Feet Naturally — natural steps, better health
The shelf
30
Essential oil

Cypress

Tightens vessels, moves stagnant fluid

Cypress — still life

Cypress oil is distilled from the needles and twigs of the Mediterranean cypress, and its defining property is that it is a vasoconstrictor — it tightens blood vessels. That is the opposite of what ginger or rosemary do, and it is useful for a different problem.

Where blood or fluid is pooling and sitting — heavy legs at the end of the day, puffy ankles, the aching congestion that comes with poor venous return — cypress helps move it along. The book lists it for cold feet, where the benefit is improved circulation overall rather than direct warming.

It is also a strong astringent and deodoriser, so it does double duty on sweaty feet.

How to use it

  1. 1

    Heavy leg massage

    Four drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil, massaged firmly upward from ankle to knee. The direction is the treatment — you are helping fluid return.

  2. 2

    Deodorising soak

    Five drops in a warm basin, fifteen minutes. Astringent enough to reduce sweating over a week of use.

  3. 3

    With elevation

    Apply the massage blend, then lie with your feet above hip height for fifteen minutes. Gravity does more than the oil.

Before you use it

  • Avoid during pregnancy.
  • Avoid if you have high blood pressure — a vasoconstrictor is the wrong direction.
  • Not for anyone with a clotting disorder or a history of thrombosis without medical advice.

Treats

Feet Naturally — book cover
From the book

Feet Naturally

The original book this guide is built from — 30 common foot problems and the natural remedies for them.

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This is natural-care information for general guidance only — it is not medical advice. For severe, worsening, or diabetic foot problems, please see a doctor.