Essential oil of immortelle to reduce varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a very common issue. Indeed, it is estimated that between 30 to 50% of women and 20 to 30% of men are affected by this venous condition. Causing aesthetic discomfort and inconvenience in daily activities, varicose veins result from a chronic venous disorder, leading to the dilation and deformation of veins. These are due to a weakening of the venous wall, often coupled with insufficient venous reflux resulting from a malfunction of the valves. Often hereditary, the appearance of varicose veins is also favored by a sedentary lifestyle.

In search of natural solutions for varicose veins, many people are turning to the essential oil of immortelle, also known as Italian helichrysum essential oil. Fluid and emitting a pleasant fragrance, this natural ingredient has organoleptic properties that make it highly sought after for massages, especially on the legs, which are often the first to be affected by varicose veins. Due to its rich biochemical composition, the essential oil of immortelle could also potentially alleviate varicose veins. This is at least suggested by a recent clinical trial.

This study involved 43 women, with an average age of 55, who were suffering from varicose veins. For 28 days, they applied a formulation containing 3% Italian helichrysum essential oil twice daily on their legs. A 10% reduction in the visibility of varicose veins was measured after 14 days. After 28 days, the decrease was quantified at 18%. It thus appears that the essential oil of helichrysum had a significant impact on varicose veins, a finding that would be interesting to confirm in further clinical studies.

When examining the mechanism of action involved, there are reasons to believe that Italian Helichrysum essential oil has the ability to inhibit the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Overactivity of this enzyme is partly responsible for the development of varicose veins. Indeed, nitric oxide promotes fluid accumulation in tissues by reducing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. It also increases vascular permeability and promotes vasodilation. According to a study in vitro, it appears that the addition of 250 μg/mL of immortelle essential oil significantly reduces the nitric oxide content in BV-2 cells.

The application of Italian Helichrysum essential oil could be beneficial in combating varicose veins and alleviating the accompanying pain. However, it's worth noting that this essential oil is rarely used on its own: it is typically diluted to 50% in a carrier oil. After warming the mixture by rubbing your palms together, apply it to your legs or any other part of your body prone to varicose veins using upward movements. While it's unlikely to provide a complete solution, daily massages with Helichrysum essential oil could help normalize vasomotor function and prevent complications associated with varicose veins.

There are reasons to believe that immortelle essential oil may help to alleviate varicose veins. However, if you wish to completely eliminate them, it is necessary to consult with a phlebologist.