Top 6 Essential Oils for Arthritis

Top 6 Essential Oils for Arthritis

 

Use essential oils for arthritis symptoms, as well as sore and aching joints and muscles.* Arthritis, according to the U.S. National Library of Health, is the inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the more common forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.

It is particularly important for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or lactating to check with their doctor before using essential oils, as they interact with the body and could potentially be harmful to the baby.

Recent Studies of Essential Oils for Arthritis

A study conducted by Steva A. Komen-Nkumah (et. al.), published in the January 2012 issue of Phytotherapy Research, looked at essential oils being used to help relieve the symptoms of adjuvant arthritis in Lewis rats.

The study looked at adjuvant arthritis (AA) as an experimental model of the human rheumatoid arthritis, one of the more common types of arthritis in humans. An ointment containing approximately 20% of essential oils or a placebo was used on the Lewis rats during the early onset of AA.

At the end of the trial, it was discovered that many of the rats treated with the essential oils had developed a less severe arthritis than those treated with the placebo. This, according to the study, was “attributable to the essential oil, not the carrier oil.” While the study only looked at AA in rats, it implies that essential oils may be useful in treating humans with arthritis as well.

Beneficial medical characteristics of essential oils can include anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe aching muscles.* Essential oils can be used as lotions, inhaled on a cotton swab or washcloth, or massaged directly onto the skin.

Consult a doctor before starting any program with essential oils. Below are a few essential oils that are known to help ease pain caused from arthritis.*

Essential Oils for Arthritis

• Basil. This is a calming and considered an “all purpose” oil. It can help to relieve pain and is often used for sprains, headaches, bruises, and arthritis pain. It increases blood circulation, and can also provide relief from colds, infections, and indigestion.*
• Cedarwood. While typically used for other functions, cedarwood oil can be used to aid in arthritis pain. It is most commonly used to treat seborrhoea (also known as seborrhoeic eczema) and in helping to cure toothaches. Other uses for cedarwood include as a diuretic, sedative, or insecticide.*
• Eucalyptus. This oil is an analgesic (meaning it helps to ease pain) and is anti-inflammatory by nature. Thus, it is used to help dull pains from everything from rheumatoid arthritis, to aches, nerve pain, and even fibrosis. Eucalyptus can be used in rubs, inhalers, cremes, or in mouthwashes, but it is suggested that the oil be massaged directly onto the surface of the skin for best results.*
• Frankincense. Traditionally used as basic incense, Frankincense oil also helps to ease pain and heal wounds. Another interesting property that Frankincense oil possesses is the ability to help make scars and stretch marks disappear. The oil helps to keep skin young and healthy, and has no known side effects.*
• Ginger. The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil derive from the substance Zingibain. Like Eucalyptus oil, it is also analgesic in nature, and can help aching muscles when massaged directly onto them.*
• Palmarosa . There are two types of this oil, called Motia and Sofia, respectively. They differ slightly in aroma, but have the same beneficial properties. Producers of the oil give preference to one above the other based on demand. Consider using Palmarosa in place of (or as a mixture with) Rose oil. This oil helps to relax muscles and nerves, which can help with arthritis pain. The oil is completely safe, as it is a non-irritant, non-sensitizing, and non-toxic.*

As a note, Rose oil, and its variations, are not often used for easing pain. Rose oils are used primarily for stress, as well as depression.* Palmarosa is sometimes a slightly cheaper version of Rose oils, and carries some of the same characteristics of it’s more expensive sister oil.

Consider using different essential oils together based on their medicinal beneficial properties, or based on their combined scents. The combination and interactions of the essential oils may help to increase their usefulness.*

Arthritis Comfort Blend from Bio Source Naturals contains oils that help reduce inflammation and pain and improve flexibility.* In addition to the concentrated blend, this effective product also comes in a spray, pre-diluted roll on, and massage oil!

“Tapping” for Pain Relief (EFT – Emotional Freedom Technique)

Tapping, or EFT, is an extremely effective way to relieve pain by releasing “stuck” negative emotional patterns. Results have been shown to be even more effective when using essential oils in conjunction with EFT.

Order our free EFT tapping scripts for pain, below, along with all of the essential oils mentioned in this article.

Visit here for more information on essential oils for arthritis pain support.

by Lauren Ebelt

*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.