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STEP 13 – COLD EXTREMITIES

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Blood needs to pump to every part of your body to keep it working efficiently. A person with poor circulation will often complain of cold hands and feet as the body has to work harder to get warm blood to the EXTREMITIES.

If the blood is not flowing as freely as it should, the fingers and toes may look white instead of pink (especially the nail beds) and numbness and cramping may also occur. This can happen year-round, not just in the wintertime.

Underlying medical conditions may be the cause of cold extremities from poor circulation but living a sedentary lifestyle and sitting for a lot of the time can impair the circulation to the small arteries that supply the hands and toes.

Essential Oils that are classed as rubefacients can help to stimulate the circulation locally to the area where they are applied.

“Rubefacient” means that these oils cause the blood capillaries to dilate, increasing blood flow to the area. This can be seen by a localized redness of the skin which gives a feeling of warmth and relief to the area.

Essential Oils that have rubefacient properties include:

• Black Pepper

• Ginger

• Peppermint

• Clove

• Rosemary

• Cinnamon

• Thyme

BLACK PEPPER Essential Oil comes from the berries of the BLACK PEPPER plant. It has a hot, spicy, and fruity aroma and is probably best known for its use in cooking for a spicy flavor. But this Essential Oil is actually very calming and soothing to the emotions due to its high monoterpene and sesquiterpene chemical composition.

When used on the skin it is both invigorating and warming, making it an ideal Essential Oil to use in the winter or at any time when warmth is needed. It is also a good Essential Oil to use in massage for general aches and pains as it promotes healthy circulation. The practice of dry brushing can help to improve circulation in the extremities by stimulating the small blood vessels in the skin.

PRACTICAL USES

• Create a warming, soothing massage by combining one to two drops with Fractionated Coconut Oil.

• Diffuse or inhale directly to soothe anxious feelings.

• Take one to two drops in veggie caps daily when seasonal threats are high.

• Add to meats, soups, entrees, and salads to enhance food flavor and aid digestion.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

DIFFUSION: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.

INTERNAL USE: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.

TOPICAL USE: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. 

CAUTIONS

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

WARM HANDS, WARM HEART HAND CREAM RECIPE

• 1/8 c. Shea Butter

• 1/8 c. Cocoa Butter

• 1/4 c. Coconut Oil (the type that solidifies in the cold)

• 1 tbsp. Vitamin E Oil (acts as a natural preservative)

• 1 tbsp. Jojoba Oil

• 3 drops BLACK PEPPER Essential Oil

• 2 drops Ginger Essential Oil

• 2 drops Clove Essential Oil

• 2 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil

• 1 drop Frankincense Essential Oil

• 50ml jar (have two on hand in case you have extra!)

Melt the Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Coconut Oil using the double boiler method. Once they are liquid, remove from heat and while mixture is still warm, add the Jojoba, Essential Oils, and Vitamin E. Mix well and transfer to jar.

Use this nourishing hand cream to naturally give warmth to your fingers when you are feeling cold, or in winter. Can be used for feet, too. This recipe smells like a tray of freshly baked cookies!

NOTE: Depending on the quality of your ingredients, this may turn out to be more of a thick liquid than a cream, but that is fine to use on your skin. Keep a jar in your handbag so that you can apply it in the cold weather, if desired. The recipe should keep four to six weeks.

QUESTION – WHAT WARMING OILS HAVE YOU USED WHEN IT HAS BEEN COLD OUTSIDE?