Arthritis refers to swelling or inflammation that affects the body’s musculoskeletal system, particularly the joints, with osteoarthritis (the degradation of joins, cartilage and bone ) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease causing the inflammation of flexible joints) being the two most common forms.
Common symptoms of arthritis include swelling, redness, and restriction to your range of movement. The most noticeable symptoms, however, is moderate to severe joint pain and stiffness. These symptoms usually worsen as time goes on. Certain medications and even surgery can be recommended to treat arthritis.
The treatments recommended for arthritis usually depend on number factors that include the person’s age and overall health, as well as the severity of the condition. Unfortunately, they can come with a whole host of side-effects. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, taking the natural approach by utilizing the natural anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties of essential oils can be an effective strategy in treating arthritis.
The Top 5 Essential Oils For Arthritis
Peppermint Essential Oil
Great for: Soothing pain and inflammation
Peppermint oil is commonly used for cooking and as a beauty product ingredient. However, thanks to the presence of l-menthol, one of the best features of peppermint oil is its anti-inflammatory properties. This, when coupled with its natural pain reliving properties, make the oil perfect for the topical treatment of painful inflammation.
Peppermint oil is very strong undiluted, so combine it with a carrier oil before rubbing it on your joints to relieve pain.
Rosemary Oil
Great for: Treatment of muscle and joint pain and improving circulation
Like peppermint, rosemary oil has many different uses. Its most effective as an analgesic or pain reliever, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for the treatment of arthritic pain. It’s even been approved by the German scientific body, Commission E, for these purposes.
For relieving joint pains, you can dilute rosemary in olive or jojoba oil before applying it to the affected areas.
Marjoram Oil
Great for: Treatment of stiff, painful joints
Marjoram oil has been traditionally used for treating bruises, sprains, muscle spasm, and stiff joints, making it great for relieving arthritic pain. However, don’t use the oil on broken or sensitive skin, as it can be irritating.
Marjoram essential oil also has a calming effect that relieves anxiety and stress. When applied topically, it can relax the muscle and relieve soreness, while promoting feelings of wellbeing and calmness.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Great for: Improving circulation and natural healing
Eucalyptus oil has a minty fragrance that makes it popular for throat drops, toothpaste, and cough medicines. This also makes it great for pain relief, especially for people suffering from osteoarthritis and joint pains.
As a natural pain reliever, it works by opening the blood vessels to increase circulation and boost the body’s healing process. You can increase its medicinal properties by mixing it with other essential oils such as tea tree oil and peppermint.
Lavender Essential Oil
Great for: It’s mood boosting, relaxing properties. Good for dull, throbbing pain.
Lavender essential oil has a wide range of great properties, including hair care and relief from headaches and migraines. Lavender is known to provide balance to the body, promote sleep and relive anxiety.
As a treatment for arthritis, it can help reduce soreness and inflammation around painful areas. It works by increasing oxygenation and circulation to the joints. To use, mix about 5-10 drops with warm olive oil before massaging it gently to affected areas. For a full body relief, you may add several drops to your warm bath to soak aching joints and muscles.
