Aromatherapy and arthritis can go hand in hand and essential oils are used by holistic healers to help soothe the pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of movement and deformity that accompanies this distressing condition. Using essential oils can help individuals to cope with their pain on a daily basis, if applied correctly.
Aromatherapy for Arthritis
Aromatherapy for arthritis includes the use of pure, good quality, natural essential oils. Hydrosols and phytols are also used to treat the condition. Aromatherapy oils need to be mixed with a suitable vegetable oil or cream base. Oils must always be diluted before applying them to the skin as they are very concentrated. A skin test should also be done to rule out any likelihood of allergies.
A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is safe and effective. The efficacy of aromatherapy for arthritis symptoms is not clearly understood. In fact, the medical profession is not even sure what causes the condition itself. It may be caused by genetic factors, bone density loss or linked to an infection that caused toxins to be released into the body. It may be a combination of all these factors.
Because doctors cannot tell us why arthritis occurs it is hard to find a cure. However there are several treatments to help control symptoms. Aromatherapy for arthritis uses a range essential plant oils which can be placed in the bath, used in massage, inhaled or applied as compresses. Blending specific oils together will relax the are, ease pain and help combat tiredness. The oils will also help to lift the mood and ease anxiety.
Aromatherapy for arthritis can include the use of Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon essential oils. These are very effective when applied in the form of a hot compress. This can be made by soaking sterile cotton cloth in a medium-sized bowl of hot water to which three to six drops of oil have been added.
Squeeze out most (but not all) of the water and place the cloth onto the painful area until it cools to body temperature. Do this two to three times and then wrap the area in a warm towel or blanket. Rest for a period after using aromatherapy for arthritis.
You can also make use of aromatherapy for arthritis by rubbing diluted oils onto the pulse points and sore areas during the day. If you use the oils throughout the day it will help ease symptoms.
Aromatherapy for arthritis does not have any side effects and is a cost-effective and natural way to cope with the symptoms of this condition. In some cases you may not need conventional medications. In severe cases you may be able to use aromatherapy for arthritis to control symptoms and as a complement to the medication prescribed by your doctor so do talk to him about your health concerns.