Arthritis is a painful swelling in the joints; aromatherapy can help ease the two major symptoms: inflammation and the pain that comes with it.
Remember: essential oils are not generally intended for undiluted use. Mix a drop or two of the oils you wish to use into a carrier oil (like jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, etc) or a cream or lotion base. You can often find unscented lotion at your local drug store; just add your own essential oils for a scent all your own! For arthritis, try mixing your essential oils into a base of aloe vera gel — aloe is known for its healing properties. You can also find aloe vera gel at your local drug store — look for it near the skin care products and sunscreens.
For the uncomfortable swelling, try a rub that includes rosemary or marjoram essential oils. Both penetrate deep into your joints to help reduce inflammation. You may also see rosemary and/or marjoram used in sports rubs, to help increase circulation and ease swelling. If you are making your own rub, add one drop of essential oil for every four ounces of lotion, oil, or gel base.
For the pain, try a rub with a stimulating scent like peppermint, ginger, or clove. A drop of any of these in your lotion or oil base will help bring warmth and circulation to the area. Another benefit of these stimulating scents is that you’ll feel the energy to keep moving those stiff joints! And you won’t smell like a medicine cabinet all day; many arthritis remedies can be kind of stinky! Again, if you are making your own rub, add one drop of essential oil for every four ounces of lotion, oil, or gel base.
And don’t ignore your mental state throughout all this. The pain and frustration you are feeling at your arthritis can be eased with aromatherapy as well! Lavender and chamomile are both calming, harmonizing scents. If you can release the irritation at your condition, you can concentrate on healing.
Here’s an easy arthritis remedy recipe! Add the essential oils to the lotion and shake well before using. Rosemary, peppermint, and lavender essential oils are easy to find at your local health food store and are not overly expensive.
- 8oz unscented lotion
- 2 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops chamomile or lavender essential oil
You don’t always have to treat your arthritic joints with a rub — you can add a few drops of essential oils to a warm bath and soak your aches away. Try this combination: four drops of rosemary essential oil and three drops of peppermint essential oil in your bathwater.