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Rheumatoid arthritis causes severe inflammation and chronic pain in the sockets and joints of the body. Most at times, individuals make use of essential oils to reduce these pains and relieve the severity of the symptoms but everyone is wondering, do they work? Studies have shown that although essential oils cannot cure arthritis, it can however reduce the symptoms of this illness drastically. Essential oils work aim specifically in reducing certain symptoms such as stiffness, pain, swelling, and inflammation. You can apply topically or use a diffuser to enjoy the relieving benefits of the essential oils we’ll discuss today. 

What Can These Oils Do for Arthritis?

Essential oils are gotten from the liquid substance of plants. This substance has compounds which are responsible for giving plants their smell and taste. Using steam or even pressure, these oils get extracted from the bark, roots, leaves, or blossom of the plant. Various types of studies have shown that aromatherapy is safe to work on the symptoms of arthritis and has also proven to be very effective. There is however certain essential oils that should be used for this purpose, they include:

Eucalyptus

The compounds in eucalyptus essential oils work best when it comes to relieving inflammations, pain, and swelling. Most studies suggest that the eucalyptus essential oil be inhaled to enjoy its full benefits while some others show that they provide the best results when added into your warm bath. You can easily get these essential oils from any health care store around you or even purchase online.

Ginger

This easily accessible and famous essential oil does the trick all the time. Ginger essential oil is one of the most recommended oils to deal with chronic pain and inflammation. The chemicals found in ginger also transform to a group of anti-inflammatory substances known as gingerols when digested. It also has other compounds which reduce the symptoms easily associated with arthritis.

Frankincense

Traditional medicine practitioners make regular use of the frankincense essential oil to cure various types of ailments of which chronic inflammation and pain is included. The natural acids present in frankincense essential oil possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which are very effective in reducing autoimmune responses and preventing cartilage damage.

Turmeric Oil

The active ingredients found in turmeric essential oil are known to be laced with anti-inflammatory properties; this makes it one of the best options for reducing symptoms associated with arthritis. Several reviews have shown that turmeric essential oil aids immensely in tackling symptoms of arthritis though more research would be conducted later on.

Lavender

Having been used for ages to treat a variety of illnesses, it is no shock that lavender oil aids in reducing the symptoms of arthritis such as inflammation and pain. For centuries, lavender essential oil works in drastically reducing signs of depression, anxiety, and pain. A study conducted stipulated improvement of a patient with osteoarthritis of the knee after several massages and treatments using lavender oil mixed with sweet almond essential oil. Lavender oil is easily accessible and as such, it can be gotten from your nearby local shop, online vendors, and health stores.

Basil

Containing varieties of potential therapeutic properties, basil essential oil is a must have! This essential oil contains approximately 1.8 of cineole; this substance aids immensely in the aspect of reducing effects of inflammation and swelling. Research has shown that consistent administration of basil essential oil has an immense positive effect in reducing swollen joints.

Combining Oils

Varieties of essential oils can be combined to produce a better and more enhanced effect. A study conducted in 2016 showed that the constant massage of an individual suffering from arthritis in the knee brought about a drastic decrease in the symptoms of the illness. The combinations of oils used to achieve this result include ylang ylang, juniper, rosemary, and lavender essential oil. These essential oils were used during sessions of aromatherapy and diluted for better effects with coconut oil.

How to use Essential Oils for Arthritis

Generally, there are two methods of using essential oils. Firstly, you can inhale it to reap its benefits and you can also opt for a massage session using your oils. You can:

•   Add a few drops of your essential oil into a bowl of hot water then inhale the steam emanating from it.
•   Make use of a diffuser which aids in diluting essential oils mixed in water and releasing a mist of essential oil into the atmosphere.
•   Combine the essential oils into your bath salts or you can opt for adding them into your bath directly.
•   Dilute the essential oils using carrier oils and gently massage the oil onto areas that are sore, swollen, or stiff.
•   Proceed by adding about two to three drops to your wound coverings and bandages.

Suitable Carrier Oils for Arthritis

There are certain carrier oils that are more suitable for treating arthritis than others. It is best to pair these carrier oils with your preferred essential oil listed above for the best results. Before applying topically or inhaled, it is necessary that you dilute essential oils using carrier oils. Essential oils are very concentrated types of oils with harsh effects that can be harmful to the skin if used alone. It is important that you conduct a patch test with whichever type of oil you wish to use before using it all over the body. Some carrier oils that are compatible with essential oils for reducing signs and symptoms of arthritis include:

•   Almond oil
•   Jojoba oil
•   Olive oil
•   Evening primrose oil
•   Coconut oil
•   Argan oil
•   Grape-seed oil

Potential Risk of Essential Oils

Ensure you consult your doctor before use of essential oil to tackle the symptoms of arthritis. Though these oils have been very beneficial over the years, an overdose would definitely cause more harm than good; they could negatively contrast with your medication for arthritis. A patient would never be advised to replace prescribed arthritis medication with aromatherapy sessions using essential oils. Treat the use of essential oils as a secondary alternative and an aid in reducing pains, inflammation, and sores.