Uncovering the Hidden Benefits of 8 Essential Oils for Water Retention Relief
If you suffer from water retention, you know that it can be a hindrance to your quality of life. But have you ever considered essential oils as a way to alleviate the symptoms? Essential oils have been used for centuries in a variety of healing practices and therapies, but they are also widely studied today for their various medical benefits. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at how essential oils can help relieve water retention and provide natural relief from uncomfortable swelling and bloating.
Use of Essential Oils for Water Retention
Water retention, also known as edema, is a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the tissues. This can cause swelling in the hands, feet, and legs. It can also lead to a feeling of heaviness in the body, and difficulty breathing.
Essential oils are natural compounds that are extracted from plants. They have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. One of the ways essential oils can be beneficial is by helping to reduce water retention. Many essential oils have diuretic properties, which can play a crucial role in aiding water retention. These diuretic essential oils work to increase the production of urine from the kidneys and help to release waste, toxins and fluid build-up that is causing swelling. Such fluids can be released from the body by using aromatherapy techniques and massage treatments as well as other methods, allowing the body to naturally rid itself of excess fluid. This decrease in water retention can then result in a more comfortable state for the body overall.
With so many essential oils for styes to choose from, it can be difficult to know which to try. We reviewed hundreds of reviews on Amazon and identified the top 8 most effective essential oils for water retention. Continue reading below to find the oil that most resonates with you, and consider trying one of the DIY recipes at the end of this post for faster relief!
We hope you find your favorite essential oils for water retention/edema from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our team. BiohackingBeat may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we fund our research). Happy shopping!
Plant Therapy Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Essential Oil Overview
Lavender essential oil is often used for its calming aroma and therapeutic properties. The oil also has significant anti-inflammatory effects which can help alleviate swelling and puffiness caused by water retention. Furthermore, lavender essential oil can act as an antispasmodic to reduce muscle spasms, antibacterial to fight off bacterial infections, and an antidepressant to uplift the mood. All these properties make this versatile essential oil one of the most popular choices for topical use.
Suggested Use
Add a few (2-3) drops of lavender oil to the swollen area, or you can add 4-6 drops to a warm bath to promote relaxation while reducing inflammation and pain.
Gya Labs Grapefruit Essential Oil
Essential Oil Overview
Grapefruit essential oil is an ideal natural remedy for water retention. Not only does it improve blood circulation, but it also keeps the lymphatic system active; this helps your body to flush out excess fluid. As a diuretic, the essential oil encourages your body to eliminate harmful waste materials more quickly, while preventing bloating and inflammation which can be caused by water accumulation. Taking advantage of the benefits provided by grapefruit essential oil is an excellent way to maintain the healthy hydration of your body. As an added bonus, it also has stimulating qualities that can help improve focus and concentration.
Suggested Use
Combine 3 drops of grapefruit oil with 1 tsp of fractionated coconut oil (or a carrier oil of your choice), and massage the mixture onto the swollen area a few times daily.
Plant Therapy Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Essential Oil Overview
Juniper essential oil is one of the best essential oils for retention issues, as it has strong diuretic effects that help the body eliminate excess water [1]. This makes it beneficial for reducing fluid retention and edema, both of which are often caused by excess fluids. In addition, juniper berry essential oil has been known to help stimulate the body's glands, thus leading to improved sweat production, improving detoxification and assisting with further removal of excess water. Consequently, it can be a great natural substitute for managing water retention.
Suggested Use
Combine 3 drops of Juniper Berry oil with 1 tsp of fractionated coconut oil (or carrier oil of your choice) and massage into the swollen/affected area.
Cliganic USDA Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
Essential Oil Overview
Peppermint essential oil is an excellent tool for those who experience water retention, as it helps the body reduce edema, a condition caused by the accumulation of fluid in certain parts of the body. It contains diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to efficiently flush out excess fluids that can cause edema. It also provides antiseptic qualities which fight off microscopic organisms like bacteria and fungi that can lead to edematous swelling. With consistent application of peppermint essential oil, individuals can experience a drastic decrease in the severity of their water retention and eliminate any related ailments from their bodies.
Suggested Use
Consider combining peppermint oil with eucalyptus and lemon essential oils if you are suffering from not only water retention and swelling but also significant pain. All these essential oils are good pain relievers and anti-inflammatory.
- Put 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of fractionated coconut oil in a small jar.
- Add 2-3 drops each of lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils in it.
- Mix the ingredients together.
- Massage the mixture into the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat 2-3 times daily.
Gya Labs Pure Rosemary Oil
Essential Oil Overview
Rosemary essential oil has a multitude of beneficial properties, particularly for those who experience frequent water retention. Not only does this remarkable oil have diuretic qualities that can assist in the removal of harmful toxins from the body, but its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory capabilities can serve to prevent acid reflux and indigestion. Moreover, rosemary essential oil can be highly effective for women who are prone to certain types of bloating during their menstrual cycle. When applied appropriately and on a regular basis, rosemary essential oil can truly maximize one's health potential by optimizing bodily function.
Suggested Use
Combine 3 drops of Rosemary oil with 1 tsp of fractionated coconut oil (or carrier oil of your choice) and massage into the swollen/affected area.
Gya Labs Fennel Essential Oil
Essential Oil Overview
Fennel Essential Oil is a great way to detoxify the body. It helps cleanse the kidneys and increase their efficacy, allowing them to eliminate excess waste, salts, and other materials from the body's system. Furthermore, this oil can provide a broader benefit for the whole body by facilitating detoxification in general. Not only does Fennel Essential Oil offer these amazing health benefits, but its pleasing scent makes it a perfect addition to any home or office. By harnessing all of Fennel Essential Oil's wonders you can enjoy not just a healthier lifestyle but also a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Suggested Use
Combine 3-4 drops of fennel oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, and rub the mixture onto the swollen area. Alternatively, you can add 1-2 drops of fennel oil to a glass of chamomile tea or warm water and drink.
Plant Therapy Cypress Essential Oil
Essential Oil Overview
Cypress essential oil is often regarded as an astringent oil, capable of providing a tightening effect on the body's tissues. This can be beneficial when dealing with water retention and other similar swollen conditions, such as cellulite. It may even help to reduce wrinkles, since its active compounds can minimize the thickness of fatty layers that develop beneath the skin. Furthermore, due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, cypress essential oil could also offer relief from muscle spasms or cramps. When used responsibly this therapeutic oil can provide numerous benefits for users who are seeking relief from these and other issues related to their bodily system.
Suggested Use
Combine 3 drops of Cypress oil with 1 tsp of fractionated coconut oil (or carrier oil of your choice) and massage into the swollen/affected area.
Plant Therapy Organic Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil
Essential Oil Overview
Studies have shown that the natural anti-inflammatory properties in eucalyptus oil may provide an effective, drug-free solution to a host of conditions associated with inflammation and pain including excess fluid. Enhancing its therapeutic potential, eucalyptus oil also has the capacity to stimulate serotonin receptors which is key for maintaining homeostasis within our bodies. As such, regular use of this extract may be part of a preventative health plan, reducing blood pressure and bringing about greater well-being by lessening inflammatory response reactions. Further research will determine the full breadth of benefits possible from this restorative oil.
Suggested Use
Combine 3 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) and massage the mixture into the swollen area.
Essential Oils for Water Retention FAQs
What are the causes of water retention?
There are a few reasons why someone might retain water. The most common reason is due to eating too many salty foods. When the body takes in too much salt, it retains water in order to dilute the sodium levels. This is what causes that "puffy" feeling and can also make you look bloated. Other causes of water retention can include hormonal changes (such as during menstruation or pregnancy), certain medications, and diseases such as congestive heart failure or liver disease. If you're retaining a lot of water and it's causing problems like shortness of breath, chest pain, or ankle swelling, it's important to see your doctor to find out the cause.
What are the symptoms of water retention?
The main symptoms of water retention are swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs. The skin may also look stretched and shiny, and you may experience difficulty breathing or chest pains. If you think you have water retention, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
How can you use essential oils to alleviate water retention?
Making use of essential oils as a method of water retention management is particularly effective when used topically. Body oils made with the right components can be massaged into the skin so that diuretic essential oils are effectively absorbed and transported to the target area. Due to their highly concentrated state, it’s important to always blend these essential oils with carrier oils before application; never apply them directly ‘neat’ without dilution, as this can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
To use essential oils for water retention, you can also add 5 drops of essential oil to a diffuser and diffuse for 15 minutes, or add 1-2 drops of essential oil to a glass of water and drink. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
What are some precautions when using essential oils for water retention?
Using essential oils as a form of natural relief is advantageous in many ways, however it is essential to recognize that such remedies are only intended for short-term and occasional use. If in doubt regarding a health problem involving edema, water retention or its causes, the advice of a doctor should be sought immediately. Specific precautions association with certain oils are as follows:
- Grapefruit and Orange essential oils are phototoxic in nature, meaning that direct sunlight on applied areas may result in burning sensations
- If pregnant, do not use Fennel, Juniper, Cypress or Rosemary
- If epileptic, do not use Fennel or Rosemary
- If suffering from any kidney disease, do not use Juniper
- If you have high blood pressure, do not use Rosemary
What home remedies help swelling from water retention go down?
There are a few things you can do to help with water retention and swelling:
- Reduce your salt intake. Sodium retains water, so reducing your salt intake will help reduce the amount of water retained in your body.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out excess fluid from the body.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise helps stimulate blood flow and encourages the lymphatic system to remove excess fluid from the body.
- Elevate your legs when resting. This helps improve blood circulation and encourages the removal of excessive fluid from the ankles and feet.
DIY Essential Oil Recipes for Water Retention
Foot/Leg Massage Oil Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 drops Rosemary oil
- 2 drops Cypress oil
- 1 drop Lemon oil
- 12 mL of carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil)
Directions
Combine the carrier oil and essential oils and massage into the leg and foot with firm strokes in the direction from the foot toward the heart.
Hand/Arm Massage Oil Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 drops of Geranium essential oil
- 2 drops of Sweet orange oil
- 12 mL of carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil)
Directions
Combine the carrier oil and essential oils and massage into the arm and hand with firm strokes in the direction from the hand toward the heart.
Bath Oil Blend
Ingredients
- 50 ml Sweet Almond oil (or other carrier oil)
- 4 drops Fennel oil
- 5 drops Lavender oil
- 5 drops Grapefruit oil
Directions
Mix the essential oils with a carrier oil to facilitate better dispersal throughout the bath, and relax and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
We hope our review has armed you with the information you need to select your favorite essential oils to help resolve your water retention and edema naturally! Tap the product links above to check prices and find the best essential oil for you. We hope you feel better, and thanks for reading!
Citations
[1] Tumen I, Süntar I, Keleş H, Küpeli Akkol E. A therapeutic approach for wound healing by using essential oils of cupressus and juniperus species growing in Turkey. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:728281. doi: 10.1155/2012/728281. Epub 2011 Sep 18. PMID: 21941588; PMCID: PMC3175711.
