Important Oils for Arthritis

Essential oils for arthritis are concentrated oils with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that are extracted from plants, fruits, herbs, trees, and flowers. Parts of the plants (leaves, flowers, bark, etc.) are steamed or pressed to preserve the oil. According to some estimates, it may take several pounds of the plant to make just one bottle of essential oil.

More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have arthritis, which is often treated with medication and physical therapy.And while these therapies are considered to be the gold standard when it comes to relieving the pain and swelling associated with arthritis, they are not the only weapons available.

Essential oils contain vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents that can help relieve arthritis pain and swelling, although they don’t necessarily stop the disease from getting worse.

Ellen Lindner / Very good

Types of essential oils for arthritis

There are dozens of essential oils, each with unique smells, properties, and properties. How essential oils help relieve arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane) and osteoarthritis (where the cushioning cartilage wears away), vary.

Some arthritis essential oils have numbing effects. Some curb inflammation. Some disrupt pain receptors in the brain. And some work in different ways. Here are just a few essential oils that are used for arthritis and the science that supports them.

Eucalyptus oil

A study that looked at people who had knee replacement surgery (a common surgery for people with osteoarthritis of the knee joint) found that those who inhaled eucalyptus oil for 30 minutes for 30 minutes after surgery reported less pain than that Control group.

Researchers believe the reduced pain is due to eucalyptus oil’s anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to increase serotonin, a brain chemical that appears to dull pain.

Ginger oil

Ginger has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory effects. People in one study who massaged ginger oil into their arthritic knees twice a week said they had less pain and better movement in their knees than those who didn’t use the oil.

Curcumin

Patients with osteoarthritic knee pain who used an ointment containing 5% curcumin (derived from turmeric) twice a day for six weeks reported significantly less pain than those who used a petroleum jelly product.Curcumin blocks cytokines (proteins secreted by cells) and enzymes that can cause inflammation.

Copaiba oil blend

Study participants with arthritis in the hands were divided into two groups. One group received a hand massage with copaiba oil (obtained from copaiba trees found in Brazil) combined with a product containing, among other things, wintergreen, camphor and peppermint. The other group was massaged with coconut oil.

Both groups were massaged twice a day for five days. At the end of the study, the Copaiba group took less time to complete tasks with their hands, had increased finger strength, and reported a 50% reduction in pain.

Orange oil

Patients admitted to the emergency room with broken bones had pads with drops of orange oil placed around their collars; The pads were replaced every hour. Researchers found that people who were exposed to the orange oil experienced less pain than those who weren’t given the oil.

While this study didn’t look at arthritis, it stands to reason that orange oil – which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties – may help with the pain associated with joint disease.

Lavender oil mix

Rheumatoid arthritis patients whose knees were massaged with coconut oil containing 5% lavender, juniper and cananga oils (Cananga trees are from India) three times a week for six weeks reported less pain and fatigue than those who did not receive the treatment.

Use of essential oils

Most of the essential oils used for arthritis and joint disease are massaged into the skin around the affected joint. In some cases, they are inhaled (called aromatherapy). When using essential oils, look for oils that are 100% pure oil with no additives (such as alcohol) and choose those from dark bottles as light can break down the oil.

Massage with essential oils

Follow these steps:

1. Choose a carrier oil like coconut, avocado, almond, or jojoba oil.
2. Mix several drops (usually 10-20) in about an ounce of the carrier oil.Do not use essential oils directly on the skin. If undiluted, they can be irritating.
3. Massage into the skin.

Aromatherapy with essential oils

Enjoy aromatherapy in these different ways:

• Mix several drops of an essential oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil or milk and add it to your bath.
• Put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and place it in a plastic bag. Take the puff out and smell regularly throughout the day.
• Place 30-45 drops of an essential oil in a spray bottle filled with 3 ounces of water. Spray your home, office, or even your bedding.

Use essential oils in common areas with caution

Essential oils that are sprayed or diffused into the air can affect anyone who breathes that air – and sometimes they can have unintended consequences. While you may find the smell of peppermint oil invigorating, it can upset very young children and be a problem for people with fast heartbeats.Some people with asthma report greater breathing problems when using certain oils in a diffuser.

Side effects

The side effects can vary depending on how and how often you use the oils, what oils you use, and the strength of them. Side effects can be:

• Skin irritation: This can especially occur if the oil is left on the skin for a long time. Certain oils, including bergamot, lemongrass, and oregano, are among the most irritating. Signs of an allergic reaction to an oil include a red, itchy rash or hives (raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin).
• Sensitivity to the sun: This can be especially considered if the oil is used before going out in the sun.
• Hormonal problems: Lavender and tea tree oils have been associated with prolonged use of breast growth in boys who have not yet reached puberty.

Talk to your doctor before using essential oils for arthritis. Tell your doctor about current medications or supplements to avoid interactions with essential oils.

A word from Verywell

Arthritis pain can affect any aspect of your life. It can restrict your mobility and reduce your quality of life. Using essential oils to treat arthritis can be a helpful addition to standard medical therapy. Your doctor can advise you on what, how, and when to use essential oils for arthritis, or refer you to a holistic health specialist for advice.