Arthritis, one of the most common joint conditions affecting millions of people worldwide, is a chronic degeneration of the joint tissue, due to the body’s immune system mistaking the body tissue for a harmful substance and acting against it. This action of the body’s immune system against joint tissue causes pain, swelling and inflammation of joints, and decreases mobility of joints.
Though arthritis and other joint pains can be easily treated with medications and different therapies and surgery, it is often best to stick to alternative treatments as they have little or no side effects and are completely natural. Use of different essential oils is thought to benefit arthritis patients amazingly.
Best Essential Oils for Pain
Massage
Massage therapy is widely practiced in the western countries and is now gaining an increased awareness in India too. Massaging the body is thought to open blockages in the energy centers of the body, remove disease, and improve skin health.
Massaging the joints of an arthritic patient with some special essential oils stimulates joint repair, aids reduction of pain and swelling of joints, removes inflammation, and reduces stiffness of joints.
Bath Blends
There are a number of aromatherapy essential oil mixes readily available in the market and one can choose from many different brands according to the condition he suffers from. Mostly, the bath blend used by many arthritic patients is composed of a mixture of the essential oils including fennel, cypress and juniper, each of them in equal quantities.Around 4 drops of this mixture is added with a cupful of Epsom salt to the bath water and then bathing is done as regular.
It is always advised to consult a doctor before carrying out these baths and therapies as some people do develop allergic reactions to some substances. Also, keep in mind never to apply any essential oil directly to the skin as they are highly concentrated. It is necessary to dilute it before using on any body part.Common oils used for arthritis listed below are some oils commonly used to treat arthritis patients.
Cedar Wood Oil
Cedar wood oil is thought to have a soothing effect on the body and helps release blocked lymph and stimulate circulatory movement.
Using this oil helps reduce inflammation and swelling of joints.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass essential oil helps release muscle tension by removing lactic acid accumulations within the muscles. It also reduces pain and swelling of joints.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the best oils that can be used for the treatment of arthritis. It helps release muscle tension and reduces pain and stiffness of joints.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is a wonderful essential oil that reduces inflammation of joints and promotes healing of damaged tissues. However, this oil is a photo sensitizer and increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
It is therefore advised to avoid going out in the sun for atleast an hour after the application of lemon oil.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil aids the circulatory system and tones the muscles. When rubbed onto arthritic joints, it reduces inflammation and pain.
