In this article we look at Essential Oils For Arthritis Pain Relief. Discover the safe and natural methods for easing and soothing arthritic pain using aromatherapy oils.
Quick Overview Of Arthritis.
Arthritis is a crippling and debilitating condition associated with inflammation of the joints. It affects many people, and can arise at at any age.
The most common forms of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Gout is another form of arthritis.
Arthritic pain 1 Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints. is accompanied by swelling, redness and stiffness of the afflicted joints. It impacts overall health and wellbeing due to the pain stopping sufferers engaging in physical activity.
This often leads to a worsening of the condition and a vicious cycle of inflammation and pain begins.
Essential Oils For Arthritis Pain Relief.
Aromatherapy and the use of Essential Oils for pain relief have been used by many cultures, for many centuries. In today’s society we are seeing a revival of this in aromatherapy.
The use of essential oils is gaining greater popularity, especially among those of us who prefer to use holistic and natural remedies rather than pharmaceuticals.
This guide offers the 5 best essential oils for arthritis and methods of application to gain relief from pain.
If you are taking any prescription medications always speak to your doctor before beginning any complementary therapy.
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Peppermint – Essential Oils For Arthritis Pain Relief.
Peppermint oil 2Pepper Mint Oil Benefits and Uses – Healthline is most commonly known for its use in beauty products and in cooking rather than as an essential oil for pain relief.
However it is one of the very best essential oils for soothing pain and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
The main symptoms associated with arthritis is pain and joint stiffness. They can be reduced with the help of medical and some non-medical therapies such as aromatherapy.3 Peppermint Oil has Pain Relieving Properties.
Peppermint essential oil has been proven to have pain relieving effects by the application of the oil to the skin.
Aromatherapy with peppermint oil and when blended with other essential oils has been proven to reduce pain in arthritis patients.
The active ingredient in Peppermint is l-menthol which acts as an anti-inflammatory and, like all natural menthols, helps to cool and soothe.
Peppermint Essential Oil should always be added to a carrier oil before use.
It is very potent and extremely strong. Once diluted with carrier oil then use it as a rub and massage it into the afflicted joint to relieve your pain.
Want Our Recommended Peppermint Essential Oils? Just click here.
Rosemary Oil – Essential Oils For Arthritis.
Rosemary Essential Oil has a number of uses, particularly when dealing with muscle and joint pain, as well as having properties that improve circulation.
Rosemary Oil is an incredibly effective analgesic and pain reliever whilst also being a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Aromatherapy won’t cure your arthritis, but research has shown that it has a powerful impact on your wellbeing, especially your levels of pain.
“Certain scents activate smell receptors in the nose, which triggers a reaction in the nervous system. This, in turn, stimulates the part of your brain that controls emotion, triggering the release of hormones such as feel-good dopamine.
Research corroborates the use of aromatherapy for pain relief. In fact, a study from the Catholic University of Korea in Seoul showed that people with arthritis who sniffed a fragrant blend that included lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary experienced less pain and better moods than those who didn’t. 4“Aromatherapy is effective because it works directly on the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center,” says Mehmet Oz, MD, director of Columbia University Medical Center’s Integrative Medicine Center in New York City. “This has important consequences because the thinking part of the brain can’t inhibit the effects of the scent, meaning you feel them instantaneously.” Dr. Oz, a cardiovascular surgeon, studied aromatherapy to find alternative methods to expedite recovery time and reduce anxiety in heart patients.
To use treat as you would with Peppermint Oil. A few drops into a carrier oil (olive oil from the cupboard is excellent) and rub into the afflicted joint.
Anti-osteoarthritis potential of peppermint and rosemary essential oils 5in a nanoemulsion form: behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological evidence. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Recommended Rosemary Essential Oils can be found here.
Marjoram Oil – Essential Oils For Arthritis Pain Relief.
Marjoram Oil is probably better known as an aromatherapy oil used for anxiety and stress due to its very effective calming properties.
However Marjoram is also excellent for easing arthritis pain, bruising, strains and sprains and muscle tension.
When applied it not only relaxes muscles and relieves pain, it also promotes calmness and well-being.
Add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage into the afflicted joint.
It is advisable that Marjoram Oil is not applied to broken or overly sensitive skin as it can be irritating. If unsure test on a small patch of skin before wide use.
Recommended Marjoram Essential Oils can be found by clicking here.
Eucalyptus – Arthritis Pain Relief.
Eucalyptus Oil is another awesome product containing menthol which is what gives it the mint like properties.
Eucalyptus Oil is often found in mouthwash or throat lozenges, but it is also an extremely good and fast acting anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.
Eucalyptus Oil is excellent for the pain associated with Osteoarthritis.
Eucalyptus Oil increases circulation by expanding blood vessels and boosts the body’s immune system.
To increase the effect for pain relief add a few drops to a carrier oil along with tea-tree or peppermint oil.
Eucalyptus oil has a number of anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This oil may also help to improve circulation.
In a 2013 study,6 Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial researchers evaluated the effects of eucalyptus aromatherapy on pain management following a total knee replacement. The study concluded that inhaling eucalyptus oil can significantly lower inflammation, pain, and blood pressure following this procedure.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you can topically apply diluted eucalyptus oil to the affected area to reduce your inflammation and relieve pain.
Recommended Eucalyptus Essential Oils can be found by clicking here
Lavender – Essential Oils For Arthritis Pain Relief.
Lavender Oil is widely known as a calm inducing oil which aides sleep, reduces anxiety and promotes a feeling of well being.
Used for arthritis pain it reduces inflammation and tenderness around the afflicted joint.
Lavender, like Eucalyptus, increases blood circulation as well as oxygenation of the blood.
Lavender is used slightly differently than the other oils. You need 10 drops of oil added to warm carrier oil. Then massage this oil into the afflicted joint.
Another wonderful full body solution is to add 10-20 drops to a warm bath then relax and let the lavender water soothe aching joints and muscles.
Recommended Lavender Essential Oils can be found by clicking here.
Other Essential Oil Options – Effective Pain Relief.
While not specifically associated with arthritis the following essential oils can be used to combat various symptoms commonly associated with arthritis.
Each of the herbal essential oils listed below can be used alongside any of the others mentioned in this article and can be added to the same carrier oil which will then bring the benefit of both oils.
Bay Leaf Essential Oil: For pain and inflammation.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: For pain and inflammation. Also a powerful oil for infection.
Lemon Essential Oil: Reduces swelling and inflammation.
Cedarwood Essential Oil: Improves circulation and is a great decongestant of the lymphatic system.
Frankincense Essential Oil: Excellent at relieving muscle aches, spasms and pain.
Myrrh Essential Oil: Aides healing through relaxing the body and calming the mind.
Research Backing Essential Oils For Arthritis Pain Relief.
Many people associate aromatherapy and the use of essential oils with “new-age” and “alternative lifestyles” however this is not the (only) case.
Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils have been used across civilizations and cultures for centuries and is now recognized by many western cultures as a medicinal practice.
The Arthritis Foundation advocates the use of essential oils and this can be seen by the following quote taken from “Aromatherapy for Arthritis Relief” by Mary Margaret Chappe. 7Lavender for better sleep: People slept more soundly, spent more time in restorative, slow-wave sleep and woke up more refreshed when they smelled lavender before bedtime, according to a study in Chronobiology International.
Try it: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser or spritz your sheets with an aromatherapy spray. Make your own by mixing 3 ounces of water with 30 to 45 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle; shake before each use.
“Aromatherapy is effective because it works directly on the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center,” says Mehmet Oz, MD, director of Columbia University Medical Center’s Integrative Medicine Center in New York City. “This has important consequences because the thinking part of the brain can’t inhibit the effects of the scent, meaning you feel them instantaneously.” Of the many uses of aromatherapy, pain relief is only one; anxiety reduction and rejuvenation are other common objectives.
Mehmet Oz, MD
Dr. Oz and his team formulated the following essential oil mix for arthritis sufferers.
- 15 drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil
- Dilute to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (olive, almond, avocado or jojoba).
This is then massaged into the afflicted joints as needed.
Recommended Pain Relief and Arthritis Essential Oil blends can be found by clicking here.
I hope you have found this post on essential oils for arthritis pain relief useful and informative.
I do hope you will try these oils or recommend them to those you know who suffers from arthritis.
If you would like to ask questions or offer feedback from your experiences please do leave a message in the comments section below. Alternatively you can contact me directly by clicking here.
Wishing you great health
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References
- 1Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
- 2Pepper Mint Oil Benefits and Uses – Healthline
- 3
- 4“Aromatherapy is effective because it works directly on the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center,” says Mehmet Oz, MD, director of Columbia University Medical Center’s Integrative Medicine Center in New York City. “This has important consequences because the thinking part of the brain can’t inhibit the effects of the scent, meaning you feel them instantaneously.” Dr. Oz, a cardiovascular surgeon, studied aromatherapy to find alternative methods to expedite recovery time and reduce anxiety in heart patients.
- 5in a nanoemulsion form: behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological evidence. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
- 6Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- 7Lavender for better sleep: People slept more soundly, spent more time in restorative, slow-wave sleep and woke up more refreshed when they smelled lavender before bedtime, according to a study in Chronobiology International.
Try it: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser or spritz your sheets with an aromatherapy spray. Make your own by mixing 3 ounces of water with 30 to 45 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle; shake before each use.
How often is it safe to use essential oils? Is it okay to use them daily?
Hi Richard
Yes, it is perfectly safe to use essential oils on a daily basis. The only caution I would raise is if you intended to use the oils topically. Make sure you dilute them well with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond, to prevent any skin irritation from the essentials. J
Thanks for the information. I was wondering if you could answer something for me. Can you use essential oils everyday? My wife just ordered some so I’m trying to get some info about them. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.
Hello Ernesto,
I guess it would really depend upon which oils you were using, which type of application method and what you were trying to treat. In most cases, such as adding an oil to a diffuser for relaxation, sleep, stress relief etc – then yes it is totally safe to use them daily, in fact I use my diffuser all day, everyday! If you were using a strong, or highly concentrated oil, and you were applying it topically to the skin then I would recommend that you start with very small amounts, apply it gently slowly and stop if you notice any adverse reactions. We all have differing skin tolerance for essential oils and so reactions will differ for everyone. I hope this helps
This website is very helpful, definitely have to show it to my mom. She suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. I definitely have to get her to try these remedies since she is always in pain. Wouldn’t exercise also help with pain as well as the overall function of the joints affected?
Sincerely,
Brandon
Hi Brandon
Glad you enjoyed the post and I hope your Mom tries come of these remedies. Yes you are absolutely correct exercise definitely helps with the pain. Because it helps stngthen joints and keeps functions smooth it releives pain. To begin with sufferers may get a little more pain because they are moving the joints more and with greater frequency but in a short while the sufferer will gain tremendous relief.
Jason
Hi Jason!!, I am so glad you put out this information about essential oil for Arthritis pain. As you know I am a ballroom dancer and deal with so much pain from over the years. Not a lot of arthritis, but I experience Joint pain, and muscle pain from doing various lifts for partner. What would you recommend for ongoing treatment for Dancers and other highly active athletes?
Hey Clyde,
Fantastic to hear from you. I would recommend you use a blend
15 drops juniper15 drops marjoram10 drops rosemary5 drops black pepperAdd to a carrier oil.
This is amazing for dancers and athletes. I recommended it to a friend of mine as he is a professional ballet dancer and he now swears by it
Even better if you have someone that can massage it into those aching areas!
Jx
First off, I love essential oils!
I have some Japanese peppermint oil and it feels great on the skin, but you have to be careful where you touch cause it is potent! I have used it for headaches and muscle pain as well as for coughs and colds. One time, I put some in my bath. That was a bad idea! brrrr, it felt so cold on my skin.
My husband deals with arthritis in his hands. What would you recommend using?
Hi Andrea
Love your comments. I must admit having a laugh about your experience with Japanese peppermint Oil in the bath…it most certainly will add a cooling sensation…so I’d probably go for lavender or any essential oil you like that doesn’t contain a menthol!
As for your husband…trade with him…send him to buy your new bath oil as the Japanese peppermint will be perfect for his arthritis, as would frankincense, eucalyptus and tea-tree.
Love and Light
Jason
i think you captured the pain of arthritis very well. It can be debilitating especially if you don’t take care of yourself.
I’ve heard of essential oils before. A close friend of mine sells them and swears by them. She’s been a great help when I’ve gotten sick.
I noticed that you mentioned that Gout is on the rise. Why do you think that is?
I also want to mention that peppermint is good for heart burn and indigestion. I sucked on it or ingested it when I got heat burn during pregnancy. i also inhale it (peppermint oil that is) through my nose when I’m congested.
Eucalyptus and lavender are also little miracle workers. I like them both simply for the fragrance.
Thanks for such a thorough look at the essential oils that help with arthritis. It will be a great help to a lot of people.
Hi Rawl,
I believe Gout is on the rise due mainly to the type of food we are eating -high concentrations of fatty foods and sugars – combined with sedentary lifestyle.
I agree with you peppermint is fabulous. For congestion try a little peppermint oil mixed with a little tea-tree oil…it is incredibly effective and the combined smell is amazing
Wishing you best health
Jason
Hi Jason,
This is a very interesting article you wrote.
I broke both my wrists a few years ago and now and then I suffer from pain (usually when it is very cold outside). I was just wondering if you think that these oils will work for that pain? Which one will you suggest?
Thank you in advance
Hi
I would employ a layering technique. This means rubbing on a few drops of one oil. Then wait 2-3 mins. Few drops of the second rubbed in. Wait 2-3 minutes …etc
Do this morning and evening or when you feel the pain beginning.
For pain and old bone / tendon damage I’d suggest
Layer 1 – bay leaf oil
Layer 2 – eucalyptus oil
Layer 3 – fankinsence
Hope this helps
Jason