4343434343

Essential Oils and Arthritis: Your Best Options

Essential Oils and Arthritis

Why Use Essential Oils?

In most cases, the treatment of arthritis in traditional medicine is narrowed to the temporary management of symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are usually prescribed to reduce the swelling and pain, thus increasing the range of motion. In severe instances, corticosteroids might be prescribed to reduce inflammation by suppressing the patient’s immune system. These treatments may have considerable side effects, particularly when applied long term. That’s where natural solutions enter the scene.

It is a known fact that the active component in aspirin, one of the most popular anti-inflammatory drugs available, was initially derived from the willow tree. There are other plants with comparable properties that can be used in treatment of arthritis.

Essential oils represent the purest essences of these therapeutic plants. They can often bring an adequate pain relief without triggering adverse side effects due to the fact that they contain other ingredients that work together, regulating each other’s effects.

How to Use Essential Oils

It is important to keep in mind that applying essential oils directly to the skin may be quite irritating. It is therefore crucial to mix the essential oils with a carrier oil such as almond oil, coconut oil, etc. This dilutes the oils making them non-irritating while still offering an adequate level of relief. As a rule of thumb, prepare a dilution of roughly 3-5ml of essential oils to every 100ml of the carrier oil of choice.

The essential oils described in the paragraphs below have been established to be effective in treating arthritis – in combination with other medications and on their own.

Yes, essential oils may be used without any negative interaction along with some brand medications or generic alternatives. Most essential oils do not cause allergic reactions or do not contain any chemical compounds. That is why they may serve as a perfect addition to the treatment course with a daily administration of certain medications. You may also visit My Legacy Pharmacy where the experienced specialists can give consultations about the use of medications along with essential oils.

Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense oil can decrease arthritis pain in several ways: by interfering with cytokine production which increases inflammation, by helping regulate T-cells and lymphocytes interactions, by supporting the general immune function, by deferring reactions to sensitivities, and by lessening autoimmune effects linked to immunoglobulin G antibodies.

Myrrh essential oil

Myrrh oil also has anti-inflammatory characteristics, and it is often applied in tandem with frankincense oil to treat arthritis. A study recently published in Scientific Reports revealed that frankincense and myrrh oils, especially when used together, help suppress inflammation and thus minimize the intensity of joint inflammation.

Turmeric essential oil

Curcumin, the most active ingredient in turmeric, has become acknowledged as a great anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric is highly effective at helping patients manage rheumatoid arthritis.

A recent study in Japan assessed curcumin relationship with interleukin (IL)-6, the inflammatory cytokine that is known to be involved in the arthritis progression, and determined that curcumin reduced the inflammation considerably. This evidence implies that regular usage of turmeric might be a powerful way to combat progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger essential oil

This oil is known to help lessen pain associated with arthritis. Ginger oil provides this relief by acting with its signature chemical ingredient zingiberene on vanilloid receptors located on sensory nerve endings.

Scientists at UCLA showed that ginger can affect certain inflammatory processes at a cellular level. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-ulcer properies, as well as some analgesic activities, ginger is a great option for arthritis patients.

Peppermint essential oil

Anti-inflammatory abilities are a key feature of peppermint oil, thanks to the presence of l-menthol. Also enhanced by natural pain reliving properties, peppermint oil makes a perfect cure for painful inflammations.

Combine 5-10 drops of peppermint oil with 2 Tbsp of warmed coconut oil to prepare a ready-to-use potent anti-arthritic salve.

Orange essential oil

A 2009 study publicized in the European Journal of Medical Research examined the antioxidant potential of different essential oils, concluding that orange essential oil was the most effective of those researched. This, coupled with strong anti-inflammatory properties of orange oil make it a great cure for treating arthritis.

Mix a few drops of the orange oil with 1 teaspoon of almond or avocado oil, and rub the formulation wherever you have arthritic pain.

Lavender essential oil

When reviewing the top essential oils for treating arthritic inflammation, lavender oil always comes up. As an anti-inflammatory oil, lavender can help relieve painful swelling and inflammation that arthritis creates. Lavender is a painkiller as well, confronting arthritis from several angles.

Wintergreen essential oil

Wintergreen oil, another popular pain-relieving remedy that has saved numerous arthritis sufferers, is also known as “liquid aspirin.” According to a 2014 study publicized in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the principal natural component in wintergreen oil is methyl salicylate, a compound linked to acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin.

When applied to the tissues at the spot of pain, wintergreen oil manifests its analgesic properties. A mix of wintergreen and peppermint oils is frequently used because it is believed to provide much better pain relief than either wintergreen essential oil or peppermint essential oil alone.

Eucalyptus essential oil

Eucalyptus oil is perfect for improving circulation. It has a minty scent that makes it great for pain relief, especially for individuals suffering from joint pains and osteoarthritis. Eucalyptus oil works by widening the blood vessels to intensify circulation and increase the body’s restorative processes. To enhance its curative properties, mix eucalyptus oil with other essential oils such as peppermint oil.

Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary oil is great for improving circulation and treatment of joint pain. Rosemary oil has many distinctive uses. It is most effective as a pain reliever, but it has anti-inflammatory qualities as well, making it supreme for the treatment of arthritis.

For relieving arthritic pains, dilute rosemary in jojoba or olive carrier oil before applying it to the affected zones.

Marjoram essential oil

Marjoram oil is great for treating painful stiff joints. It has been traditionally applied for treating sprains, bruises, stiff joints and muscle spasms, making it excellent for treating arthritis. Marjoram essential oil has a relaxing effect as well. It can relieve soreness and relax the muscle, promoting the feeling of comfort.

Cayenne pepper essential oil

The active ingredient in cayenne pepper oil is capsaicin, and while hot peppers might cause your mouth to burn, the active ingredient is able to relieve inflammation in the joints, while also soothing pain. By blocking certain neurotransmitters for pain, capsaicin is a very popular option for people with chronic arthritis symptoms.

Regularly apply 3-5 drops of cayenne pepper oil, mixed with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, directly onto the painful areas on your joints and skin.

Chamomile essential oil

Chamomile essential oil is frequently used for its anti-inflammatory, soothing and calming effects. As an herb, chamomile is celebrated for its healing, comforting, and relaxing effects. The oil isolates some of these properties, particularly as an anti-inflammatory agent. To deliver the anti-inflammatory compounds into joints and other sites of pain, add several drops of chamomile essential oil to a topical massage oil of choice.

Juniper berry essential oil

Juniper berry oil improves and promotes blood circulation. It also helps remove toxins like uric acid away from the body. Both characteristics help combat arthritis that is associated with buildup of toxins in the body and the improper circulation. Juniper berry essential oil can also relieve swelling.

Mixed with a carrier oil of choice 1-2 drops, apply on areas effected or add some to a warm bath with lavender oil and Epsom salts. Since juniper berry oil can stimulate the uterine muscle, it must not be used over the course of pregnancy. Those individuals suffering from any type of liver or kidney disease should stay away from using this oil.

Yarrow essential oil

Being great for circulation, yarrow essential oil is great for arthritic patients as well. It increases circulation and thereby counteracts to accumulation of uric acid in the muscles and joints, thus helping in arthritis treatment. On top of that, the diaphoretic property of yarrow oil helps eliminate toxins from body through natural perspiration.

You’ve Helped Raise…

Become an ARIA Volunteer