The arthritis is a disease in which the joints become inflamed and cause much pain . People who suffer from arthritis, of any kind, suffer an inability to continue with even the simplest day-to-day activities, such as taking a walk or getting off the couch. This debilitating condition is alarming as it affects many people. We give you 10 essential oils that provide an effective and natural way to treat arthritis and related pain:
1. Frankincense Essential Oil:
The culprit behind all the pain you experience in arthritis is inflammation. Incense is one of the best essential oils to treat arthritis because it targets the same inflammation at a much deeper level. It prevents the growth of molecules that favor cartilage inflammation and thus stops and reduces arthritis.
How to use it: Apply the diluted oil on the affected area and massage. It can also be mixed with myrrh essential oil.
2. Myrrh Essential Oil:
Myrrh oil is often used in combined oils to treat arthritis, as it has great anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is used with incense more often because, together, they reduce inflammation and joint pain more effectively.
How to use it: Mix preferably with other diluted oils and massage the affected area.
3. Ginger Essential Oil:
“Ginger essential oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, all of which help relieve arthritic pain”.
It is known that the oil produces a burning sensation, which could go directly to the pain pathways and reduce inflammation. It is also believed that ginger essential oil is a good substitute for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as it can decrease pain and stiffness in the knee joints.
How to use it: Massage the diluted oil in the affected area with a warm compress, which increases absorption. It can be mixed with other oils such as lemongrass or lavender.
4. Lemongrass Essential Oil:
Lemongrass essential oil is commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis. This oil is an antioxidant and fights free radicals, which are the main causes of arthritis. It is also believed to be a good alternative for aspirin allergy sufferers.
How to use it: Boil the oil in water and expose the affected areas to steam; This will relieve the pain.
5. Lavender Essential Oil:
Lavender, a nerve relaxant, is most commonly used to improve sleep quality and induce it. However, it is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, since it is an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic, thus reducing pain. Used in the treatment of anxiety and depression, the mild nature of lavender oil also makes it a reliable option for arthritis.
How to use it: Use 3 to 5 drops of diluted lavender oil on the affected area and massage with circular movements to relieve pain instantly. Repeat the operation as and when necessary.
6. Orange Essential Oil:
The aroma of citrus oils, such as orange, is quite refreshing and will make you feel well awake. But that is not the end of its benefits. Orange essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain, a blessing for people with arthritis.
How to use it: Dilute the orange essential oil with base oils such as almond or avocado and rub on the affected area.
7. Gaulteria Essential Oil:
Gaulteria is said to have strong analgesic and analgesic properties. It is commonly used in combination with peppermint oil, which doubles the effect on arthritic pain.
How to use it: Apply diluted gaulteria oil, with peppermint oil, on the affected area and gently massage.
8. Peppermint Essential Oil:
Peppermint, with its menthol content, is famous for its use as a mouth freshener. But did you know that it has amazing healing properties? Peppermint essential oil is a brilliant anti-inflammatory that, together with the oil of Gaulteria, reduces arthritic pain and has fewer side effects.
How to use it: Use 5 to 10 drops of diluted peppermint oil, in combination with Gaulteria or other similar oils if necessary, and rub over the affected area.
9. Chamomile Essential Oil:
Chamomile essential oil reduces not only feelings of anxiety and depression, but also inflammation of the body. The oil, which is a good anti-stress, penetrates deeply into the layers of the skin and relieves any stiffness in the joints that results from arthritis.
How to use it: Dilute 15 drops of chamomile oil with 2 tablespoons of base oil and massage the affected area with it. This provides relief from soothing and scented pain.
10. Turmeric Essential Oil:
It is very likely that you have heard of turmeric as a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic treatments. This last use is due to the very effective anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in turmeric, which is especially useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
How to use it: Apply diluted turmeric oil on the affected area and gently massage. You can also use the oil to make herbal tea.
Tips for Using Essential Oils for Arthritis:
It doesn’t matter what oil you use for arthritis, but there are certain steps that you need to follow:
- Always dilute the essential oil with a base oil. Essential oils are quite strong and will cause skin irritation if applied directly.
- Apply and test the diluted oil on a small area of your skin and wait a day for any allergic reaction. If you do not experience any such effect, go ahead and use it regularly.
- In aromatherapy, try to smell the oil and observe any negative reactions. Add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice on a cotton ball (or any absorbent cloth) and inhale directly, for as long as suggested.
- Always consult an expert in essential oils for the correct use of oils.
Most of the arthritis treatment options deal with controlling the symptoms and not the real problem itself. So if there is a natural option for arthritis, it is even more welcome.
