Among all kinds of unpleasant diseases, gout is defiantly at the top of the list. It is a form of inflammatory arthritis causing excruciating pain. However advanced the medicine of today is, there is still no remedy to cure the condition completely.
Table of contents
- 1 Getting to know gout
- 2 Best essential oils for gout
- 2.1 Wintergreen essential oil
- 2.2 Birch essential oil
- 2.3 Basil essential oil
- 2.4 Roman/German chamomile essential oil
- 2.5 Frankincense essential oil
- 2.6 Thyme essential oil
- 2.7 Fennel essential oil
- 2.8 Rosemary essential oil
- 2.9 Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 2.10 Clove Essential Oil
- 2.11 Peppermint essential oil
- 2.12 Marjoram essential oil
- 2.13 Tea Tree Oil
- 3 5 natural recipes with essential oils
- 4 Tips on using essential oils for gout
- 5 Precaution
- 6 Conclusion
- 7 Sources and References
The good news is that the symptoms and can be improved. Moreover, even better news is that it could be done with essential oils for gout, so you don’t have to stuff yourself with medicinal drugs.
Getting to know gout
Grout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by burning pain, swelling and the feeling of stiffness in joints, especially in the big toe. Such significant discomfort can develop quickly and last up to 10 days at a time..
Symptoms
Gout can manifest itself in a number of ways. Most likely, it will occur as an attack of inflammatory arthritis causing swollen joints. The pain would normally appears during night hours because the body temperature is lower. Along with pain, a person affected by gout can experience fever and fatigue.
Because the signs of gout evolve quite rapidly and can become a recurring condition, the illness can affect the joint tissue and therefore have a negative impact on mobility performance in general.
Causes
Gout is an illness that affects joints caused by the heightened levels of uric acid in the internal system. Uric acid is a chemical compound that forms after our body digests foods that contain purines, for instance, dried beans, anchovies and liver.
If the kidneys that are committed to filtering the uric acid and discharging it through the urine fail their duty, the spiky sodium urate crystals start accumulating around the joints, which cause the significant burning pain of gout.
How can essential oils help in gout treatment?
Essential oils have been knows as pain relief remedies for ages. They are capable of easing the pain by removing the uric acid stuck in the area that caused the inflammation in the first place. The best way to apply essential oils is by massaging them into the affected area.
Since the world of nature is rich in all types of plants, we have a great deal of various essential oils at our disposal, each of those having unique features. The only thing left to do is to choose which one suits you better.
Best essential oils for gout
Wintergreen essential oil
Wintergreen essential oil with its pleasing minty and woody aroma helps relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, including the stinging pain in joint caused by gout. By rubbing the suitable amount of oil in affected areas you will stimulate the blood circulation and clear up the accumulated sodium urate crystals around the joint.
The wintergreen essential oil easily penetrates the bloodstream increasing the removal process of uric acid for long-term results.
- WARNING: Wintergreen essential oil contains toxic Methyl Salicylate; therefore use the product in moderate amounts, strictly by the external use.
Birch essential oil
Birch essential oil is an excellent natural remedy that helps rejuvenate the body by disinfecting and stimulating the blood circulation. The main components such as Salicylic Acid, Butylene, and Methyl Salicylate will help you purify the blood from toxins, such as uric acid that is causing the pain in your big toe in the first place.
- WARNING: Make sure you use birch bud oil that can be easily found in Doterra essential oils for gout line because the sweet birch and black birch extract should always be used under the supervision of professionally trained aromatherapist.
Basil essential oil
Basil essential oil has many beneficial attributes that not only help with nausea, motion sickness, and constipation but also help reduce the pain of different kinds of arthritis, including gout by efficiently stimulating the blood flow that eradicates accumulated stagnant particles of uric acid in the joints.
- WARNING: Basil essential oil should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Roman/German chamomile essential oil
Chamomile tea is well known for its calming effects; therefore it is not a surprise the essential oil provides same serene prosperities as well. The chamomile Doterra oils for gout will help you target the affected joint by numbing the nervous disturbances in the surrounding tissue, which results in lowered inflammation of blood vessels.
- WARNING: Chamomile essential oil should be avoided by individuals that are allergic to the plants of Ragweed family.
Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense essential oil is extracted from the Olibanum trees of North Africa. The key components such as Alpha Pinene, Acetate, Linalool, and Incensole offer digestive, tonic as well as the anti-aging benefits to every user.
When taking a female demographic into consideration it is important to know that gout usually appears in the post menopause period when the female body undergoes a lot of changes.
Frankincense essential oil that can be easily found in the Doterra oils for gout series does not only help smooth out the skin into its natural state after the inflammation is long gone but also helps regulate estrogen hormone that influences the kidneys’ performance of filtering the uric acid when the internal imbalances of the menopause occur.
- WARNING: Frankincense essential oil shouldn’t be used during the pregnancy as it is an emmenagogue (the agent that increases menstrual flow) and astringent (an agent that contracts the tissues of the body).
Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil is a natural diuretic substance that increases the production of urine that helps eliminate the excessive amounts of uric acid in our bloodstream. Main components such as Linalool, Alpha Terpinene, Camphene, and Caryophyllene help boost the immune system that is a necessity when suffering from any kind of illness, not just gout.
Liquidized extract of thyme, that is one of the most commonly used herbs in the culinary world, is excellent rejuvenator that stimulates sometimes passive self-correction mechanisms of our bodies.
- WARNING: The thyme essential oil should be avoided during the pregnancy and by those who have high blood pressure as it is the hypertensive substance.
Fennel essential oil
Fennel essential oil is an excellent natural remedy for gout as the beneficial components, such as Alpha Pinene, Anisic Aldehyde, Limonene, Cineole and Methyl Chavicol help stimulate the frequency of urination. The increased amount of urine will not only help you lower the heightened uric acid level that is causing the pain in your big toe joint but also help you cleanse your entire system from excessive water, sodium and other toxins.
- WARNING: Because the fennel essential oil is an efficient diuretic make sure you drink plenty of water when using this natural remedy to prevent the risks of dehydration. Besides, fennel essential oil is not advisable for pregnant women and those who are suffering from breast or uterine cancer/tumor because the component known as Trans-Anethole increases the production of estrogen hormone which is the main cause of such health conditions.
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary oil extract is another splendid type of essential oils for gout that efficiently relieves the pain caused by headaches, rheumatism, and arthritis, including the significant burning sensation of gout. Massage enriched with a couple of drops of rosemary essential oil on the aching area will help you stimulate the blood circulation, calm the sensitive nerves and get rid of the restricting inflammation.
- WARNING: Rosemary essential oil may cause an allergic reaction; therefore do not ingest it. Furthermore, before the actual use consult your medical specialist about the matter. In addition, the rosemary extract should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
The essential oils of eucalyptus is extracted from the leaves of eucalyptus tree naturally found in Australia. This oil is well-knows as a natural anti-inflammatory agent possessing antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Thus, it can provide calming effect on your joints, reduce inflammation and relive pain.
This is a really strong oil, which cannot be used on its own. Always dilute it with a carrier oils of your choice and make sure you’re not allergic to it by applying a patch test.
Clove Essential Oil
This is oil is known to be one of the best oils for skincare. It boosts your immune system and it gives your skin the energy to speed up healing processes. It works by removing the uric acid particles in your blood, thus proving great relief.
If you decide to apply this oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding, do consult your health specialists, since it might cause unexpected reactions.
Peppermint essential oil
Now this oil might seem as a surprising choice for treating gout, since it is rather strong. It is mostly knows for being used for consumption. However, its healing properties should not be underestimated. It is capable of proving calming effect on the inflamed areas of your skin. Massaging the oils on your skin will give you an icy-hot feeling that will immediately lessen the pain.
Be careful when using this oil, since it is rather strong, and its pleasant smell can easily fool you into overdoing it. If you feel anything like a burning sensation on your skin, remove the oils immediately with warm water.
Marjoram essential oil
This is oils a great stimulator for your tired skin. Massaging this oil into the affected areas will boost blood circulation, thus helping you get rid of stuck uric acid. It is also good for reducing pain in muscles and lessening other symptoms connected with gout.
Be careful not to consume this oil, since it is not meant for ingestion. Other than that, it is perfectly good for topical application.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular oils used for various conditions. It is a proved antifungul and antimicrobial agent, so it is a perfect oil to be used for gout treatment. This oil can be applied by massage. When it gets in contact with your skin, it cools down the inflamed nerve endings, providing relief from pain.
This is a really strong oil, which can cause allergic reaction on unhealthy and sensitive skin. Always conduct a patch test before using it, and dilute it with carrier oils. If you know for sure that your skin in sensitive, make the solution less strong.
5 natural recipes with essential oils
Mixture: Frankincense, Chamomile and Peppermint blend
Ingredients:
- 6 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 12 drops of chamomile essential oil
- 8 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 4 tsp (15 ml) of fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed or sweet almond essential oil
Preparation:
In a nonreactive bowl mix all ingredients to form one homogenous compound. Rub in the given mixture on the affected joint at least 3 times per day.
Application:
Rub in the given mixture on the affected joint at least 3 times per day.
Mixture: Rosemary, marjoram, lavender bend
Ingredients:
- 8 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 8 drops of marjoram
- 10 drops of lavender
- 2 oz of carrier oil (macadamia, sesame, argan, sweet almond or coconut oil)
Preparation:
Mix the ingredients in exact measures in a nonreactive bowl to create one homogenous compound.
Application:
Gently rub in the blend on the affected area two times per day.
Tea tree oils /wintergreen blend
Ingredients:
- 12 drops of either tea tree or wintergreen oil
- 2 tsp of milk
Preparation:
- Mix the essential oil and milk,
- Prepare two basins with water (hot and cold),
- Add the mixture to each of the basins
Application:
Soak your feet in hot water basins for about 10 minutes, and then put your feet in a cold-water basin for the same amount of time. While soaking your feet, massage the floating oil drops into your skin.
Peppermint, birch and lavender blend
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of lavender oil
- 8 drops od peppermint oil
- 8 drops of birch oil
- 4 tbsp. of any carrier oil
Preparation:
Mix all the oils in a non-reactive bowl.
Application:
Massage the mixture onto your skin 3 times per day
Hot compress with essential oils
Ingredients:
- 3-4 drops of the essential oil of your choice
- One tsp of any carrier oil
Preparation:
- Mix the essential oils and carrier oil
- Prepare a soft piece of clean cloth
Application:
Massage the mixture with essential oil onto the affected area, and then soak a towel in hot water. Wring it properly, put on the massaged area. Keep the towel on, until it cools down completely. You can repeat this treatment two or three times a day.
Tips on using essential oils for gout
To make sure your natural treatment with the essential oils for gout is not only safe but also prosperous here is the list of 6 quick tips you need to know before starting your ever so reliable therapy.
- Before introducing a new essential oil to your therapy regime do a skin test patch to make sure you are not allergic to the chosen product.
- If you are ever in doubt about the usage of certain essential oil, especially if you are diagnosed with a particular skin condition or any other illness, always pay a visit to your medical specialist that will give you professional advice and instructions about your natural gout treatment.
- A diet enriched with natural proteins, vitamins and minerals will help you, in addition to your essential oil treatment, boost the immune system for more stable and faster recovery.
- Try limiting the consumption of foods that have high levels of purines, such as dried beans, anchovies, sardines, scallops, liver, and kidneys.
- Try incorporating foods that are low in purines in your diet, for instance, green vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, non-whole-grain bread and cereals, chocolate and cocoa.
- To make the most of your chosen essential oil use a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut or jojoba oil, as a base for your concoctions. With such approach, your massage blend will be more spreadable and skin-friendly.
Precaution
However natural all of the mentioned oils are, they, as any remedy, have to be used with caution. Mind, some that some of the oils are strong you always have to dilute them with carrier oils. The more sensitive your skin is, the less strong solution you need. Always conduct a patch test to see if you’ll develop an allergic reaction and avoid the consumption of the oils unless told so by a health specialist.
You’ll need additional consultation from your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Essential oils for gout, of course, will not cure you completely. However, they are capable of providing you with great pain relief. They are no substitute to prescribed medication, but they are indeed a great aid in the treatment processes.
Sources and References
- NIH SeniorHealth Gout Treatment
- National Institute of arthritis Questions and Answers about Gout
- CDC Acute gout
- MedlinePlus Gouty arthritis