Dealing with joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, and other symptoms of arthritis can be difficult to manage. Thankfully, there are a number of essential oils that can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and counter swelling. Here are 5 essential oils for arthritis.
1. Orange Oil
Extracted from the rind of the sweet orange, orange essential oil may help reduce pain and inflammation. In fact, a recent study shows that patients with bone fractures who inhaled orange essential oil reported less pain.
Apart from this, orange essential oil may also increase exercise performance as it helps boost respiratory function and energy levels.
2. Turmeric Oil
What makes turmeric so powerful and potent? The answer is in curcumin, its key anti-inflammatory compound that also gives the herb its golden hue. Curcumin helps stimulate blood circulation and fight inflammation.
Curcumin also helps block enzymes and cytokines that produce inflammation, making it ideal to help alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis.
To use turmeric essential oil, simply mix it with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil, and massage onto your joints and other affected areas.
3. Black Seed Oil
If you haven’t heard of nigella sativa, this small shrub products fruits that are teeming with tiny black seeds. These black seeds have been used in ancient and alternative medicine for centuries, as they have been widely regarded for their healing properties.
When ground and processed into an essential oil, black seed—also known as black cumin—can help reduce pain and inflammation. It can also stimulate wound healing, support a healthy blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels.
4. Geranium Oil
This fragrant, flowering plant has a whole list of health benefits. It can be used to help treat allergies, fight acne and skin irritation, and can also be used to relax sore, tense, and overworked muscles.
Its anti-inflammatory properties also help alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis, and can be particularly effective in treating knee pain.
You can diffuse geranium oil or mix 5 to 7 drops in a warm bath and soak your body in it for up to 15 minutes. You can also mix geranium oil into a foot bath, to help reduce swelling in ankles.
5. Copaiba Oil
Copaiba oil is extracted from the Brazilian Copaifera reticulata tree. It can help relax and enliven tight, fatigued areas in the body. When it comes to arthritis, it can also help reduce stiffness and increase range of motion in affected joints.
It also has a fresh, earthy aroma. Try massaging it onto your body and joints after a long day, for a good night’s sleep! Copaiba oil can also be used for overall skin health.
These 5 essential oils for arthritis should help most especially with pain management and other discomforts associated with the condition.
However, do take note that essential oils may be used as a support, not as an alternative or replacement for evidence-based medicine. Always consult your healthcare provider before proceeding with any kind of home treatment or remedy.
