Using Essential Oils to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (2024)

FAQs

How do you use essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis? ›

A person can inhale essential oils in hot water, or mix them with a carrier oil and massage them into the skin over the affected joint. Some carrier oils to consider include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil.

Thyme essential oil had the most effects, reducing COX-2 levels by nearly 75 percent . The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy also lists many oils that may reduce inflammation, including: roman chamomile. ginger.

Extra virgin olive oil's anti-inflammatory properties help fight arthritis.

Rest and exercise. Balance your rest and exercise, with more rest when your RA is active and more exercise when it is not. Rest helps to decrease active joint inflammation, pain, and fatigue. In general, shorter rest breaks every now and then are more helpful than long times spent in bed.

In fact, a study from the Catholic University of Korea in Seoul showed that people with arthritis who sniffed a fragrant blend that included lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary experienced less pain and better moods than those who didn't.

USING FRANKINCENSE OIL IN A MASSAGE TO RELIEVE PAIN AND INFLAMMATION. After dilution with an unscented carrier oil, Frankincense Essential Oil can be absorbed into the skin via topical application.

“In China, Frankincense and Myrrh are often used together to obtain a synergistic effect for relieving pain and activating blood circulation, and especially to treat inflammatory diseases (e.g., RA).” Research shows Clary Sage helps alleviate menstrual cramps, so it is an alternate solution to taking ibuprofen (Midol).

Therefore, it seems that topical use of frankincense extract can improve OA in terms of pain severity and joint flexibility, as well as patients' quality of life (as determined by PGA score).

However, there are certain oils that have been shown to increase inflammation, namely: corn, sunflower, soy, and vegetable oil.

How do you mix essential oils for joint pain? ›

Put 10-15 drops of an essential oil in 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of a carrier oil. Those are oils like coconut, almond, olive, avocado, or jojoba. That'll help protect your skin and make it easier to absorb. Rub into your skin, wherever you feel joint pain.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and stiffness. Studies show that those who ate omega-3 rich foods or took a fish oil supplement had a reduction in joint pain. If you're not a fan of fish, try plant-based sources of Omega-3 foods such as ground flax, flaxseed oil and walnuts.

Although there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early treatment and support (including medicine, lifestyle changes, supportive treatments and surgery) can reduce the risk of joint damage and limit the impact of the condition.

Both hot and cold therapies can be useful in the long-term management and self-care of rheumatoid arthritis. Heat pads or warm baths are considered to be the most beneficial in soothiong stiff joints and muscles, whereas cold packs are ideal for relieving acute pain and inflammation.

Supplements. Research from 2017 also recommends people living with RA eat probiotic yogurt and spices like turmeric and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, the results of multiple studies suggest that turmeric and curcumin can prevent and combat inflammation.

Topical application

After diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil of choice (this equates to 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil), simply apply to the affected area. You can also try it as a massage balm, gently rubbing the mixture into the skin so it can help ease inflammation and joint pain.

The ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, menthol and camphor, have primarily superficial effects, but can provide a soothing sensation over an arthritic joint that is inflamed. What home remedies do you recommend for arthritis pain? Glucosamine and Chondroitin.