“Arthritis” comes from two Greek words “arthron” and “ites” referring to inflammation of the joint but any arthritic patient can tell you that arthritis means pain, swelling and rigidity of the joints. Arthritis is a catch-all term for more than 100 different disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia.
Most people commonly suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage between the bones wears down, causing friction and pain. However, you may also hear of another type, rheumatoid arthritis. People with this form suffer from joint inflammation which may lead to cartilage and bone damage, disability and even mortality. No matter what type it is, arthritis is a painful condition that affects the joints and causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function.
Most common treatments of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are usually targeted at pain and inflammation reduction by using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. These medicines, unfortunately, cause severe side effects and this is why some patients have turned to a more natural remedy in essential oils.
Essential Oils for Arthritis
Essential oils and their components are rapidly absorbed through the skin. The topical application of essential oil delivers a natural way to combat inflammation. This is the key reason why essential oils are growing in popularity with arthritic patients.
Many essential oils are useful to relieve pain and soreness in your joints and one of them is frankincense essential oil. Frankincense essential oil has the ability to reduce pain and inflammation and soothes muscle tension and stiffness as well as improve the immune system. It can be used in a variety of ways to relieve pain and inflammation, including by massaging the body, applying it topically, or inhaling it.
Ginger Essential Oil
An all-time favourite is ginger essential oil for its ability to relieve pain and inflammation. Ginger and its extracts have been used traditionally as anti-inflammatory remedies, with a particular focus on gingerols. Ginger as a herb has been used for centuries in Asia to treat arthritis and other ailments.
Ginger oil has been shown to help ease the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, ginger has been proven to be a natural alternative to aspirin. It can be used in a massage or simply rubbed on the affected area. Or add a few drops of ginger oil to a warm bath and soak in it for 20 minutes.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil can also be used for relieving arthritic pain thanks to its menthol constituent – it contains 44% menthol which accounts for the hot and cold sensations when you massage it onto your body.
Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil is another known powerful oil that can help to reduce inflammation. It can also be used as massage oil with a sweet, pleasant scent that will help to relax muscles.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil also works to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is also great for relieving stress. Use this oil to help with muscle soreness and calm your nervous system. Add a few drops to a basin of hot water and soak your hands or feet for a few minutes for pain relief!
Lavender Essential Oil
While you may recognize lavender essential oil for its uplifting floral scent that induces calmness, it can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Use this oil in a diffuser or as a massage oil. Add it to your bath water or use it as a foot soak. Lavender essential oil is also good for treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle cramps, and stress.
While singular uses of these essential oils are recommended, a blend of essential oils can be just as powerful. Here is a recipe for arthritis ointment using essential oils from The Healing Power of Essential Oils by Eric Zielinski:
Arthritis Pain-Reducing Ointment
- 14 drops of eucalyptus globulus essential oil
- 14 drops of sweet marjoram essential oil
- 7 drops of lavender essential oil
- 7 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 7 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 2 ounces almond oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
Now that you know how powerful and useful essential oils are, reach out for them the next time you or your family members have arthritic pain!
