6 Best Essential Oils For Cellulitis


What Is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common and painful bacterial infection that occurs in the deeper layers of the skin. The condition can occur suddenly and has the potential to become severe if not addressed promptly. Mild infections can be local with redness and swelling in the affected area, while serious infections spread rapidly and result in sepsis. The spread of the condition depends on the immunity of the affected person.

Cellulitis usually occurs in the skin of the lower legs but can occur on the face, arm, and other areas. Some bacteria are present on the surface of the skin and are harmless, but when they enter the skin can cause an infection like cellulitis.

By following some natural home remedies such as essential oils for cellulitis are found to be effective.


Symptoms Of Cellulitis

Symptoms in the affected area;

  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Red spots
  • Blisters
  • Skin dimpling

Other symptoms of the infection are;


Causes Of Cellulitis

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria belonging to Streptococcus and Staphylococcus groups. These bacteria that are commonly found on the surface of the skin can cause an infection when they enter the deeper layers of the skin through skin injuries such as cuts, scratches, bites, or surgical wounds.

Some factors that increase the risk of cellulitis infection include;


Can Essential Oils Cure Cellulitis?

Yes, essential oils can help in the treatment of cellulitis because of their antibacterial and antiseptic properties.


6 Essential Oils For Cellulitis

Essential oils are distilled from the plant itself and have the characteristic odor of the plant they are extracted from. Essential oils are diluted for use by mixing with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil for the affected area. The essential oils used for treating cellulitis are;

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treatment of cellulitis. The oil is effective against a wide range of micro-organisms and therefore is used to get rid of bacterial infection that causes cellulitis. The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil help reduce the swelling and redness in the affected area.


How To Use

  • Mix two drops of tea tree essential oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil.
  • Apply this mixture to the affected area and leave it 2 to 3 hours before washing with water.
  • The oil can be used twice a day (morning and evening)

2. Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil contains antibacterial properties that help get rid of the staphylococcus bacteria causing cellulitis. The wound-healing properties of oregano oil reduce the symptoms of cellulitis and speed up the healing process.


How To Use

  • Take a few drops of oregano essential oil and mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil.
  • Apply this mixture to the affected area and leave it for 3 to 4 hours before washing.
  • The oil can be used 2 to 3 times every day.

3. Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treatment of cellulitis. It is a natural diuretic agent as well.


How To Use

  • Mix a few drops of Geranium oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil.
  • Apply the mixture to the affected region and leave it for a few hours before washing.
  • The oil can be used 2 times a day.

The other essential oils for cellulitis treatment include;


4. Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit essential oil Is being used for centuries to treat cellulitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.


5. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that effectively heal wounds. This oil not only helps heal the wound but also reduces the appearance of scars.


6. Juniper Essential Oil

Juniper oil contains components that help reduce skin infections, including cellulitis.

Prevention and natural treatment options include improving immunity with a nutritious diet, cleaning and protecting open cuts or wounds on the skin, washing hands frequently, and treating with essential oils. One can try using essential oils for cellulitis, as they are found to be an effective natural home remedy. If your symptoms still persist after the use of essential oils then you must consult the doctor and get the treatment done to avoid further infection.

Author:

Vasavi Attada

Vasavi Attada specializes in creating content for the Medical/healthcare domain. She has written articles for Indian Health Organization (IHO), American Diabetes Association, and for magazines such as India Today and Dignity Dialogue.

Vasavi Attada holds a Master’s degree in Microbiology from Bangalore University.