Formula for Varicose Veins

* 6 drops cypress
* 3 drops myrtle
* 3 drops German chamomile
* 2 drops frankincense (optional)
* 1 ounce St. John’s Wort oil

Combine ingredients. Apply externally. This can also be made into a salve by heating the oil and adding 1/2 teaspoon shaved beeswax before adding the essential oils.

Herbal Adjuncts-Among the herbs which strengthen heart and blood pressure are hawthorn flower and berry, and motherwort. Lymphatic cleaners include Echinacea, cleavers and Oregon grape root, which may also be taken as teas, tinctures or pills.

The kitchen cupboard supplies many foods whose essential oils enhance circulation, make blood vessels more elastic and inhibit blood clotting. These include garlic, onion, cayenne and ginger. Ginger either raises blood pressure by restricting external blood flow, or lowers it by dilating surface blood vessels. Garlic and onions also lower high blood pressure. Lemongrass contains five different compounds that inhibit blood clotting.

Excepted from Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, Crossing Press)