Over the years, many cures for arthritis have been discovered. Apart from medications, research has been conducted into holistic and homeopathic therapies. One of these remedies involves the use of essential oils for arthritis.
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Arthritis refers to several different diseases that cause inflammation, stiffness and pain in bones, joints, and the surrounding tissues. Common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and osteoarthritis (OA). All these types make patients experience immense pains.
Arthritis pain can by controlled by making basic changes in your lifestyle. For instance, you can maintain active exercise routine and balanced diet. Using essential oils for arthritis can also soothe the pain and swelling.
Reasons to use young living essential oils for arthritis
The medication you opt for largely depends on factors like the type of arthritis affecting you, your age, overall health and the intensity of your condition. Most arthritis treatments and medications have side effects, some of which can be rather painful.
Essential oils have the benefit of soothing all types of arthritis. As they have natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities, they can be very effective in relieving and treating arthritis pain. There is no side effect of using essential oils to treat arthritis symptoms; they are absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, bypassing the digestive system. Essential oils provide instant pain relief, control the inflammation, and regulate nervous system.
Top Essential Oils for Arthritis
Essential oils are derived from plant-based ingredients and are rich in antioxidants. They have potent antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities. Using young living essential oils for arthritis has proven to be a very effective remedy. Some beneficial essential oils for arthritis pain are as follows:
Ginger essential oil
This essential oil is a powerful healing agent and has vast anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the human body. It has been proven to reduce arthritis pain by affecting vanilloid receptors present on the nerve endings. It is also rich in antioxidants and has strong antiulcer properties, making it one of the best essential oils for arthritis relief.
According to the research conducted at the University of Miami, ginger oil can be used as a substitute to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In this research, scientists compared the effects of placebo and concentrated ginger extract in 247 patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The ginger extract reduced stiffness and pain in knee joints about 40% more effectively than placebo.
Turmeric essential oil
The main ingredient in this essential oil is curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is highly effective in relieving rheumatoid arthritis. According to a recent study conducted in Japan, curcumin significantly diminishes inflammation. Moreover, it has been suggested that regular use of turmeric oil is an effective way to treat painful arthritis.
Frankincense essential oil
This essential oil can stop the production of the main inflammatory cells associated with arthritis and similar conditions. It plays an important role in preventing the breakdown of the cartilage tissue. It also reduces the inflammation in joints.
Myrrh essential oil
This oil is often used for treating arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. According to research, myrrh and frankincense oils are extremely effective in treating inflammatory diseases. The study further revealed that if both oils are used together, they can reduce and cure inflammation in joints.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is considered extremely effective in curing dull pains and aches. It helps regulate blood circulation and ensures a healthy supply of oxygen to the joints and muscles. It also has relaxing and soothing properties.
Chamomile essential oil
Chamomile essential oil is widely used in treating arthritis due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The chamomile herb has natural healing and pain relieving properties. It is also beneficial for ensuring healthy blood circulation, and it has blood purification qualities.
Eucalyptus essential oil
This aromatic extract is taken from the globules of the eucalyptus tree, a native Australian plant. This essential oil can be identified by its strong, distinctive fragrance. It is commonly used for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary oil is extracted from the leaves of the shrub, Rosmarinus officinalis. It is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The oil relieves pain arising from many different joint and muscle conditions.
Cayenne pepper essential oil
This oil is very effective for the relief of muscle and joint pain, and throbbing. It is beneficial because it cancels out the effect of a neurotransmitter identified as Compound P. Its consistency is hot, so you are advised to apply it with care on the infected area.
Different ways to use essential oils for arthritis relief
These essential oils can be used in a range of ways to provide relief for many different diseases and conditions, including arthritis. The three best ways of using essential oils for arthritis relief are:
Massage
Blend several drops of essential oils with two ounces of carrier oil, and then gently apply the mixture on the painful joints. Be careful when applying hot oils like peppermint and clove thyme, as they are very strong and can cause a burning sensation.
Bath
Combine a few drops of essential oil with two cups of Epsom salt, and then add this mixture to your bath. This therapy is considered extremely effective for muscle, joint stiffness, and pains. It can also be used to regulate digestive system.
Hot and cold compresses
Essential oils can also be used with both hot and cold compresses. Fill a large bowl with 2 cups of water and add a few drops of essential oil. Mix well, and use a soft cloth to apply the blend on the infected area. Use warm water for a hot compress, and cold water and some ice cubes for a cold compress.
These 9 essential oils for arthritis pain are commonly used as home remedies for alleviating joint soreness and inflammation. They have potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which make them highly effective in relieving the swelling and discomfort associated with arthritis. Their strong analgesic qualities enable them to treat arthritis symptoms quickly yet effectively.
