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Using Essential Oils for Circulation to Support Blood Flow

Some essential oils may improve circulation by relaxing arteries, helping veins contract, or improving capillary blood flow. The most frequently recommended essential oils for circulation include:

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) helps dilate blood vessels. The oil is a strong central and diffusive arterial circulatory stimulant for a range of asthenic (cold) and hypotonic (weak) conditions with deficient circulation and chronic physical fatigue, according to Aromatica, Vol. 2.
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) helps improve circulation and contraction of the veins, and is often recommended to help reduce swelling and discomfort of varicose veins. This oil is a strong astringent blood and fluid decongestant, especially in the lower body, according to Aromatica, Vol. 2.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a warming effect on the skin and blood vessels, loosening tight muscles and improving circulation. The oil is an arterial circulatory stimulant for a range of cold conditions with deficient circulation, according to Aromatica, Vol. 1.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) supports the lymphatic system and moves stagnant fluid through swollen areas.
Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) stimulates circulation by dilating blood vessels and also has diuretic and lymphatic decongesting properties. The oil is an arterial circulatory stimulant for cold conditions with deficient circulation, especially chronic conditions and those involving cold limbs or skin, according to Aromatica, Vol. 1.
Lemon (Citrus limon) stimulates circulation and lymph movement. The oil is a venous and capillary restorative, plus a capillary and lymphatic stimulant, according to Aromatica, Vol. 1.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a strong central and diffusive arterial circulatory stimulant for a wide range of cold and weak conditions with poor circulation and cold skin, according to Aromatica, Vol. 2.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): The 1,8-cineole and camphor chemotypes are arterial circulatory stimulants for a wide range of cold conditions, according to Aromatica, Vol. 1. Note: The verbenone chemotype does not have the same effects.

Other essential oils sometimes mentioned for improving circulation include bergamot, cinnamon (bark and leaf), clove bud, eucalyptus globulus, geranium, helichrysum, lavender, marjoram, niaouli, peppermint, and ylang ylang. These oils are often complementary additions to blends for supporting circulation.

Sources:

Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
Aromatherapy: A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing With Essential Oils
Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body
The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness
Bella Martinez, Certified Aromatherapist. "Which Essential Oils Improve Circulation & Blood Flow?" Eden's Garden, March 2, 2026. Retrieved from https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/which-essential-oils-improve-circulation-and-blood-flow-aaa.
Karen Williams, Certified Aromatherapist. "Enhancing Vitality." Aromahead, August 14, 2023. Retrieved from https://aromahead.com/blog/enhancing-vitality.
Karen Williams, Certified Aromatherapist. "Winter Comfort: Understanding Warming Oils." Aromahead. November 29, 2022. Retrieved from https://aromahead.com/blog/winter-comfort-understanding-warming-oils-nl.

Massage Oils to Support Circulation

Using massage oils containing essential oils is one of the best ways to support circulation. Some of the suggested essential oils can irritate sensitive skin. Always spot test any oil you haven't previously used.

Body Massage

Circulation Massage Blend #1

14 drops lemon essential oil
7 drops rosemary ct. cineole essential oil
7 drops black pepper essential oil
3 tablespoons carrier oil

Adapted from The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

Circulation Massage Blend #2

5 drops black pepper essential oil
5 drops cypress essential oil
5 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil
5 drops ginger essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil (ct. cineole or ct. camphor)
2 tablespoons carrier oil

Source: AromaTools

Circulation Massage Blend #3

2 drops cypress essential oil
2 drops neroli essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil
1 drop frankincense essential oil
2 tablespoons carrier oil

Source: Essential Oils for Healing

Circulation Massage Blend #4

8 drops helichrysum essential oil
2 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
3 drops ginger essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops basil ct. linalool essential oil
2 tablespoons carrier oil

Source: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

More Massage Oils for Circulation

Massage Oil for Arms and Legs

5 drops cypress essential oil
4 drops peppermint essential oil
4 drops black pepper essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil (ct. cineole or ct. camphor)
2 tablespoons carrier oil

Source: Eden's Garden

Foot and Leg Massage Oil

10 drops geranium essential oil
4 drops basil ct. linalool essential oil
3 drops black pepper essential oil
2 drops clove bud essential oil
2 tablespoons carrier oil

Source: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Back Massage Oil

2 tablespoons carrier oil
12 drops cypress essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil (ct. cineole or ct. camphor)
4 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops nutmeg essential oil

Source: Aromatherapy: A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing With Essential Oils

Bath Essential Oils for Circulation

Circulation-Supporting Bath

4 drops cypress essential oil
3 drops grapefruit essential oil
1 drop nutmeg essential oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil or liquid castile soap

Source: Aromatherapy: A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing With Essential Oils

Bath Salts #1

1-1/3 cups Epsom salt
1-1/3 cups sea salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon castile soap or carrier oil
3 drops ginger essential oil
3 drops grapefruit essential oil
3 drops eucalyptus (globulus or radiata) essential oil
3 drops nutmeg essential oil

Stir together the salts and baking soda.
Blend the essential oils in the castile soap or carrier oil.
Stir the oil mixture into the dry mixture.
Run a bath and then mix in the bath salts.

Source: The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

Bath Salts #2

2 drops juniper berry essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops ginger essential oil
2 tablespoons jojoba oil
2 tablespoons Epsom salt

Combine ingredients. Run a bath and then stir in the mixture.

Source: Eden's Garden

About the Author

Carol Wiley is a retired massage therapist and freelance writer. She uses her deep interest in aromatherapy and essential oils to research their benefits and uses and bring you summaries and blends with links to more resources.

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