What Can Essential Oils Do For Arthritis
Essential oils may ease arthritis symptoms, especially swelling, inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Made from the liquid essence of plants, essential oils have medicinal properties that can be used for prevention and treatment for many health problems. When it comes to the essential oils for arthritis, you should look for essential oils that have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming properties.
Aromatherapy is safe to use for arthritis alongside conventional treatments recommended by medical doctors.
Aromatherapy Oil Blends For Ra
Blending essential oils together may allow a person to enhance their effects. There are many potential blends a person could try using the essential oils listed above, but in the 2016 study on the impact of aromatherapy massage on RA, the researchers used:
Methods for using essential oils include:
- placing a few drops into hot water and inhaling the steam
- using a diffuser, which dilutes essential oils in water and releases a scented mist
- mixing essential oils into bath salts or oil and adding some to a bath
- diluting essential oils in a carrier oil and massaging the mixture into sore, stiff, or painful joints
Effective Essential Oils For Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. As arthritis has become a very common problem nowadays, with more than 10 million cases per year in India itself. In this article we are going to inform you about different essential oil good for arthritis, their different benefits, how you can use these oils to relieve your pain and what are the possible side effects if any of using this oil.
Also Check: How Did I Get Arthritis In My Knee
What Are My Other Arthritis Treatment Options
Because arthritis symptoms can vary greatly, the best combinations of treatments are personalized to the patient. You and your doctor will work together to find which combination of diet, exercise, over-the-counter medications , prescription medications, and alternative medicines work best for you.
If you are experiencing arthritis pain and want to know more about using essential oils, talk to your doctor about your options. Click the button below to find a pain specialist in your area.
Ginger And Orange Essential Oils To Reduce Joint Pain And Stiffness
The second study on essential oils and arthritis involved 59 persons in a senior citizens center in Hong Kong.
This study was placebo-controlled and double-blind basically, the gold standard for scientific experiments.
Over 3 weeks, the people in the study were given either an aromatherapy massage, a massage without aromatherapy, or just their usual treatment.
For the group that received an aromatherapy massage, the results were impressive.
Pain, stiffness and physical function all decreased, unlike in the other two groups.
Heres the essential oil blend that was used in this study:
When you make this blend, you can simply rub it onto your joints.
However, you can also ask a family member to perform an aromatherapy massage on you .
This isnt the only study that supports the use of ginger essential oil for treating the symptoms of arthritis.
A study from 2006 showed that ginger essential oil was effective in reducing pain in mice that had developed arthritis.
And a 2009 study looked at arthritis and ginger extracts containing the compound gingerol .
Its important to point out that these extracts are different from ginger essential oil, which doesnt contain gingerol.
What matters for us is that one of the two extracts did contain ginger essential oil.
And this extract was found to be more effective in preventing both joint inflammation and destruction.
Also Check: Arthritis Flare Up In Hands
Read Also: How To Deal With Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Risks Of Essential Oils For Ra
A person should speak with a doctor before using essential oils to alleviate symptoms of RA. Some essential oils can be dangerous if a person uses them incorrectly. They may also interact dangerously with other medications or supplements a person is taking.
It is also possible for people to have reactions to essential oils. Some side effects may include:
- increased if a person applies the oils to the skin, particularly citrus oils
Essential oils are not suitable for use around pets, children, or people who are pregnant or nursing. Additionally, a person should never replace their prescription RA medications with essential oils or other complementary therapies.
Without proper treatment, RA can lead to serious and permanent complications, such as bone and cartilage damage.
Ointment Containing A Mixture Of Essential Oils
Komeh-Nkrumah and coworkers tested the antiarthritic potential of an ointment containing essential oils from 16 species: Calophyllum inophyllum L. , Citrus aurantium L. , Eucalyptus globulus Labill. , Eugenia caryophyllata L. , Foeniculum vulgare L. , Helichrysum angustifolium DC. , L. , Lavandula angustifolia Mill. , Myristica fragrans Houtt. , Ocimum basilicum L. , Pinus sylvestris L. , Piper nigrum L. , Rosmarinus officinalis L. , Salvia sclarea L. , Salvia officinalis L. , and Zingiber officinale Roscoe . EOs were used in different percentages, and were combined with corn oil as a carrier oil, as well as with bees wax. This ointment containing 20% EO was applied topically twice daily to Lewis rats to evaluate the effects on adjuvant arthritis, which was induced by injecting M. tuberculosis . It was observed that arthritic rats treated with the EO mixture developed less severe clinical arthritis compared to the control group. Moreover, the treatment was able to significantly reduce the levels of TNF- and IL-1, as well as the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in the synovial fluid and synovium-infiltrating cell lysate.
Studies on the antiarthritic activity of EOs reported in this review are summarized in Table 1.
You May Like: What Are The Early Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
When Blending Aromatherapy Oils Is Better
Often times, blends of oils are found to be more effective than single oils. For instance, one of the most promising studies on the use of essential oils to treat rheumatoid arthritis was published in 2005 by Korean researchers who evaluated a specific blend containing eucalyptus, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils in proportions of 2:1:2:1:1 on 40 patients. Aromatherapy significantly decreased both the pain score and the depression score of the experimental group compared with the control group, reported the researchers. Bonus: The therapy produced no side effects.
You can mix up your own version of this blend with this recipe from The Healing Power of Essential Oils by Eric Zielinski, D.C.:
Arthritis Pain-Reducing Ointment
- 14 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 14 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
- 7 drops lavender essential oil
- 7 drops peppermint essential oil
- 7 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 ounces almond oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
If DIY isnt your thing, some companies sell products pre-blended for arthritis relief. For instance, Natural Options Aromatherapy offers its Arthritis Relief blend of Roman chamomile, rosemary, clove, lavender, ginger, and wintergreen in a body cream, roll-on, and bath salts.
What About Turmeric Frankincense And Myrrh
If you search online, you might see some other recommendations for essential oils for arthritis.
Frequent among these are turmeric, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils.
Heres what I could find about them.
There is a study that looked specifically at turmeric essential oil and arthritis in mice.
The mice were given high amounts of turmeric essential oil, either orally or by injection.
The turmeric oil dramatically reduced swelling but it also killed many of the mice.
Lower, less toxic, doses of turmeric essential oil didnt show significant anti-inflammatory effects.
The authors concluded that their study does not support the isolated use of turmeric essential oil for arthritis treatment, but that it instead points to safety concerns about its use.
As for frankincense and myrrh, I found studies that supported the use of their extracts for arthritis.
The trouble is, the extracts are not the same thing as essential oil because they have different chemical profiles and different therapeutic properties.
While its possible that frankincense and myrrh essential oil also help with arthritis, I havent found any direct scientific support for this.
You May Like: Can You Get Arthritis In Your Back
Read Also: How To Relieve Arthritis Pain In Wrist
Can Essential Oils Help Your Arthritis Pain
More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have arthritis, which is often treated with medications and physical therapy. While these therapies are viewed as the gold standard when it comes to reducing the pain and swelling associated with arthritis, they arent the only weapons available.
Essential oils contain vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories that may help ease arthritis pain and swelling.
The oils are extracted from plants, fruits, herbs, trees, and flowers. Certain parts are steamed or pressed to create the oil. By some estimates, it can take several pounds of plant material consisting of more than 30 ingredients to produce just one bottle of essential oil.
This article outlines six of the more common essential oils for arthritis, how to use them, and which potential side effects should get your attention.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Benefits Of Essential Oils To Reduce Joint And Knee Pain
Knee and joint pain might make it difficult to go about your everyday routine. There are, nevertheless, ways to feel better. Essential oils derived from plants, as well as over-the-counter and prescription medications, may be therapeutic.
Dr Chaitali Deshmukh, Ayurvedic expert, Birla Ayurveda, spoke to Health Shot about it. He says, Essential oils have been in use for thousands of years. Aromatherapy is the practice of using plants for therapeutic or medical purposes. Essential oils are made from the fragrance components of a plant, usually the bark, leaves, or peel. You may smell them when the plant is crushed. Special steaming processes help to intensify the aroma.
Essential oils have a strong scent. That is not, however, what makes you feel better. The plants chemicals have an effect on your mind and body. They enter your bloodstream when you massage the oil on your skin or breathe it in.
You May Like: How To Reduce Arthritis Pain In Back
Turmeric For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Turmeric has long known for its healing properties. It is one of the best essential oil for joint pain relief. It possesses an active ingredient called curcumin, which has found to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. It can also be used to treat acne and psoriasis
Turmeric can be taken orally making turmeric tea and add it as a spicy to your foods.
Where can you get these pain relief oils from ? You can order for them now on
Turmeric Tea Recipe
- 8 ounces of coconut milk
- 8 ounces of water
- A teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 8 ounces of honey
Directions
- Put coconut milk and water into the saucepan and heat for 2- 3 minutes.
- Then you can add butter, raw honey and turmeric powder and heat it for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir thoroughly and pour into glasses.
Read Next :Fast Pain Relievers Food that Work
Heres What You Need To Know About Aromatherapy The Healing Power Of Smell To Treat Arthritis Pain
Many people who have to deal with the many debilitating symptoms of arthritis pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and stiffness are open to trying alternative remedies to find relief beyond what their medications can offer. Indeed, research shows that people with osteoarthritis , the most common type of arthritis, are more likely to use complementary treatments than those living with any other chronic condition. And just as theres evidence supporting the use of alternative therapies like acupuncture and meditation in treating arthritis symptoms, science also shows some benefits of incorporating aromatherapy into your anti-arthritis armamentarium.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Thing To Take For Rheumatoid Arthritis
How Aromatherapy May Help Arthritis Pain
The benefits of essential oils used to be explained as coming from the life force of a plant, which admittedly sounds a little woo-woo. The reality is that essential oils contain a slew of compounds sometimes as many as 300 that can have a range of effects on the body. Essential oils directly stimulate the part of the brain that influences emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, but you dont even necessarily have to smell the oils to reap their rewards.
The term aromatherapy is really a misnomer, says Barb Picciano, a registered nurse, board-certified holistic nurse, and the former director of the healing services program at the Cleveland Clinic. The use of essential oils is called aromatherapy, but the word doesnt cover all of the ways they work.
For instance, when applied topically, rosemary can ease arthritis pain by helping to numb nerves when inhaled, rosemary oils been shown to have a stimulatory effect on beta brainwaves that may explain its ability to make you feel more alert and energized a plus when dealing with a chronic disease leaves you feeling drained.
When trying to manage arthritis pain, youll want to use something topical, says Picciano, whos now the director of education for Natural Options School of Aromatherapy, the education arm of a company that provides essential oils to over 120 hospitals in the country. Youre not going to affect joint pain with inhalation, but in terms of relaxation, it could be effective.
Amazing Essential Oils To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes extreme joint pain and inflammation and the condition aggravates during winter. Most common symptoms of RA include joint pain, swelling of joints, stiffness and loss of joint function.
Besides medication, aromatherapy is also widely recommended in easing the mobility and to provide comfort for the inflamed, painful joints and tissues.
Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, basil are prepared from the extracts of plant compounds such as bark, leaves or roots and they provide instant relief from rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Recommended Reading: Does Pineapple Help With Arthritis
Essential Oils For Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that mainly affects an individuals joints, causing joint pain and stiffness. Arthritis can also lead to redness, swelling, and difficulties with manoeuvrability. If left untreated, the symptoms of arthritis can exacerbate and lead to further discomfort, and can leave those with arthritis feeling debilitated. That being said, many of the treatment methods used for arthritis can lead to unwanted side effects, which is why you may wish to try a natural alternative. Essential oils for arthritis can have a hugely beneficial effect due to their natural anti-inflammatory benefits, amongst a whole host of other benefits that can help to relieve arthritis pain.
Use Essential Oils In Communal Areas With Care
Essential oils sprayed or diffused into the air can affect everyone who breathes that air. Remember that while you might consider the smell of peppermint oil to be invigorating, for example, it could agitate very young children and may present a problem for people who have a fast heartbeat. Some people with asthma report more problems breathing when certain oils are used in a diffuser.
Read Also: How To Cure Arthritis In The Hip
What About Cbd Oil For Arthritis
Many people immediately turn away when any mention of cannabidiol oil comes up as a potential treatment for many conditions. And with some good reason. Although legal medically and recreationally in 29 states, CBD oil is not approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration for treatment of any medical condition.
CBD is extracted from marijuana and hemp plants. Even though it does not create a high like the more familiar THC extract might, both oils remain illegal in the eyes of the federal government.
Another reason people shy away from CBD is due to the lack of research on its effects. Because marijuana is illegal, there are few scientifically valid studies of its proper dosing, treatment success, and side effects. Most evidence is anecdotal, and results can vary.
But there is a reason CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis keeps coming up as a potential treatment. In 2016, a study of transdermal CBD oil as a treatment for inflammation and arthritis in rats yielded positive results with few, if any, negative side effects . Although the researchers are quick to suggest that more human studies are needed, initial results are promising and warrant further investigation.
The best option to learn more about this controversial treatment is to talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and side effects, as well as the process for getting a medical marijuana card if the use of CBD oil is legal in your state.
Our Top 5 Oils For Arthritis Pain
You can use any essential oil on the list above to help you find relief. If youre a first-time user of essential oils, you might still need some guidance, so heres a little more information about some of the most popular oils. You will not regret purchasing these as they have plenty of uses, and smell divine!
German Chamomile Essential Oil
You probably already know about chamomile as a good tea to drink before bed, but it does more than help you sleep. Chamomile essential oil is an anti-inflammatory, a great digestive aid, and an effective pain reliever.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often used for respiratory needs. When used topically, it stimulates circulation and offers a numbing effect that can relieve pain.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Its uplifting, flowery citrus scent might just become a perfect addition to your morning ritual!
Thyme Essential Oil
This is an extremely powerful oil in both science and healing capacity. Thyme oil has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, and more. It does have a strong smell and can be an irritant so use with caution.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Blend Helichrysum essential oil with lavender into a half cup of carrier oil for a calming and healing topical massage oil.
Also Check: How Do You Use Turmeric For Arthritis
Essential Oils For Easing Joint Problems
Several essential oils shine when it comes to easing canine joint discomfort. Sometimes, those we least expect can impart great support for all sorts of inflammation and mobility issues.
Black Spruce, Balsam Fir, Peppermint, Bergamot, Lavender, Anise, German Chamomile, Marjoram and Copaiba have all been used with dogs, and contain many beneficial anti-inflammatory properties, as shown in research studies. The art of Veterinary Aromatic Medicine lies in selecting the most dog appropriate oils, as well as using them at proper dilutions and ratios, and with the correct application methods.