If you’re tired of using over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications to treat your arthritis symptoms, look no further. Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat many symptoms.
Today, essential oils are often used in aromatherapy. This practice uses essential oils to engage your sense of smell and promote a balanced physiological response. People who use aromatherapy often report feelings of relaxation, reduced stress, and comfort.
You may also use essential oils with other forms of alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage. Some people use essential oils along with standard treatments like pain medication and other therapies recommended by their doctor.
Although more research is needed, there’s evidence to suggest certain oils can be used to relieve some arthritis symptoms. Read this article from The Amand Apothecary to find out which oils may be beneficial and how to use them:
“Essential Oils for Arthritic Pain
One of the most common chronic pain disorders is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which one or more joints are inflamed. Symptoms include stiffness, soreness, and in some cases swelling. Arthritis can be categorized into both inflammatory arthritis or non-inflammatory arthritis.
Those afflicted with inflammatory arthritis typically suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks its own joints that result in joint deformity, pain, and inflammation. People diagnosed with RA experience pain in the hands, wrist, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. Treatment typically involves prescribed medications that are not only very expensive but have severe side effects.
Non-inflammatory arthritis is commonly referred to as degenerative joint disease or Osteoarthritis (OS). It is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability in elderly individuals. OS is caused by cartilage breakdown between joints ultimately causing stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. The most common form of treatment for OS is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Although this is an excellent temporary fix, it does not prevent further cartilage degeneration or improve symptoms, they just make them manageable.
Treatment options for RA and OS have been explored in other avenues due to the limitations of current treatments, especially those that are safe, affordable, and with limited side effects. Despite the differences between the two arthritic conditions, inflammation in the joints typically results in pain, therefore if we can control the inflammatory response, it is likely that symptoms can be alleviated.
Ginger & Turmeric:
Ginger CO2-distilled and steam distilled oils are both wonderful – and each has unique therapeutic properties.Ginger and Turmeric are well known in Ayurvedic medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, they have been thoroughly researched in how they provide inflammatory and pain relief in inflammatory diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS) and RA, predominantly through oral administration.
Ginger for one contains geraniols, which are hypothesized to be the prime contributors to combating inflammation. However, after further research, it is believed that the combination of all the constituents in the oil work together in a synergistic manner to produce anti-inflammatory responses.
For example, in a mouse study, ginger extract and an extract of geraniols from ginger were evaluated for their ability to inhibit joint swelling. The study indicated that the ginger extract had a greater effect on decreasing inflammation, likely due to the synergistic effect of all constituents in the oil. Furthermore, the study indicated that joint degeneration was reduced as a result of using ginger extra”
Amanda’s article goes on to talk about other oils that can be effective. Go check those other options over on The Amanda Apohecary website by clicking the link below:
Photo By shaepulkantor