Chronic joint pains and aches can be quite disabling, especially when they are due to arthritis or other joint disorders. Treatment is mainly aimed at reducing the pain and swelling and improving mobility. In addition to conventional treatment, here are some excellent essential oils that you could try to relieve chronic joint pains:
1 . Peppermint Oil
-Peppermint is known for its anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties which help in soothing joint pains and in reducing the swelling around joints.
-Add 8-10 drops of peppermint oil to 2 tablespoons of warm coconut oil.
-Apply on affected joints daily for best results.
2 . Eucalyptus Oil
-Eucalyptus oil has an active ingredient eucalyptol which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
-Besides eucalyptol, the oil is packed with active components that fight swelling and inflammation.
-Mix 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil with a a carrier oil like coconut oil over swollen and aching joints.
3 . Ginger Oil
-The essential oil of ginger is extracted from the unpeeled rhizome of Zingiber officinale .
-The oil contains zingiberene, which reduces pain and swelling.
-It is also packed with several potent phyto-chemicals such as geraniol, geranial, nerol, borneol, and camphene.
-Massage diluted ginger oil into the affected area and use a warm compress to enhance absorption.
4 . Lavender Oil
–Lavender oil is known for its soothing, pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
-It is well known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
-It improves blood circulation in the area and reduces inflammation.
-Mix 3-5 drops of lavender oil with one teaspoon of carrier oil and apply on affected joints.
5 . Rosemary Oil
-Rosemary oil is extracted from the leaves of the shrub Rosmarinus .
-The main component of the oil, rosmarinic acid, is a potent natural analgesic and anesthetic that helps in soothing joint pain and swelling.
6 . Lemongrass Oil
-Lemongrass oil has active agents such as Citronellal, Myrcene, Limonene, Citral, Geraniol, and Nerol which are all strong anti-inflammatory agents.
-In Ayurveda, the steam from lemongrass boiling in water is directed towards the affected joints.
-The warmth from the steam facilitates the absorption of the oil deep into the tissues providing long-lasting pain relief.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
-Essential oil can sometimes cause skin irritation, so make sure you do a skin patch test before applying any oil to a large area.
-Try and opt for a combination of 2 or more essential oils for best results.
-Essential oils are highly concentrated, so they should be diluted appropriately with carrier oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil.
-You could also mix the oils in melted beeswax for a thicker consistency.