Arthritis and Circulation Essential Oil Blend Recipe

Arthritis and Circulation Essential Oil Blend Recipe that I find helpful for osteoarthritis pain and varicose vein symptoms!

Many essential oils can be used for more than one concern. I especially like this blend for my arthritis pain and circulation concern.

Yes, you read correctly. I use it for two different concerns.

Lucky me – I have osteoarthritis. My wrists and hands are the most affected. I get the aches and discomfort, especially after using my hands for long periods of time – such as typing!

Then there is the venous discomfort. I was blessed with varicose veins mostly in my right leg. One would think it would affect both, but not always. I get the aches and swelling in that leg, around the veins, especially after being up on my feet all day.

So it goes – if I sit and type – I have pain in my hands and wrists. But if I get up and am on my feet all day, then I get the pain in my leg. Hum, what do I choose? Neither!!

I finally decided enough was enough. Out came my essential oils. Out came my carrier oils. Out came a bottle to blend it in.

Essential Oils Used for Arthritis and Circulation Symptoms

Thankfully for my own use I have found there are essential oils for virtually every health issue, including arthritis pain and circulation problems.  The following is why I chose certain essential oils after researching them. 

After looking into different essential oils and their chemical components,  I decided to choose essential oils that are high in monoterpenes.

Why did I use monoterpenes rich essential oils?  I found they are useful for many things including: most have an antiseptic effect, help to improve circulation and reduce stagnation (congestion or marked reduction in blood flow, or normally circulating fluid).

Most essential oils that are high in monoterpenes are also anti-inflammatory.

Because they are highly lipophilic, which means they dissolve easily in fats, oils, and lipids they can penetrate easily into the tissues of the body (your skin).

Some of the monoterpenes rich essential oils also are rubefacients (they cause redness and irritation to the skin when applied due to increased blood flow to area).

Because of this rubefacient effect they can give an analgesic (pain-relieving) effect when muscle pain and stiffness is present.

Important to note that all monoterpenes can become oxidized (this means it breaks down chemically with the introduction of oxygen) easier than other oils.

It is especially important to store properly and away from heat in an air tight amber or blue glass container that is the right size for amount of oil (too large container can introduce oxygen).

Older, and/or oxidized oils increase the potential for skin irritation.

Cypress Essential Oil

Plant Therapy Cypress Essential Oil. 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade. 10 ml (1/3 oz).
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) essential oil is very high in monoterpenes – over 80%. The highest chemical component is α-pinene (my own bottle shows over 50%).

Studies have shown cypress EO to have an anti-inflammatory use. It has been effectively used for many years to treat pain and inflammation, as well as, swelling to tissues, and spasms.

It is used to treat symptoms of varicose veins including the pain and swelling. It overall reduces inflammation and swelling in the extremities.

Because of cypress EO’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions, it is considered a useful essential oil for rheumatic disorders, including osteoarthritis.

Cypress EO is considered non-toxic, and non-irritating to most unless it has oxidized.

Some asthmatics find that they are not able to use cypress EO, so take care if you have asthma.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon (Citrus limon) EO has over 90% monoterpenes in it. It is especially high in d-limonene.

D-limonene provides the pain relieving and vasorelaxant (reduces tension in the walls of the blood vessels) properties.

Like cypress EO it helps reduce pain and swelling associated with varicose veins. It is especially effective when used along with cypress EO.

Because lemon EO has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties it is a good oil to use in blends for musculoskeletal and arthritis pain.

Note: If using the cold pressed lemon EO take care. It can be phototoxic when used in a blend at more than 12 drops per 1 ounce/30 ml.</strong. (The following recipe uses only 6 drops lemon EO.)

Rosemary Essential Oil

NOW – Rosemary Oil, 1-Ounce
Rosemary EO has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-infectious, and analgesic effects and thus can help in reducing pain.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus/Rosmarinus officinalis ct. 1,8 cineole or ct. camphor) EO has around 30% monoterpenes with the largest percentage being the α-pinene (alpha-pinene). Alpha-pinene is known for it’s anti-inflammatory benefits.

It contains 1,8-cineole which has been shown to increase blood flow and cause a warming sensation, which can be helpful for arthritis symptoms (pain and stiffness), as well as circulation problems (varicose veins).

Because it has a diuretic effect it can also help with the swelling and heaviness associated with varicose veins.

For the most part rosemary EO is non irritating to the skin – unless it has oxidized.

It is not safe for children under 5 (don’t use to or around the face of children under 5); and use caution in children between 5 to 10 years of age.

If you are pregnant stay away from the rosemary ct camphor (or any rosemary EO that is high in camphor level) – or avoid altogether. (Always talk with your OBGYN before using any herbal or natural preparations!).

Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) EO has been shown through research to have quite an impressive anti-inflammatory property, and an ability to block pain response.

Because of it’s anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and warming actions, juniper berry EO can be quite effective as an antirheumatic remedy – thus making it great to use for osteoarthritis and other arthritic conditions!

Because it is high in monoterpenes it can promote vasodilation, and stimulate local circulation. It is helpful for use in situations where there is congestion and fluid retention. Thus it can be used to help problems such as swelling and varicose veins.

If the correct Juniper is used (Juniperus communis) and not Juniperus sabina, also called Savin then there is no known contra-indication during pregnancy.

For most it should not cause skin irritation unless it has oxidized.

Jojoba Wax (AKA Jojoba Oil)

NOW Solutions Organic Jojoba Oil,8-Ounce

Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) oil is a great carrier oil. It is actually a liquid wax ester which is made from pressing the bean (also called seed) from the jojoba bush. Because it is a liquid form most refer to it as an oil.

Jojoba oil contains myristic acid. Myristic acid is an anti-inflammatory agent which makes it an excellent carrier for any inflammation problem.

Because this carrier oil is an antioxidant it does not go rancid. It also helps to extend the shelf life of other oils when combined.

It is highly penetrating due to it’s molecular structure. It is very moisturizing and has a great feel to it.

Jojoba oil works well with any skin type. Plus it has very little aroma which makes it great if you are sensitive to odors, or want to mix with essential oils for their aromatic scents.

You can use jojoba oil or another carrier oil of your choice in this recipe!

Safety When Using Essential Oils

Always, do a skin patch test prior to topically using an essential oil, or herb-infused oil you have never used before! See my sections on essential oil safety:

• 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

Here is my recipe that uses these essential oils that I have found helpful for the pain and inflammation I get to my arthritic joints.  I have also found it helpful increasing the swelling and discomfort to my varicose vein areas. My two for one blend!

Arthritis and Circulation Essential Oil Blend Recipe

• 2 ounces Jojoba oil
• 8 drops Cypress EO
• 6 drops Lemon EO
• 4 drops Rosemary EO
• 4 drops Juniper berry EO

Directions

Pour the jojoba oil into a glass bottle and add the essential oils. Let sit for an hour. Shake and apply to the affected area(s).

Apply this oil to arthritic joints for aches and pain. You may massage the area(s) with the oil blend as needed.

When using on your varicose vein areas I recommend a light touch. Gently rub over the area as needed to help with inflammation, pain and swelling.

It is a 2% dilution which can be used by most adults two to three times a day as needed. If you are frail, or have a lot of medical problems I recommend cutting the drops down to 1% dilution. (1/2 of each of the recommended drops.)

It is also important to consult with your physician if you are on prescription medication, or have a medical history!

Related Reads:
How to Relieve Arthritis Pain Naturally
Homemade Pain Relief Salve Recipe
Essential Oils for Varicose Veins
12 Natural Ways to Help Varicose Veins

I hope you find this Arthritis and Circulation Essential Oil Blend Recipe helpful.  Tell me your thoughts below.  Would you change the essential oils in the recipe?  Did you find they helped?  Was it helpful for your arthritis or varicose veins?

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, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.