would suggest that you consult with a naturopath or certified aromatherapist.
I don’t have juniper berry or black pepper oils, is there anything else I could substitute?
Hi Thais,
You can use eucalyptus as a substitute.
I have peppermint oil lavender oil my left foot ankle be swollen and the top of my foot can you tell me which one to use for
Hi Margaret,
I would suggest you use the swollen feet and ankles massage oil blend recipe provided in the article.
I used lavender oil, Epsom salt, green tea (make the tea in boiling water and add), and coconut oil. It helped the swelling in my feet when nothing else would. I’m not an expert, I just like to experiment.
What amount of each ingredient do you use to apply
Don, Since essential oils are very concentrated it is important to use the smallest amounts possible. I would start with a 1% dilution of the essential oil or essential oil blend (2 or 3 different essential oils total). That means for a tablespoon of carrier oil you would put 3 drops total of essential oils. Always dilute in a carrier (which most of the time would be an oil, such as, olive oil) before using. You can read more about it here: https://www.totalwellnesschoices.com/dilute-essential-oils-for-topical-use/
Also, important to note that even though essential oils are natural it doesn’t mean one won’t react negatively to them! Read up on the ones you wish to use. Also, it is important to do a skin patch test if you are using an essential oil for the first time. You can find that information (bottom of essential oil dangers blog) and other very important information about essential oils here: https://www.totalwellnesschoices.com/essential-oil-dangers/
Above all it is important to talk with your Primary Care Physician about your edema/swelling!
I hope I answered your question. Thanks for visiting!
D’Ann
I absolutely love essential oils. Peppermint can be quite calming and refreshing after a hard day at work. Thanks for sharing.
I seriously doubt anything topical will fix that amount of swelling.
I agree it needs to be a mix of different things – important to elevate, use support stockings, eat low sodium diet, etc. I always recommend consulting with one’s physician for severe cases or undiagnosed cases of edema! Thanks for your comment and for visiting! D’Ann
Hi ,my mom is 75 will it be good for her?
where do I buy it ?
Robi – Essential oils can be purchased either online, or at some local health food, or even some vitamin and supplement stores. Always buy from reputable companies, such as, Plant Therapy, Eden’s Garden, Aromatics International, Now, etc. You need to blend with a carrier oil of some kind as they are VERY CONCENTRATED. You can either buy from an online source like Amazon, or just use a cooking oil you may already have – Virgin Olive Oil is a good one!
As for age – it is always recommended to use less dilution for those who are older. I would recommend no more than a 1% dilution in a skin type recipe (3 drops total of essential oils in 1 Tablespoon carrier oil, or 6 drops total in 1 ounce carrier oil). You can do this by making a master blend in a bottle then adding 3 drops of the blend to 1 Tablespoon carrier oil, etc.
I hope this helps. D’Ann
I broke my ankle 3 months ago. Had surgery and I now have a plate and 5 screws. I just started walking some and my ankle swells a lot now. Do you recommend the same recipe for me as you do for swelling of feet/ankle?
Thank you
Rhonda
Rhonda – due to surgery I have to say this is something you would need to discuss with your Orthopedic surgeon first. Essential oils are absorbed into the skin – if the underlying tissues are damaged (via surgery) it is possible that they would not be dispersed like with normal undamaged tissue. I wish you the best! D’Ann
I love and use essential oils for a variety of issues. Thank you for this information. I’ll give these oils a try for my ankles swelling. One thing that I have found, however, is that when I don’t drink enough water (and I mean plain water), I have worse swelling than when I am getting at least 1/2 gallon of water. That said, I try my best to stay well hydrated but during the winter it is more difficult to drink water as I generally want warm/hot fluids. I have found also that when I drink herbal teas (hot) I don’t seem to get the same hydration as I do with plain water.