A case study was conducted in 2016 by a registered nurse following the National Association for Holistic guidelines demonstrated the efficacy of the clinical aromatherapy blend in reducing edema over three weeks. While the study needed research, it showed promising results.
Fluid retention is often associated with edema or swelling. It can be caused by various reasons
Water, or fluid, retention is one of the most common concerns because it indicates our body systems reacting to maintaining fluid levels.
Cause of fluid retention can be caused by various reasons such as the body’s circulatory system, kidneys, lymphatic system, and hormonal factors, according to an article published in the Medical News. Fluid retention is often associated with edema.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to elicit psychological or physiological responses through the brain’s limbic system.
Some of the essential oils effective as diuretics due to its chemical properties (monoterpene alcohols, esters, ketones, oxides, monoterpenes, sequiterpene alcohols, sequiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids):
- Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress)
- Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)
- Lavendula angustifolia (Lavender)
- Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
- Lemongrass
In the limbs, feet, and hands, symptoms:
- swelling
- changes in skin color
- shiny or puffy skin
- areas of skin that remain indented when pushed in with a finger, known as pitting edema
- aches and tenderness in the limbs
- stiffness in the joints
- weight gain
Fluid retention can also affect the following areas:
- Injury
- Surgery
- Cancer Treatment
- Capillary damage
- Congestive heart failure
- The lymphatic system
- The kidneys
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
- Infections and allergies
- Medications
- Hormonal conditions