Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints, muscles, and bones. It can be debilitating and painful to live with. Luckily there are several alternative treatments, which are natural remedies for arthritis that can help reduce pain and inflammation in your body. Let us take a look at these essential oils for arthritis. They include Turmeric, Basil, Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Ginger. Furthermore, these oils were compiled and approved by the International Essential Oil Association's (IEOC) essential oil expert panel, consisting of over 350 members worldwide.

Lavender

Lavender oil has many medicinal properties, which make it an excellent natural remedy for arthritis. It is used to treat migraines, anxiety, depression, respiratory problems and promote sleep. Lavender oil can help reduce pain in muscles and joints. The analgesic property of lavender oil helps to reduce pain in muscles and joints caused by arthritis.

Research showed lavender is perfect for an aromatherapy massage for people with osteoarthritis of the knee, a particular type of arthritis often associated with the wearing out of the knee's cartilage. It commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. 

Basil

Basil essential oil has several medicinal properties, which makes it among the several excellent natural alternative treatments for arthritis. The essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help fight pain in muscles and joints caused by arthritis.

A lab study presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester showed basil, if applied in concentrated extracts from Ocimum americanum and Ocimum tenuiflorum, has a success rate of up to 73% in reducing the joint swelling within 24 hours. Furthermore, it helps to increase blood circulation around the affected area.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil is an effective remedy for joint pains because it reduces pain, tenderness, and swelling in joints caused by arthritis. It also has analgesic properties which will help to reduce the associated pain you feel due to arthritis. Studies have shown that Eucalyptus oil can relieve pain for at least one hour after application.

Ginger

Ginger essential oil is beneficial in treating arthritic disorders since it has anti-inflammatory properties that help fight inflammation of the joints and tissues. It also helps to prevent cell damage due to free radicals. The active ingredients in ginger called gingerols, reduce arthritis symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling.

Turmeric

Turmeric essential oil has the most potent anti-inflammatory properties of all essential oils. The active ingredients in turmeric are called curcumin, have similar properties to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). According to one study, people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), who received bioavailable turmeric extract 500 mg capsule twice daily, had reduced symptoms compared to those who took paracetamol.

How to use essential oil when Treating Arthritis

Here is a breakdown of the safe use of essential oils

• Basil Essential Oil: Apply 1-3 drops topically over painful areas. Do this 3 times per day for pain relief
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Mix 5 drops of Eucalyptus oil in 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Massage into painful areas for pain relief
• Lavender Essential Oil: Mix 6 drops with your favorite carrier oil (olive, coconut, or almond oil) and massage into painful areas

Risks and Warnings

Essential oils can be potent substances. Therefore, they should always be diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) before topical application or diffusion.

Furthermore, some essential oils can cause skin irritation if used undiluted. These include basil, grapefruit, lemon, and bergamot oils. Also, direct contact with the eyes and mucous membranes should be avoided with most essential oils.

Remember, essential oils are potent substances. Therefore, you should never consume orally (by mouth) as they can be poisonous and cause serious health problems if ingested, especially in large quantities. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical condition, it is best to seek advice from your doctor before using essential oils.

Lastly, you should always use the highest quality therapeutic-grade essential oils for aromatherapy purposes. Also, note that various people may react differently to the application of essential oils and that such reactions could be severe. Thus, seek guidance from a medical expert before using it.

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