If you're looking to boost your circulation and get your blood pumping, essential oils can be a natural and effective solution. Healthy circulation is essential for overall wellness, as poor blood flow can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and a range of health issues. That’s why finding a remedy to support proper circulation is crucial.

In today’s blog, we’ll explore the best essential oils for improving circulation and blood flow. Learn how aromatherapy can help you promote better circulation, relieve discomfort, and improve your overall health naturally. Read on to discover the top essential oils to support healthy blood flow and circulation.

What Causes Poor Circulation?

The circulatory system is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body via blood flow. When circulation is impaired, it can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain, muscle cramps, and throbbing in the limbs. Poor circulation can affect overall health, causing discomfort and potentially serious complications.

Several conditions can contribute to poor blood circulation,[1] including:

• Atherosclerosis: A condition where plaque buildup causes arteries to stiffen, restricting blood flow.

• Blood Clots: Blood clots can block blood flow partially or entirely, leading to circulation issues.

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow, impeding circulation.

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage the lining of blood vessels, increasing the risk of PAD and poor circulation.[2]

• Raynaud’s Disease: This condition causes blood vessels to constrict, limiting blood flow.

• Varicose Veins: Enlarged and twisted veins that prevent efficient blood flow, often causing discomfort.

Understanding the causes of poor circulation is the first step toward improving blood flow naturally. In the next section, we’ll explore essential oils that can help support healthy circulation.

Which Essential Oils Improve Circulation & Blood Flow?

If you're struggling with poor circulation, essential oils can be a natural and effective solution. Certain oils have been shown to improve blood flow, reduce discomfort, and promote overall circulatory health. Here are the top essential oils to boost circulation and improve blood flow:

Cypress: Known for its fresh, forest-like aroma, Cypress oil helps alleviate edema, swelling, and the discomfort associated with varicose veins. Its ability to promote healthy circulation makes it a great choice for circulatory support.

Peppermint: With its invigorating, minty aroma, Peppermint oil is a powerful essential oil for improving circulation. When applied topically with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil, Peppermint helps stimulate blood flow and reduce feelings of stagnation.

Sore Muscles & Pain Ease Blend: A specially formulated blend of Cypress, Peppermint, Lavender, and other essential oils, Sore Muscles & Pain Ease is designed to tackle symptoms of restricted blood flow and enhance overall circulation.

Black Pepper: Known for its warming, earthy scent, Black Pepper essential oil is a natural rubefacient, meaning it helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. It’s perfect for increasing circulation, especially in areas prone to tension or discomfort.

Rosemary: This herbaceous oil, rich in 1,8-cineole and camphor, can help promote blood flow and improve circulation, making it ideal for supporting overall circulatory health.

Juniper Berry: With its pine-like, slightly bitter aroma, Juniper Berry essential oil stimulates circulation by dilating blood vessels, making it a go-to choice for those looking to boost circulation and alleviate swelling.

Using these essential oils for circulation and blood flow can naturally support your circulatory health. Let’s look at how to incorporate these oils into your wellness routine through topical application.

How To Use Essential Oils For Circulation

When it comes to improving circulation and promoting healthy blood flow, traditional treatments such as wearing compression stockings, undergoing laser treatments for spider veins, and following prescribed medications or exercise programs are common options. However, you can enhance these treatments by incorporating circulatory essential oils into your wellness routine.

Essential oils offer a natural, holistic approach to improving circulation. By using essential oils like Peppermint, Cypress, and Rosemary, you can experience a boost in blood flow and support overall vascular health. These oils complement traditional treatments and offer soothing relief for poor circulation, swelling, and discomfort. 

Massage Oil for Circulation

The most efficient way to use essential oils for circulation is by using them in a massage or body oil. Here’s an oil that you can make yourself:

5 drops Cypress

4 drops Peppermint

4 drops Black Pepper

3 drops Rosemary

1 oz Fractionated Coconut

Combine ingredients and massage onto arms and legs. Alternatively, use 18 drops Sore Muscles & Pain Ease blend and 1 oz carrier oil. 

Bath Salt for Blood Flow

Along with lowering your risk of heart problems and blood pressure, hot baths (or heat in general) can dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.[3] Add these circulatory essential oils and nourishing ingredients to your next bath:

2 drops Juniper Berry

2 drops Lemon

2 drops Ginger

1 oz Jojoba 

1 oz Epsom Salt

Combine ingredients and pour them into running water. Alternatively, add a few scoops of Detox bath salt. 

SOURCES:

1. Symptoms and Causes of Poor Circulation. https://www.healthline.com/health/poor-circulation-symptoms-causes

2. Low Blood Flow: The Cold Truth About Poor Circulation Leading to Diabetes. https://www.apcofamerica.com/low-blood-flow-poor-circulation-diabetes

3. Hot baths and saunas: Beneficial for your heart? https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/hot-baths-and-saunas-beneficial-for-your-heart