Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which causes extreme joint pain and inflammation and the condition aggravates during winter. Most common symptoms of RA include joint pain, swelling of joints, stiffness and loss of joint function.

Essential Oils for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Besides medication, aromatherapy is also widely recommended in easing the mobility and to provide comfort for the inflamed, painful joints and tissues.

Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, basil are prepared from the extracts of plant compounds such as bark, leaves or roots and they provide instant relief from rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil works great in lowering inflammation, swelling and pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies prove that topical application of eucalyptus oil or adding a few drops of it in the warm bath helps in alleviating pain.

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil is made from resin or sap from the Boswellia tree. It is popularly used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat chronic pain and inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation of the United States, the acids in the frankincense possess strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that ease RA pain.

Also Read: Frankincense Essential Oil: Fabulous Beauty Benefits Of This Aromatic Infusion

Evening Primrose Oil

The goodness of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil when taken exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by reducing joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness of the joints.

Also Read: Evening Primrose Oil: 6 Splendid Wellness Incentives Of This Health Boosting Supplement

Basil Oil

Basil oil contains a host of therapeutic plant compounds and specifically cineole present in this oil has anti-inflammatory effects that provide instant relief.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is used extensively in providing relief from pain, anxiety and depression. It can be applied topically on inflamed joints or a few drops can be added to a warm water bath to alleviate pain.

Bitter Apricot Oil

Bitter apricot oil has an active ingredient called Vitamin B17, also known as amygdalin, that helps in soothing pain in the joints caused by arthritis. Besides this compound, the oil is rich in Vitamins E, C, omega 9 and essential fatty acids. All these components can bring relief from joint pain and all forms of arthritis-borne pain.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil is effective in treating and relieving pains of polyarthritis, rheumatic pains and spondylitis-related pains. In addition to eliminating joint pain and bringing relief, it also helps to support the body to regain its physical ability and strength.

Turmeric Oil

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can be especially helpful for people dealing with arthritis pain. Turmeric oil can be used for osteoarthritis which is a degenerative one and inflammatory arthritis rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other forms of arthritis.

Additional Oils To Help Alleviate Rheumatoid Borne Pain

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which may provide a cooling sensation and potential relief for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. This oil is often used topically to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Applying diluted ginger oil topically or incorporating it into massage oils can be beneficial to soothe many types of joint and arthritis-related pains.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties thus it is potentially aiding in relieving pain and discomfort caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It can be diluted and applied topically or used in aromatherapy as well for its soothing effects.

How Essential Oils Work

  • Pour a few drops into warm water and inhale the steam.
  • A diffuser can be used to dilute the essential oil.
  • Mix essential oils into bath salts or add them directly in warm water.
  • Dilute them with other blending oils such as coconut oil, olive oil and massage them into painful joints.
  • You can add a little bit of oil to the bandages as well, before placing it around the affected area.

 References:

Essential Oils: New Perspectives in Human Health and Wellness

Fabio Firenzuoli, 1 ,* Vikas Jaitak, 2 Gyorgyi Horvath, 3 Imaël Henri Nestor Bassolé, 4 William N. Setzer, 5 and Luigi Gori 1

Author information Article notes Copyright and License information PMC Disclaimer

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4090492/

Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review

Author links open overlay panelBabar Ali 1, Naser Ali Al-Wabel 1, Saiba Shams 2, Aftab Ahamad 3, Shah Alam Khan 4, Firoz Anwar 5

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033

Disclaimer:

The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.