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January 20, 2023
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Arthritis is a joint disease that causes swelling and pain in and around the joints. It’s usually classified as either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that a whopping 52.5 million adults in the U.S. alone suffer from arthritis.
Essential oils have so many uses, including for serious health problems. This DIY arthritis ointment uses the three powerful essentials oils — frankincense, ginger and myrrh — alongside the solid carrier oil, coconut oil.
Fractionated coconut oil can work best because it blends most easily and remains liquid regardless of the temperature. You can also use unrefined coconut oil, which does feature more benefits but mixes less easily. Jojoba is another workable carrier oil.
It’s believed that frankincense oil transmits messages to the limbic system of the brain, which is known to influence the nervous system. It caninhibit the productionof key inflammatory molecules associated with conditions like arthritis, asthma, painful bowel disorders like IBS and many more conditions.
Ginger essential oil is also made up of about 90 percent sesquiterpenes, which are defensive agents that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger oil appears to be effective when taken by patients with pain associated with inflammation. A study found that when patients with osteoarthritis of the knee took a ginger extract twice daily, they experienced less pain and needed fewer pain-killing medications than those who received placebo.
Lastly, myrrh essential oil also containssesquiterpenes as well as another primary active compounds called terpenoids, both of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Mix all four ingredients into a bowl until well blended. Place this DIY arthritis ointment into a dark (to preserve the essential oils) glass jar with a lid for continued use.
Simply massage the ointment in the areas where you feel pain. Use twice daily. You can also take it to your masseuse and ask him or her to use it while performing a mild massage.
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- Author: Dr. Josh Axe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 applications 1x
Description
Creaky, arthritic joints are too common for many of us. Whip up this simple DIY recipe with three essentials oils and coconut oil and apply. You should feel its therapeutic effects right away.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20–30 drops pure frankincense essential oil
- 10 drops pure ginger essential oil
- 20–30 drops myrrh essential oil
- 4 ounces fractionated coconut oil (or unrefined)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients into a bowl until well blended.
- Place into a glass jar with a lid for continued use.
- Massage the ointment in the areas where you feel pain. Use twice daily.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Category: Body care
- Method: Mixing
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