Essential Oils for Arthritis: This disease afflicts over 50 million adults and 300,000 children, often requiring conventional treatments like medications and physical therapy for pain and swelling relief. While these methods are considered standard practice, essential oils offer an alternative approach.
Essential oils harbor a wealth of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents that have the potential to ease arthritis symptoms and reduce pain. These oils are derived from various plant sources, including fruits, herbs, trees, and flowers.
The extraction process typically involves steam distillation or pressing, which may require a substantial amount of plant material, comprising a mixture of over 30 components, to produce just a single bottle of essential oil.
Types of Essential Oils for Arthritis
Essential oils come in numerous varieties, each possessing distinct aromas, properties, and therapeutic attributes. Their effectiveness in alleviating arthritis symptoms, whether related to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, can differ based on their unique properties.
Some essential oils provide numbing effects, while others combat inflammation, interrupt pain receptors in the brain, or employ a combination of these mechanisms. Here are six commonly used essential oils for arthritis and the scientific basis supporting their efficacy:
Eucalyptus Oil
In a study involving individuals recovering from knee replacement surgery due to osteoarthritis, inhaling eucalyptus oil for 30 minutes over three consecutive days led to reduced post-surgery pain. Researchers attributed this relief to eucalyptus oil’s anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to enhance serotonin, a brain chemical that dulls pain.
Ginger Oil
Ginger has been valued for its anti-inflammatory effects for centuries. Massaging ginger oil into arthritic knees twice a week resulted in reduced pain and improved knee mobility compared to those who didn’t use the oil.
Curcumin
Ointments containing 5% curcumin, derived from turmeric, applied twice daily for six weeks by individuals with osteoarthritic knee pain significantly reduced pain compared to a petroleum jelly product. Curcumin works by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
Copaiba Oil
Mix Arthritis in the hands can be especially debilitating, but a study involving hand massages with copaiba oil, combined with a product containing wintergreen, camphor, and peppermint, showed reduced pain, increased finger strength, and improved task performance.
Orange Oil
While not arthritis-specific, a study applying orange oil to patients with broken bones in the emergency room found that those exposed to the oil reported less pain. Orange oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially provide relief for joint-related pain.
Lavender Oil Mix
Lavender, recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, was included in a mixture with juniper and cananga oils. Massaging this mix onto the knees of rheumatoid arthritis patients three times a week resulted in reduced pain and fatigue.
Complex Oils Mixtures
Essential oils can be extracted from various parts of plants, such as citrus fruit peels, cardamom seeds, cinnamon tree bark, and fir tree needles.
Using Essential Oils
Essential oils for arthritis can be applied through skin massage around the affected joint or through inhalation (aromatherapy).
Essential oils are applied in two primary ways for arthritis and joint conditions. They can be massaged into the skin around the affected joint, or they can be inhaled through a method known as aromatherapy.
When selecting essential oils, it’s crucial to opt for products that consist of 100% pure oil without any additional ingredients, such as alcohol. Additionally, prefer oils that come in dark bottles, as exposure to light can lead to the degradation of the oil’s quality.”
Massaging With Essential Oils
- Select a carrier oil, such as coconut, avocado, almond, or jojoba oil.
- Mix 10 to 20 drops of essential oil with about 1 ounce of your chosen carrier oil.
- Massage the mixture into the skin around the affected area. It should absorb within 10-15 minutes. Reapply as needed, approximately every six hours.
- Avoid applying essential oils to areas with rashes, open wounds, or skin irritations, as this could exacerbate the issue.
Aromatherapy With Essential Oils
- Mix several drops of essential oil with vegetable oil or milk and add it to your bath.
- Place a few drops of essential oil on a cotton puff, store it in a plastic bag, and inhale the scent throughout the day.
- Create an essential oil spray by adding 30 to 45 drops of essential oil to a 3-ounce spray bottle filled with water.
- Use it to freshen your living space or bedding.
Use Essential Oils with Caution in Shared Areas
Be mindful that essential oils diffused into the air can impact those exposed to the scent. Scents that may be invigorating to some individuals could disturb young children or individuals with certain medical conditions, like a fast heartbeat or asthma.
Side Effects
The side effects of essential oils can vary based on usage frequency, oil selection, and concentration. These potential adverse effects encompass:
- Skin Irritation: Skin irritation may manifest when the oil fails to absorb quickly and lingers on the skin for an extended period. The duration that triggers irritation can vary. Certain oils, such as bergamot, lemongrass, and oregano, are more likely to cause this irritation. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to an oil may include the development of a red, itchy skin rash or hives (raised, red, and itchy bumps on the skin).
- Sun Sensitivity: Applying certain oils before sun exposure can heighten your susceptibility to sunburn.
It’s essential not to lose heart if your initial experience with essential oils proves underwhelming. Many individuals experiment with various types of essential oils to identify the one that best suits their needs.
Essential oils, extracted from various plant sources, are rich in anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make them promising for alleviating arthritis symptoms. Six commonly used oils—eucalyptus, ginger, curcumin, copaiba, orange, and lavender—offer simple and accessible relief, either through topical application or aromatherapy.
Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article for only for informative purpose, Please consult your physician if any of the causes arises.
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