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Few conditions are as debilitating and frustrating as arthritis. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms in your knees or wrists, ankles, hips – or any other joint – it can greatly affect the way you live your life.
While you may have tried other solutions to no avail, we’re here to provide you with a holistic approach to arthritis management: essential oils.
Aromatherapy is a safe, natural approach to treating ailments of all sorts – and it can help you with your joint pain and immobility, too. It just comes down to selecting the best essential oils for arthritis and knowing how to use them properly.
Today, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about using essential oil for arthritis pain – starting with the elephant in the room…is this even worth the time and effort?
Can You Use Essential Oils for Arthritis?
First things first…can you really use essential oils for arthritis pain?
Essential oils – and aromatherapy in general – is one of the most versatile approaches to holistic healing throughout human history. The therapeutic properties of these oils are very powerful – boasting countless physical and mental health benefits. From helping you quit smoking to easing symptoms of anxiety, encouraging focus, treating bug bites…and so much more.
But what about arthritis? After all, this condition affects a considerable amount of people every day – and traditional treatments might not cut it. While pain medication does provide short-term relief, this is not a sustainable approach to treatment. And while physical therapy can help to some degree, your pain and immobility can make it impossible to get through these sessions.
The answer to your question is yes – essential oils can be used to manage the pain and immobility that comes with arthritis. However, not just any essential oil will do. It all comes down to selecting the right ones, though. Keep reading as we discuss the two most important properties to look for when vetting an essential oil as part of your arthritis management regimen.
What Essential Oil is Good for Arthritis? Properties to Look for
To understand how essential oils work for arthritis management, you need an understanding of what arthritis is, exactly. At its core, arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects your joints. This means that the best essential oils for arthritis will have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and pain as a result.
But it doesn’t end there – you need something that works beyond inflammation control. The best essential oil for arthritis will also provide therapeutic relief from arthritic pain and immobility, making it easier to get out of bed in the morning and go about your day without worrying about when the next wave of pain is coming.
Thus, the best essential oil for arthritis is capable of offering both pain relief through anti-inflammatory properties and can help you move more efficiently. Let’s take a deeper look at these essential properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
When we talk about anti-inflammatory properties in essential oils, what exactly does this mean? When inflammation occurs, it can lead to additional symptoms like redness, swelling, tenderness, and heat – among other issues.
This is why it’s crucial to identify an essential oil that can reduce swelling and ease discomfort – so you can get back to living your life without worrying about joint pain.
Pain-Relieving Properties
In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, the best essential oil for arthritis will provide pain relief. Pain is a natural symptom of this condition, presenting itself in varying degrees from person to person – sometimes even day by day. As such, you need something that works quickly and effectively – delivering long-term relief.
So – What is the Best Essential Oil for Arthritis Pain?
So, with all that being said – what is the best essential oil for arthritis pain? There are quite a few different oils that deliver the properties we’ve discussed above. However a few stand alone as the premier choice – and we recommend you start with these.
We’ll kick this list off with one of our personal favorites for join-pain and discomfort: eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus oil is a powerhouse for joint pain and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory effects soothe the symptoms of arthritis – reducing swelling, heat, and tenderness associated with this condition. And it provides fast-acting relief from arthritic pain – helping you to get through your day without as much discomfort.
But what makes Eucalyptus a unique choice as the best essential oil for arthritis treatment is that its benefits can be attained through aromatherapy – not necessarily topical application. Researchers found that those who inhaled this oil for a half hour (as you would in a diffuser for essential oils) experienced lower pain levels.
As an ancient medicinal remedy, Rosemary has been used throughout history to treat various ailments – including arthritis! It’s considered one of the best essential oils for “loosening up” stiff joints and muscles – promoting a superior range of motion and improved mobility.
One study took a look at this oil’s ability to mitigate discomfort in arthritis patients – along with its ability to promote better emotions. The results were impressive – and supported the use of this oil in any arthritis treatment plan.
Lavender is known far and wide as a calming agent – and that’s why it’s featured in many of the most relaxing essential oil blends. However, its benefits extend beyond just that.
With potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, this essential oil is a great choice for those seeking relief from arthritis pain and immobility.
A study was conducted on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis – particularly in the knees. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment from a Lavender, Juniper, and Cananga oil blend, pain and fatigue were lowered.
Frankincense is one of the best essential oils for arthritis – providing you with powerful help in your battle against this disease. It has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make it perfect for treating joint inflammation as well as chronic pain.
In fact, one study looked at Frankincense as an osteoarthritis treatment specifically and found impressive results.
For many years, Myrrh has been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. A few animal studies have proved that Myrrh can be useful in treating both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Neuropathy, especially when paired with Frankincense.
Additionally, In Jordan where Myrrh is abundant, a study found that Myrrh greatly reduced swelling in hands and feet. They found that it helps to lower luekotaxine levels which is a polypeptide present in the fluid of inflamed areas.
Ginger oil is another great essential oil for arthritis – providing both anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. But that’s not all…
It’s also known to improve circulation, which helps reduce pain and swelling in the affected area. The more blood flow you can get to the affected region the better, as this will help deliver essential nutrients to promote pain & inflammation relief. This is the beauty of Ginger oil.
How to Use Essential Oils for Arthritis Treatment: Three Options
There you have it – the best essential oils for arthritis treatment. But now the question becomes…how do you actually use them? As we discussed above, some of these oils are best applied topically while others can benefit from inhalation.
So – let’s discuss both methods below – along with another approach to essential oil consumption that you may not have considered.
Topical Application
Ready to get started applying essential oils directly to your afflicted joints? If so – you’ll want to begin with a carrier oil for essential oils. This is an oil that can help dilute the essential oils and help them penetrate deeper into the skin – while diluting the “hot” essential oil in question for safer application.
Remember – essential oils are incredibly potent. Applying them directly to the skin without dilution can lead to adverse reactions. The most popular choice is coconut oil, but there are lots of options out there. Once you’ve decided on a carrier oil, mix 1-2 drops of the essential oil into 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil, and then apply it directly to the affected area. Carefully massage the oil into the skin and work it in. You can also consider warming the area in question through heating pads to maximize absorption.
One of the most convenient ways to use essential oils for arthritis is with roll on essential oils. These little sticks can be thrown in your purse and brought on the go – just like chapstick. If your arthritis flares up while you’re away from home, you won’t have to suffer through the pain – just quickly apply your roller.
Inhalation Through Diffusion
In some cases – inhalation is preferable for arthritis treatment. This is especially true if you are dealing with internal inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
The best way to do this is through the use of a diffuser – which disperses essential oils into the air, allowing you to inhale them directly and enjoy their therapeutic benefits. You can simply relax, and breathe in the therapeutic properties of your essential oils allowing them to do their magic. This is a great choice for achieving relief while you’re working, lounging, OR sleeping.
Consider Routine Essential Oil Soaks
You may have heard of anti-inflammatory bath soaks before, using the help of Epsom salt. But did you know you can create an anti-inflammatory bath bomb essential oil recipes, too?
This is a very relaxing way to reap the benefits of essential oils. The combination of warm water and a lengthy soak allows for maximal absorption of essential oil.
You can simply create your own bath bomb recipe using a blend of the oils we recommended above, or buy pre-made ones. Then, drop the bath bombs into a warm tub of water and enjoy their therapeutic properties as you soak.
Additional Tips for Managing Arthritis
It’s true – essential oils are a powerful way to battle the symptoms of arthritis. However, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. To really live a pain-free, productive life with arthritis, you should take other measures as well.
Exercise regularly – This helps strengthen your joints and muscles; however, be sure to avoid activities or exercises that put too much strain on the affected areas.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet – Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish are all great for reducing inflammation in the body.
Get plenty of rest – This helps your joints remain healthy and allows them to repair themselves.
Increase joint flexibility – Stretching exercises are particularly helpful here, as they help keep your muscles loose and limber.
Be mindful of over-the-counter medication – While these can help reduce pain, they can also cause tissue damage with long-term use. And they can become addictive. So, use these sparingly for emergencies only.
If you haven’t done so already, getting in touch with your doctor and developing a holistic treatment plan is a great first step. This will allow you to get personalized recommendations based on your unique circumstances.
*Article written by Revive Essential Oils
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