| Research >>> Articles >>> the Vascular System & Essential Oils Functions of the Vascular System & Essential Oils that help enhance their performancey By: Dr. Rosie Abelson and Tsippi Schloss The flow of blood in our body takes place in a closed circuit of pipes which are the veins and arteries. The electric pump of the heart circulates the blood to the aorta, which divides into smaller and smaller arteries eventually connecting to a network of capillaries.These capillaries, minute blood vessels, carry the arterial blood between the tissue cells. Metabolism takes place via the thin walls of the capillaries and this provides nutrition and oxygen to the tissues, and absorbs back into the capillaries the waste and carbon dioxide resulting from the cell’s metabolism. The arterial blood becomes veinous blood inside the capillaries which connect to a network of small vessels which eventually widen into veins. The function of the veins is to circulate the blood from all parts of the body back to the heart and lungs, while the arterial blood flows under pressure to reach all parts of the body. This pressure lessens as the arteries narrow and becomes low as it reaches the capillaries. |
There are two types of veins, surface veins which are found in the layer of fat under the skin and deep veins which are found further inside and close to muscles. Between the surface and deep veins there are connecting veins which enable the flow of blood between them.
Whilst walking for example, activated leg muscles press on the deep veins and force the blood to flow upwards. These veins carry 90% of the blood from the legs to the heart. On the other hand, in the surface veins the blood flows slowly as there are no muscles assisting the flow of blood in the direction of the heart. Most of the blood in these veins passes through the connecting veins to the deep veins. The walls of the veins are thin compared to those of the arteries, so if the valves become weakened for any reason the blood can leak downward and collect in the vein causing swelling and enlargement of the weakened vein. The wall of the vein loses its elasticity, stretches, forms folds and causes blue or purple swellings in the skin.
Varicose veins form in the surface veins and are most common in women. It is estimated that by the age of 50, 40% of women develop varicose veins. Varicose veins are considered mainly a cosmetic problem, and as long as there is no damage to the vein apart from the enlargement, they do not present a serious pathological problem, however, the stagnation of the blood causes a feeling of heaviness in the legs, pain and tiredness.
There are several causes in the development of varicose veins:
1. Hereditory - born with a tendency to weak valves.
2. Hormonal - acute hormonal changes as in pregnancy or menopause.
3. Taking hormones such as estrogen, progesterone or birth control pills.
4. Pregnancy - during pregnanacy the blood volume is increased which can Cause enlargement of the veins.
5. Factors which weaken the veins include: ageing, obesity, damage to the
legs, excessive standing or sitting in one place.
As previously mentioned varicose veins in the legs cause feelings of tiredness, and sometimes tingling and itching around the ankle, especially if the leg is hot. Scratching the leg can cause a rash, dermatitis, which can sometimes be very difficult to heal as the blood flow to the area is not always enough.
Thrombophlebitis - phlebitis is an inflamation with blood clots which develops following damage to the surface veins. Even slight damage to the veins can cause an inflamatory process sometimes accompanied by adhesions of platelets to the vein walls and the formation of blood clots (thrombus). The signs are redness and heat in the skin over the vein. The vein hardens due to the presence of the blood clots. Phlebitis in the surface veins causes tiredness and pain but is not life threatening because it is not accompanied by an embulism (caused when the clot detaches and enters the general blood stream).
People with varicose veins in their legs sometimes develop a network of small veins resembling a spider’s web (spider veins). The cause of these is usually hormonal, especially during pregnanacy
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Blood clots in the deep veins are dangerous because the clots can detach from the vein walls and travel in the blood to the heart and lungs. A clot travelling in the bloodstream is called an embolus. An embolus can cause a blockage and stop the flow of blood to the heart or lungs causing death. Phlebitis in the deep veins is caused by: inactivity, pregnancy, paralysis which forces the person to be continually seated, taking hormones, especially young women taking birth control pills. Also, sitting on long haul flights can present a threat.
Use of essential oils to help restore blood vessels
There are several essential oils and herbal tinctures which protect the function of the vein walls. They work mainly as antioxydants and as constrictors. Therefore for varicose veins causing tiredness and pain in the legs, the following is recommended:
Cypress (Cupressus Sempervireus) is considered the most effective essential oil to treat blood vessel problems, especially if combined with Juniper which soothes pain. Prepare a mixture of the two oils and dilute them to 6 – 10% in a carrier oil. The carrier oil can be Calendula, Stillaria, Sweet Almond or Caluphyllum- Inophyllum. Smooth the mixture gently over the affected area without massaging, and allow to soak in.
Lie de Vin Vert essential oil is produced from fermented grapes. It has a high concentration of esters, which have special antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Smooth the undiluted oil directly onto the swollen veins and allow to soak in. Knocks and injuries can cause bruising (haematomas). These appear as blue stains under the skin which change colour over time. It is possible to speed up the absorbtion of the haematoma and healing of the wound by using Hamamelis haematoma oil.
Hamaelis haematoma oil is an oily tincture made from the Hamamelis plant and containing essential oils of Cypress, Juniper, Rosemary, Lavender and Helichrysum Hamamelis oil contains tannin, a compound which constricts damaged tissue.
Rosemary: is an antioxydant and has an antibacterial action.
Lavender: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, heals wounds and prevents scarring.
Helichrysum: an exceptional essential oil, contains a rare compound called ItalodionE which can attach to the breakdown agents at the site of the wound and eliminate them via the blood and lymph, allowing the wound to scab and heal.
Prepare the haematoma mixture as follows:
To 10 ml. Base oil (Calendula, Stillaria) add:
Lavender - 4 drops
Juniper - 4 drops
Helichrysum - 2 drops
Vitamin E - 10 drops(vit.E is an antioxydant and protects cell membranes)
If there is a wound at the site of the haematoma add 2 drops Cistus essential oil (use only 3 drops each of Lavender and Juniper in this case).
Haemorrhoids and their treatment
Haemorrhoids are enlarged, inflamed veins in the anal area. They are caused by chronic constipation and straining during bowel action, pregnancy, old age and in homosexuals.
Haemorrhoids can be internal, or subcutaneous around the anus (external). Prevention of haemorrhoids includes avoiding constipation by eating foods containing enough fibre, drinking plenty of water, at least 6 – 8 glasses daily and not restraining a bowel movement.
Haemorrhoid cream:
50 ml. shea butter
20 drops synergy of Cypress, Lemon, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh and Myrtle
50 drops vitamin E
If there is a fissure add 6 drops of Rosemary to the above.
For a painful blow without haematoma:
To 5 ml. carrier oil (Calendula or Stillaria) add
3 drops Essential oil Nutmeg (analgesic)
3 drops essential oil Clove (analgesic, anti-inflammatory)
3 drops essential oil Peppermint (cools and soothes pain)
1 drop essential oil Cistus (anti-traumatic)
Couperose:
Couperose is defined as reddened skin on the cheeks, chin and around the nose constituting enlargement of small blood vessels. It’s appearance is caused by lack of elasticity in the capillary walls due to hereditory reasons, very thin skin, high blood pressure, extreme heat or cold. It is recommended to avoid very hot or cold water and exposure to strong sunlight.
Couperose oil:
30 ml. Stillaria or Calendula oil – add:
8 drops essential oil Rosemary
8 drops essential oil Rosewood
8 drops essential oil Clary Sage
8 drops essential oil Geranium
8 drops essential oil Lemon
8 drops essential oil Lavender
Migraine:
Constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the head causing pressure and headache.
Synergy of Camphor and peppermint - rub 30 drops on the affected area (avoiding the eyes). Cools and works on the nerves to relieve the pain.
Cholestrol and blocked blood vessels:
Mix a synergy of essential oils of Rosemary c.p. Verbinon, Cinnamon Camphor and put directly onto skin, or dilute to 10% in a carrier oil.
Can also be taken orally - 1 drop synergy in a teaspoon of honey, or with Hemp oil plus 1 drop vitamin E, taken 3 times daily. A smaller amount of Rosemary can be used if necessary.
Phosphorlipids of the epithelial cell membranes:
Oxydant caused damage to the blood vessels (oxydated blood vessels) cause damage and problems to the body. Taking antioxydant vitamins can reduce oxydisation of capillary epithelium and avoid the accompyaning damages.