It unclogs the tissues and helps reduce edema.
Water retention is characterized by the accumulation of water within the tissues. Instead of flushing fluid out to the kidneys, the body retains it, causing one or more parts of the body to swell. This phenomenon can be linked to excessive consumption of salt and sugars, hormonal imbalance, lack of physical activity, stress, taking certain medications or even poor blood circulation. To combat water retention, you must increase your daily water consumption in order to revive the kidneys and move as much as possible. Wearing compression stockings is also very effective in activating blood circulation and limiting edema. Without forgetting aromatherapy which can offer good results.
As for essential oil, Dr. Aude Maillard, pharmacist specializing in scientific and medical aromatherapy, recommends that we use lovage root. Renal stimulant and diuretic, it drains excess water from the tissues. “It has rare aromatic molecules called “phthalides” which have the property of detoxifying the body in a very effective and profound way. They will support the work of the liver and kidney, the two master organs of metabolism which contribute to better detoxification toxins and consequently, better drainage of the body” explains the specialist. Lovage EO is also interesting for regulating eating behavior and providing nervous rebalancing because it is nervous revitalizing.
“The aromatic pressure will drain the fluids”
To use it, mix 1 to 2 drops in a small spoon with a little vegetable oil (olive or rapeseed for example). Swallow twice a day while drinking at least 1.5 L of water to facilitate the work of this essential oil on the kidneys and promote drainage. “The aromatic pressure will seek out the stagnant fluids and drain them” explains the aromatologist. It is also essential to move during this lovage treatment (walking, Pilates, yoga, swimming) because physical activity contributes to the drainage of fluids by activating the lymphatic system. As lovage is a blood thinner, it is not recommended for people suffering from coagulation disorders or under anticoagulant treatment.
For a better result, the expert advises us to combine taking the essential oil with a massage with Provence cypress essential oil, a venous and lymphatic decongestant which helps reduce edema. Cypress is also anti-inflammatory which will improve the comfort of legs which may be sensitive or even painful. “In practice, it is possible to massage certain specific areas, in particular the contour of the malleolus which are water retention areas, and massage the tops of the feet until the metatarsals are visible” specifies the specialist. For each leg, dilute 3 drops of Provence cypress oil in calophyllum vegetable oil, a circulatory tonic and blood thinner. Attention : “Provence cypress is hormone-like, so it is not recommended for women who have estrogen-dependent pathologies (breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, mastosis and fibroids).”
Thanks to Dr Aude Maillard, pharmacist specializing in scientific and medical aromatherapy, author of the Grand guide to aromatherapy (Ed. J’ai Lu)