Raynaud's

This information came from http://www.raynauds.org  the website for the Raynaud's Association

Recommended for Raynaud’s
Essential oils are useful for warming the body as well as for circulation. Recommended oils for warming include Nutmeg, Mace, Clove, Black Pepper, Geranium, Palmarosa, Lavender, Fennel and Rosemary.  Myrtle, Lemon and Cypress have been used to strengthen and dilate capillaries and increase circulation. Helichrysum, Clove and citrus oils are natural blood thinners, balancing the viscosity or thickness of the blood, and they amplify the effects of Cypress. Marjoram relaxes muscles and dilates blood vessels, while nutmeg acts as a circulatory stimulant and anti-inflammatory. Goldenrod is a vein decongestant.



Treatment for Warming:
For warming, the recommended treatment is a two-part regime of baths and massage, using two formulas on alternate weeks. For the first week: FORMULA 1 BLEND consists of:  Nutmeg 15 drops; Lavender 5 drops; Geranium 10 drops.  Make a blend using these proportions or add these amounts to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for a massage oil.  Bathe twice a day in the morning and evening (before bed) using 6-8 drops of the blend. The water should be hot but not uncomfortable. Massage your fingers and toes. Add 5 drops blend to each tablespoon of vegetable oil to make a massage oil and apply it all over your body except your face.
Get your partner or a friend to massage your back for you. Pay special attention to your toes and fingers as well as arms, legs, bottom, tummy, chest, and shoulders. Do this daily. During an attack, use the massage oil as often as you like and double up on the fingers and toes.
FORMULA 2 BLEND consists of: Black Pepper 10 drops; Geranium 10 drops; Nutmeg 10 drops.  The second formula is used alternatively with Formula 1 until the condition eases off and relief is obtained.  Use exactly as directed above for one week, in the bath and as a massage oil.
Treatment for Circulation:
Single oils used for this application include: Goldenrod, Helichrysum, Marjoram, Cypress, Myrtle, Orange, Grapefruit, Clove, Peppermint, Geranium, Nutmeg, Cistus, and Lemongrass.
For topical application, dilute 50-50, 2-4 drops on affected area 2-3 times daily. Also apply over carotid arteries and pulse points, wherever arteries are close to the skin surface.  For a body massage, apply 2-3 times weekly, starting at the feet and working up to the heart.
FORMULA 1 BLEND consists of: Basil, 5 drops; Marjoram 8 drops; Cypress 10 drops; Peppermint 3 drops
FORMULA 2 BLEND consists of: Basil 3 drops; Peppermint 2 drops; Cypress 4 drops; Marjoram 8 drops; Wintergreen 10 drops
Dilute either of the above recipes in 1 tsp. pure fatty oil (i.e. olive or jojoba) and massage on location, one to three times daily.