Essential Oil for Swollen Feet
Swollen feet are a common form of discomfort that happens to humans. Although it usually appears mild and not life-threatening, it can cause a lot of discomfort to anyone affected. Likewise, swollen feet can develop into something more complicated if left uncared.
Humans have been relentless in their efforts to find natural solutions to various health challenges. Using essential oils is one of the most significant discoveries of humans in natural health remedies. These oils are useful for several purposes, including the treatment of swollen feet.
Before we dive into the use of essential oils for swollen feet, it is vital to highlight some of the leading causes of this impairment, which include;
- Being overweight
- Sitting or standing in the same position for too long
- Pregnancy
- Eating food with high salt content
- Using certain medications
- Injuries, particularly strain and sprain
- Infection
- Problems with vital organs like kidney and liver
- An insect sting or bite
Sometimes the solution to swollen feet is dependent on its cause. However, the use of essential oils is effective in dealing with swelling in the feet.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are potent plant extracts that retain the natural flavor, smell, and essence of their parent plants. They are usually aromatic compounds that are extracted from various parts of some specific plants.
Different techniques are used in the extraction of essential oils from plants. These oils can be extracted through water or steam distillation or other mechanical methods like cold pressing.
After successfully extracting these aromatic compounds, they are usually mixed with the right amount of carrier oil that makes them ready for use.
The complete process of making essential oils and all additions are natural. Essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not accepted to be authentic essential oils.
Related: Best Essential Oil Brands
How Essential Oils Work
The primary use of essential oils is in aromatherapy, where some individuals like to inhale them. It also works when used in physiotherapy, particularly for impairments like swollen feet. Ingesting essential oils requires extra care because it can be toxic if wrongly consumed.
It can also have harmful interactions with the body in many ways.
Using essential oils in physiotherapy massage on feet will allow the skin to absorb some essential compounds. These compounds cause heat and other soothing effects that can fast-track the healing processes.
Some Essential Oils for Swollen Feet
There are several types of essential oils. Each of these oils has its specific use depending on its essence and constituent compounds. Below is a list of some of the most effective essential oils for swelling in the feet.
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and most versatile types of essential oils. An extensive study carried out on this essential oil reveals its anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. These properties make it useful for swollen feet. It also can help individuals with sleep issues, anxiety, migraine, and even headache. Therefore, lavender oil is useful for both mental and physical health.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is another effective essential oil with loads of benefits. A study reveals that this essential oil is valuable in medicinal practices because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Another recent research showed that inhaling eucalyptus oil reduces pain and lowers blood pressure. Consequently, this essential oil is ideal for swollen feet because it can relieve pain and aches.
3. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary here is not just the name of a lady; neither is it only a cooking term. It is an essential oil with loads of medicinal properties. Rosemary oil is one of the widely used and highly beneficial essential oils in aromatherapy. It is primarily aimed at reducing pain in various parts of the body. A study further reveals that rosemary oil also has analgesic properties that serve as a useful adjunct treatment to pain medication.
4. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip essential oil is another valuable option for individuals seeking the right oil for their swollen feet. This essential oil has two essential compounds that increase its versatility for medicinal purposes. These compounds are polyphenols, which serve as antioxidants, and anthocyanin, which is the dark blue pigment of many plants and food. The anthocyanin part of this essential oil helps reduce pain, eliminates joint pain, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of rosehip oil make it a good option for individuals that cannot use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other similar pain medications.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It is quite popular due to its versatility in medical health benefits and its wide range of applications. This essential oil can help individuals with swollen feet, muscle aches, and chronic headaches. Peppermint oils are also helpful for various purposes, including managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain, bloating, and tense muscles. However, it is essential to pay proper attention to applying this essential oil to avoid side effects.
6. Flaxseed Oil
Most of Flaxseed oil’s useful application is because it is packed with various impressive fatty acid compounds. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, two primary compounds that benefit overall human health. The essential flaxseed oil is useful for swollen feet because omega-3 fatty acid, one of the major constituent compounds of the oil, has rich anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, ingesting this oil can reduce pain all over the body.
It is essential to note that there are many essential oils aside from the ones listed above. Other notable essential oils with human medicinal benefits include:
- Chamomile essential oil
- Marjoram essential oil
- Birch essential oil
- Turmeric essential oil
- Helichrysum oil
- Yarrow oil
- Clove oil
- Black pepper oil
- Ginger oil
- Clary sage oil
- Juniper oil
Effective Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are those which you use to dilute essential oils, which makes them essential if you plan on applying an essential oil topically.
There are two carrier oils in particular that have shown promise when it comes to treating swollen feet, which are sweet almond oil and coconut oil.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the two carrier oils could help:
Sweet almond Oil
It’s thought that sweet almond oil is a carrier oil that could help those suffering with swollen feet.
How?
Well, mixed in with one of the aforementioned essential oils like lavender or peppermint, sweet almond oil will keep your feet moisturized and encourage healthy blood flow.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the other carrier oil that many people turn to when they’re suffering with swollen feet.
This is because the carrier oil will make it easier for you to relax, and once you feel more relaxed, you should experience healthier blood flow which will help ease your pain.
Other Benefits of Essential Oils
The benefits and health applications of essential oils are not limited to swollen feet alone. They also have some fantastic health benefits that make them rank high as one of the most trusted natural remedies. Below are some notable benefits of essential oils.
- They Can Lower Stress and Anxiety
- They Promote Healthy Sleep
- They Could Reduce Inflammation
Side Effects of Essential Oils
Like most other plants and herbs, essential oils have bioactive compounds that might be harmful to your health. Some of the notable side effects of essential oils include;
- Asthma attacks
- Rashes
- Allergic reactions
- Headaches
Nevertheless, inhaling and application of essential oils on the skin is considered safe. This method of application will lead to little or no side effects. Ingesting essential oils is not usually recommended because it can put you at a high risk of experiencing different side effects.
There is no affirmation of the reaction of essential oils on pregnant women and nursing mothers when inhaled. However, they should avoid it.
Related: Best Essential Oil for Headaches
Possible Home Remedies
If you’re concerned about experiencing side effects from using essential oils, or you don’t like them for whatever reason, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of home remedies you can try to ease the pain of your swollen feet.
Some of the best home remedies include the following:
Wearing Compression Socks
Compression socks might sound like the last thing you want to try when you have pain and swelling in your feet but they can work wonders for swollen feet and ankles.
The way these socks work is by applying pressure to your feet which in turn should stop fluid from accumulating which is what leads to swelling.
Taking Magnesium Supplements
If you have swollen ankles and sore muscles, you should give magnesium supplements a go.
While this isn’t a quick fix solution, topping up your magnesium levels can be a good idea because sometimes the problem of swelling is caused by water retention as a result of a deficiency of magnesium.
You could also try to up your intake of foods high in magnesium, including dark chocolate, broccoli, and almonds.
Using Epsom Salts in a Bath
Perhaps the most appealing option for easing pain from swelling in the ankles and feet is taking a bath.
Not just any bath, though, but one that’s been infused with Epsom salts.
It’s thought that Epsom salt could help reduce inflammation in the body by helping you to relax.
If you weren’t already aware, Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate, so it’s another magnesium-based solution to the problem of swollen feet.
Put Your Feet Up
Yes, that’s right, one of the best things you can do if you have swollen feet is relax and put your feet up.
If you haven’t already noticed, most of the solutions for swollen feet revolve around relaxation, and there’s a good reason for it.
In this case, putting your feet up also has the benefit of alleviating the pressure that standing up can have on swollen feet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Oil for Swollen Feet
The examination of essential oils is an endless exploration. As much as this article covers the key areas of essential oils for swollen feet, it does not eliminate the possibility of further questions.
Below is a list of some of the frequently asked questions about essential oils for swollen feet.
How do I reduce the swelling on my feet?
You can reduce the swelling on your feet by resting your legs in suitable positions and avoid placing your legs in the same position for too long.
You should also do walking exercise, maintain a proper diet, wear support stockings, and soak your feet in cold water. It is equally important to treat sprain or strain promptly.
What do I eat to reduce swelling on my feet?
Diet is an essential part of any treatment. You can consider drinking plenty of water and eating vegetables like asparagus and cucumber, and lots of fruits if you want to reduce swelling on your feet.
It is also essential to avoid foods that can accelerate weight gain.
What essential oil is good for swollen feet?
There are no special essential oils that are reserved for swollen feet. You can use any of the oils listed above and other oils with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Related: Best Essential Oils for Joint Pain
A Final Word From Wellness Nova
Essential oils form a significant part of natural health remedies. They are generally considered safe when inhaled and when applied to the skin. The ingestion of these essential oils requires extreme care and is usually not recommended for consumption.
Essential oils have proven useful in the treatment of swollen feet when applied appropriately. You can use it as individual oils or blend it for more versatile applications. Carrier oils are also helpful for the topical application of essential oils.
