Raynaud’s disease is a rare syndrome when the blood vessels of your toes and fingers overreact to cold and stress. [1]
Also known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, it makes the blood vessels narrow and slows down the blood circulation from the heart to various parts of the body.
While the condition isn’t that serious for most people, the reduced blood flow may cause serious damage to others. Thus, this condition needs to be treated as soon as possible.
You can try essential oils for Raynaud’s disease to reduce the symptoms. Some essential oils can help increase blood flow with their warming effects.
When the temperature becomes cold, your body sometimes slows down the flow of blood to conserve heat. Then, the arteries that carry blood become narrower, moving away from the skin.
That’s when the Raynaud’s attack happens. Your blood vessels become thin, resulting in little to no blood flow to your extremities.
Your fingers and toes become pale and white at first and suddenly turn blue due to a lack of oxygen. After that, the area becomes red when the blood rushes back.
Essential Oils for Raynaud’s That May Work
1. Ginger Oil
Ginger is a popular remedy for treating colds, coughs, and digestion problems. Its essential oil is also rich in therapeutic values.
The warming effect of ginger oil can help with the symptoms of Raynaud’s. It can warm the skin and blood vessels and promotes circulation.
Besides, the oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it can flush out the toxins and decrease inflammation in the blood vessels. [2]
2. Eucalyptus Oil
If your hands and feet become cold due to Raynaud’s attack, eucalyptus oil can be a great help. It can promote better circulation by relaxing the blood vessel.
Eucalyptol, the key component of eucalyptus can work as a potent vasodilator. [3]
So, it can make the vessels bigger and increases the blood flow in your body.
3. Cypress Oil
Cypress essential oil contains a potent antioxidant. This component helps flush out toxins from your body. [4]
Cypress essential oil can also relax your nervous system and boost blood circulation. It can reduce the symptoms caused by Raynaud’s.
4. Nutmeg Oil
Nutmeg oil can work as a stimulant. Its warming effects can help relieve the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease.
Nutmeg oil’s relaxing effects can increase blood circulation and relax your body. Its anti-inflammatory properties help ease the pain and inflammation in the blood vessel. [5]
5. Clove Oil
Clove oil isn’t only effective in relieving cold and stomach aches, but also in treating Raynaud’s.
The oil has a warming effect. Thus, it can promote blood circulation and give you comfort.
Clove essential oil is rich in therapeutic properties. Its anti-inflammatory components help reduce inflammation in the blood vessel by stimulating circulation. [6]
6. Black Pepper Oil
Instead of just being a table spice, black pepper can do a lot more for your health. Its essential oil is another warming oil that can help increase blood flow.
Black pepper oil is rich in limonene, a naturally occurring terpene. It helps the cholesterol to dissolve.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of black pepper oil can reduce the inflammation of your blood vessel. [7]
7. Lavender Oil
If you have Raynaud’s attack due to stress, lavender oil can be a good choice for you. The calming and relaxing components of this oil can calm down your body and mind. [8]
Lavender oil is rich in numerous medicinal properties. It has treated various conditions such as stress, anxiety, any issues related to the nervous system, and Raynaud’s.
How to Use Essential Oils for Raynaud’s
These essential oils are suitable for both massage and bath when diluted properly. You can dilute them with a good carrier oil or make a blend of some essential oils.
Learn how you can use an essential oil massage for Raynaud’s:
- Take a few drops of any essential oil and mix it with coconut or almond oil. The recommended quantity is a 3% diluted solution.
- Massage the affected area to boost blood circulation.
Try this essential oil bath recipe for Raynaud’s:
- Add 10-15 drops of any essential oil to your bathwater.
- Soak yourself in for 15-20 minutes.
Safety Measures While Using Essential Oils for Raynaud’s
You should be very careful while using essential oils for Raynaud’s disease. While these oils can increase your blood flow, the warming effects may also cause some harm to your skin.
Besides, some essential oils such as clove oil are very strong. So, you must dilute them before using them. Otherwise, they may irritate your skin.
Also, if you’re allergic to any essential oil, avoid using it.
Causes and Symptoms of Raynaud’s
The primary reason behind Raynaud’s is still unknown. But some common factors can trigger the attack. These include:
- Cold temperature
- Stress
- Scleroderma
- Lupus
- Arthritis
- Thyroid problem
- Blood disorder
- Hand & foot injury
- Certain medications, etc.
You may have a Raynaud’s attack due to exposure to cold or stress. During an attack, you may see the following changes in your body:
- The affected area becomes white, then turn bluish.
- Tingle.
- Feel cold and numb.
- Extreme pain.
- Suddenly turns red with burns and throbs when the blood flows and returns.
When to See a Doctor
Raynaud’s may not be that serious if you have an attack due to temperature or stress. But, if you have an attack because of some disease, it could lead to a severe condition.
There can be serious damage to your blood vessels due to a lack of blood circulation. Thus you should see a doctor once you have the Raynaud’s attack.
Tips to Avoid Raynaud’s Attack
You can somewhat, prevent Raynaud’s syndrome to attack you. Some precautions and changes in lifestyle may help you avoid this painful disease.
- Try to avoid cold weather. Make sure you wear warm clothes during that time.
- Avoid stress and get involved in relaxing activities.
- Quit smoking.
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
Bottom Line
Raynaud’s disease is a painful experience. It can lead to severe health injury if not treated properly.
You should always try to stay warm to avoid this situation. Also, you can try these warming essential oils to increase the blood circulation of your body.
If there’s no improvement after using these remedies, consult a doctor. An anti-inflammatory diet or some mind soothing activities can help you prevent Raynaud’s.
Read Next: 10 Essential Oils for Thyroid Nodules (With Useful Tips)
