Fluid Retention

The proper name for fluid retention is Oedema or œdema (British English), formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, is the increase of interstitial fluid in any organ — swelling. The swelling can take place in localised areas such as the ankle or it can affect larger areas or even the whole body.

Generally, the amount of interstitial fluid  is in the balance of homeostasis. Increased secretion of fluid  into the interstitium or impaired removal of this fluid  may cause edema. Generation of interstitial fluid  is regulated by the Starling equation of tissue fluid  which states that it depends on the balance of osmotic pressure and of hydrostatic pressure which act in opposite directions across the semipermeable capillary walls. Consequently, anything that increases oncotic pressure outside blood vessels (for example inflammation), or reduces oncotic pressure in the blood (states of low plasma osmolality, for example cirrhosis) will cause oedema.

Increased hydrostatic pressure inside the blood  vessel (for example in heart failure) will have the same effect. If the permeability of the capillary walls increases, more fluid  will tend to escape out of the capillary, as can happen when there is inflammation. Abnormal removal of interstitial fluid  is caused by obstruction of the lymphatic system, for example due to pressure from a cancer or enlarged lymph nodes, destruction of lymph vessels by radiotherapy, or infiltration of the lymphatics by infection such as elephantiasis. 

Aromatherapy Treatments:

There are many other forms of œdema which can be helped by alternative treatments. One example of this is pre-menstrual fluid  retention which responds well to massage in the 7-10 days preceding each period.

Oils for pre-menstrual massage include Geranium, Juniper and Rosemary essential oils. For fluid  retention caused by long periods of standing massage the legs from the ankles upwards using Pine essential oil.

For fluid  retention caused by long flights try massaging the ankles and legs with Cypress, Geranium or Pine essential oils diluted in carrier oil or carrier cream. Try taking a pot on a long haul flight and regularly massaging the ankles and legs. Sometimes fluid  retention is a way of the body showing that it has too many toxins so try essential oils such as Fennel, Juniper and Lemon in massage and baths.

Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress is a great asset for any sort of skin care. It can be used for varicose veins or haemorroids, it is great for sweating and can help with the menstrual cycle.

£3.75

Fennel Essential Oil

This is a herb of ancient medical repute which has been used for years. Try it for bruising, inflammation of the joints, arthritis, PMT and many digestive complaints.

£3.75

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium is lovely floral oil which can help with a wide variety of skin conditions, poor circulation, cellulite and many menopausal problems as well as fluid retention and hormonal in-balance.

£4.05

Juniper Essential Oil

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£4.25

Lemon Essential Oil

This antiseptic and anti-bacterial oil will perform many tasks especially when blended with other oils, including treating verrucas, insect bites and tension headaches. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system. It will aid slimming, help shift cellulite and smooth out those wrinkles

£2.75

Lemon Tea Tree Essential Oil

Lemon Teatree is unusual in that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms - bacteria, fungi and viruses. Excellent in all sorts of skin care, treating veruccas, for whooping cough and other respiratory problems and for infectious illnesses such as chicken pox.

£5.25

Pine Essential Oil

The most common use for Pine is for bronchitis, catarrh, sore throat and infections of the chest. Good in steam inhalations. Also try it for digestive problems.

£3.25

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£2.75