Essential Oils for Arthritis: 12 Essential Oils to Treat Arthritis, Joint Pain and Inflammation

Essential oils for arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of joints which leads to joint pain and swelling. There are many traditional and natural treatments available, but using essential oils for arthritis is one of the best ways to manage the pain and swelling.

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent conditions in the USA. It causes pain in the joints, bones, and the surrounding tissues. Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are the two common types of arthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions include gout and fibromyalgia.

Around 54.4 million U.S. adults (22.7%) have arthritis, and it’s estimated that by 2040, it may affect 78 million (26%) US adults. The risk of arthritis is more common in women and older adults.

Related Reading: Natural Muscle Relaxers to Help Reduce Body Pain, Stiffness, Aches

Arthritis pain can be distressing, but essential oils can help you. There are different types of essential oils for arthritis. The conventional methods for treating arthritis have serious side effects. Essential oils are a great way to get immediate relief.

These arthritis essential oils can help you relieve pain with almost no side effects. Let’s see the different types of essential oils for joint inflammation and arthritis pain and how to use them.


Why Use Essential Oils for Arthritis?

Essential oils are pure essences of healing herbs. They are extracted from the leaves, stems, branches and other parts of different plants. These plants contain pain-soothing nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and other complex chemicals and minerals.

Essential oils for arthritis have no side effects on your health. These oils contain antioxidants, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils work as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in reducing pain and inflammation.

The essential oils for arthritis contains several components like aspirin. Aspirin is the most common anti-inflammatory analgesic drug used for curing arthritis. There are other herbs also with similar properties. One can use them to treat arthritic conditions.

Related Reading: Essential Oils for Nausea and How to Use Them


12 Best Essential Oils to Relieve Arthritis, Joint Pain, and Inflammation

Essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis help you get mental, physical, and emotional relief. You can use essential oils for different types of arthritis.

There are many types of essential oils for arthritis. So what essential oils are good for joint pain, arthritis pain, and other pain. Let’s see.

1. Lavender Oil

It is one of the best essential oils for arthritis inflammation. Lavender helps you reduce the painful swelling. It also helps to cure anxiety and depression caused by arthritis.

Lavender is analgesic and it soothes the mind. Use three to five drops of non-diluted lavender oil for instant pain relief. Lavender oil can sometimes cause skin irritation. If that is the case, dilute it with a teaspoon of carrier oil.

2. Chamomile Oil

Roman chamomile essential oil is known for its calming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Add this oil to topical massage oils. Apply on the skin and let the anti-inflammatory compounds work.

If you’re experiencing depression, diffuse the Roman Chamomile oil to relax your brain. Chamomile is a useful essential oil for joint pain.

3. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Rosmarinic acid is the main component of this oil.

Rosemary oil can help you get mental, emotional, as well as physical relief from the pain. It is also an antibiotic and plays a useful role as an essential oil for arthritis.

4. Peppermint Oil

When considering essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis, peppermint oil can be the best option. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and anesthetic effects.

You can make a ready-to-use salve from it. Mix five to ten drops of peppermint oil with two tablespoons of warm coconut oil. If you need a more potent formulation, you can mix it with other oils too.

5. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil comes from the dried resin of trees. It contains monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and offers great healing effects.

Use this oil for hand massage to get instant relief. You can use it as the diffuser or as a topical body care product. You can even inhale it directly as per the need.

6. Ginger Oil

One of the best essential oils for arthritis, ginger oil is very useful for knee and joint pain.

Ginger oil is generated from the unpeeled rhizome of Zingiber officinale. Rub this oil directly on the affected area. The sensation of warmth will fade in some time, but the effects of this oil can last longer.

7. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus helps in improving circulation and reducing inflammation. You can use this essential oil for arthritis and joint pain relief. It also provides comfort from chest congestion. Hang a fresh stem of eucalyptus in the hot shower to clean the congestion.

Dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and rub it over swollen and aching joints. Make sure to do a patch test before using this oil.

8. Cayenne Pepper Oil

The pungent cayenne pepper oil is made from the fiery chilies. It contains capsaicin which helps you relieve pain.

This essential oil for joint pain has excellent analgesic properties. You need to use it repeatedly for better results. Mix cayenne pepper oil with coconut oil. Apply it to skin two to three times a day for several weeks.

9. Myrrh Oil

When considering what essential oils are useful for joint pain, myrrh is another one that is very effective. Myrrh has natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is a natural essential oil for joint pain. It can help cure different pain and stiffness. Mix olive oil with it and apply it on affected joints to reduce swelling.

10. Lemongrass Oil

If you are searching for essential oils for knee pain, then lemongrass oil is what you need. Boil lemongrass in water and direct the steam towards the affected joints. It helps in providing immediate relief which lasts longer.

You can use lemongrass essential oil after work out and massage.You can also use it for treating headache or tensed back and neck. Dilute it before applying it to the skin.

11. Birch Oil

Birch essential oil comes from the bark of birch trees. Use this pure oil with caution. Combine it with an equal amount of lemongrass oil and carrier oils.

Then apply it on inflamed joints. Patients on blood thinning medication should not use it. People with epilepsy and pregnant woman should also avoid using it.

12. Yarrow

Yarrow is a soothing and healing herb. This essential oil is mostly used for osteoarthritis. Add five to eight drops of yarrow essential oil in two tablespoons of base oil, like castor oil. Warm up the oil combination and massage it into the painful joint two times a day.

Blending these essential oils with carrier oil can help reduce irritation. Sometimes these essential oils for arthritis have significant effects on fibromyalgia too. An approach that works for inflammatory arthritis might not work for non-inflammatory arthritis.


How to Use Essential Oils for Arthritis Safely?

Consult your healthcare practitioner before using any essential oils for arthritis. Some essential oils can react if they come in contact with drugs. Not all essential oils are safe to use.

Use pure essential oils for arthritis sparingly. They may cause strong reactions in people with digestive sensitivities. Remember, safety comes first. Take recommendations from your doctor. Don’t replace doctors with essential oils.

The quality of different essential oils for arthritis are different. You may take time to come across the best quality oil. Keep these tips in mind while choosing the essential oil for arthritis.

Look for the Latin name of the plant and choose the correct species of plant. Look for the label with “100% essential oil”. Without that, the product might contain additives.

You should check the smell and organic status of the oil too. Prefer natural oils as they will have a less chance of adulteration and modification.

It is also essential to test the oil before use. Essential oils for arthritis can cause skin irritation. Place a drop of diluted essential oil on your skin and wait for 24 hours.

See if you’re sensitive to that oil. You can also dilute the oils prior to the use. Combine twelve drops of essential oil with two tablespoons of cold-pressed carrier oil to dilute. Mix well before applying it to the skin.


Conclusion

Arthritis can make your life miserable. It makes you weak emotionally and mentally too. If you are suffering from it, use the essential oil for arthritis and other joint pain. Blend it with a carrier oil to reduce the effect of its concentration.

Essential oils are a natural way to help rheumatoid arthritis patients. The essential oils for arthritis as discussed provide pain and inflammation relief.

These essential oils in conjunction with an overall healthy lifestyle, reduce chronic pain. They help an arthritis person lead a healthy life.

Also Read: Deltoid Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies


Sources:
Dr. Axe, “Top 5 Essential Oils for Arthritis,” Dr. Axe web site;
https://draxe.com/essential-oils-for-arthritis/, last accessed Jan 08, 2018.

Bright, S., “10 Essential Oils That Can Seriously Relieve Arthritis,” Natural Living Ideas web site, June 28, 2016; http://www.naturallivingideas.com/essential-oils-for-arthritis/.
“Essential Oils for Imflammation”, Dr.EricZ web site; https://drericz.com/essential-oils-for-arthritis/, last accessed Jan 08, 2018.
“Essential Oils for Arthritis pain and Inflammation Symptoms”, Bio Source Naturals web site; https://www.biosourcenaturals.com/pure-essential-oils/physical/essential-oils-for-arthritis/, last accessed Jan 08, 2018.
“Essential Oils for Imflammation”, Dr.EricZ web site; https://drericz.com/essential-oils-for-arthritis/, last accessed Jan 08, 2018.
“Essential Oils for Arthritis pain and Inflammation Symptoms”, Bio Source Naturals web site; https://www.biosourcenaturals.com/pure-essential-oils/physical/essential-oils-for-arthritis/, last accessed Jan 08, 2018.

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Dr. Mark Williams, MD

Dr. Mark Williams is a leader in alternative and integrated medicines. He is a medical writer and reviewer at Daily Health Cures. He received his medical degree in 1988. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Daily Health Cures editorial team. He is a natural health advisor and provides a variety of alternative healing techniques in his practice.