How To

How to Use Lavender to Improve Circulation

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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People who have various health conditions, including limited mobility, may show symptoms of poor circulation. Massage and mineral soaks using lavender can often help improve circulation, especially in the lower limbs. The calming property of lavender also may help a person's emotional well-being by reducing anxiety and irritability.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Basin
  • Towels
  • Lavender bath salts
  • Dried lavender flowers
  • Carrier oil
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Cotton socks
  1. Step 1

    Spread a towel out on the floor to keep the area dry. This will be your workspace, the place where you can gather your supplies. Have a chair ready to use for your footbath.

  2. Step 2

    Fill a basin with water that is hot but not scalding. Use the same temperature water that you like for a bath. If you do not have a basin, substitute a large bowl or a bucket.

  3. Step 3

    Place the basin on the towel you have laid out. If you are afraid of spilling, put the empty basin on the floor and use a pitcher to fill it up.

  4. Step 4

    Dissolve a scoop of lavender bath salts into the water. You can also use dried lavender flowers if you do not have bath salts.

  5. Step 5

    Put your bare feet into the basin and soak until the water is no longer hot. The lavender will stimulate your senses and your circulation.

  6. Step 6

    Dry your feet when the water has become cold. Dump the water out of the basin first to avoid knocking it over and spilling it.

  7. Step 7

    Combine 1 oz. of carrier oil with 1 ml of lavender essential oil in a small bowl. Sweet almond is a good carrier oil to use.

  8. Step 8

    Massage the lavender oil into your feet and lower legs. You can do this yourself or have someone do it for you. Massage can improve your circulation, especially in your feet.

  9. Step 9

    Put on a pair of soft cotton socks after your foot massage to avoid leaving greasy footprints around you. Cotton allows your skin to breathe.

  10. Step 10

    Observe how you feel after the lavender treatments to determine how often you want to repeat them. For someone with poor circulation, several times a week can be beneficial.

Tips & Warnings
  • Do not use lavender or other herbal remedies unless you have gotten approval from your doctor. Lavender may help improve your health but it can also negatively interact with conventional medications you may be taking.

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