Did you know that in our five senses, the sense of smell is the fastest way to reach our brain?
According to the experts, the sense of smell is
estimated to be 10,000 times more acute than other senses. They also believe
that the activity of the nerve signals passing through this region causes mood
change by altering brain chemistry.
When we smell
something pleasurable like a soothing massage or the scent of a fragrant
flower, our mood lifts, we call it “aromatherapy”. Some
arthritis sufferers benefit from this
kind of therapy. Their well-being is positively affected by the smell of
essential oils, and as a result, their pain gradually fades. Once scent registers, it travels faster to the brain than either
sight or sound. Quite amazing, isn’t it?
The aromatherapy massage is a favorite item on every
spa's menu because it improves our mood. However, aromatherapy is much more than that.
So, what is aromatherapy,
exactly?
It is
essential to know where aromatherapy came from to understand it better. The
name aroma means “pleasant smell” and therapy “treatment which aims to cure
physical or mental disease.”
Aromatherapy was
used for therapeutic, cosmetic, and spiritual purposes 6,000 years ago. The
Chinese burned incense to promote harmony and balance.
Egyptians
distilled oils from cedarwood to embalm the dead.
By the 15th
century, Greeks were using plants and herbs in various healing processes.
Aromatherapy uses the properties of essential oils 100% pure to restore balance and personal harmony.
As of today, aromatherapy is still being used to relieve
pain and other diseases. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there for
doing so – including using essential oils to help maintain arthritis
symptoms naturally.
Why
use essential oils for arthritis
relief?
Apart from conventional medicine, instead of getting addicted to painkillers,
essential oils are used to treat all types of arthritis effectively.
Oils naturally came from plants, specifically the purest
essence of a plant. The stems, flowers, bark, roots, leaves, or other parts of
a plant are extracted using either steam or pressure. Therefore, the essential oil
is a natural plant product.
Most essential oils are antiseptic and are among
the most powerful protectors of nature against bacteria and other infectious
organisms. In general, many pounds of plants are needed to extract a small
amount of essential oil. This oil brings positive health effects to arthritis
patients and promotes better psychological health and physical well-being.
How do
essential oils work for arthritis relief?
If battling arthritis, there are ways to brighten
your outlook and mood, and one of the best ways is through aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is an alternative or complementary therapy to help manage
arthritic pain, and is most commonly applied topically or through inhalation and
topically for massage.
During the application of the oils, cell membranes are
ruptured, allowing their aromatic oils to be released and then collected to
enhance joint pain from arthritis. Essential oils and their components are fast
absorbed through the skin and are detectable in plasma after application.
What are the essential oils for arthritis?
Here are some of the most beneficial essential oils for arthritis-related pain:
● Ginger essential oil. It is to replace NSAIDs; Experts found out that rubbing ginger extract on the knee joint reduced pain and inflammation. Rubbed directly onto the affected area, the sensation of warmth will fade, but the effects can last.
● Myrrh oil. Use Myrrh oil together with frankincense more often to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints more effectively.
● Frankincense
Essential Oil. It is one of the most effective in reducing arthritis pain.
The essential oil prevents and stops the growth of molecules that encourage inflammation
in the cartilage.
● Chamomile
Essential Oil. It is s a good stressbuster that penetrates deep into the skin’s
layers and relieves any stiffness in the joints that result from arthritis.
● Lemongrass
Essential Oil. This oil is an antioxidant.
It is also suitable for those allergic to aspirin.
● Wintergreen
Essential Oil. It has strong
analgesic, and pain-relieving properties especially if mixed with peppermint oil.
● Peppermint
Essential Oil. It is an anti-inflammatory that reduces arthritic pain and
has fewer side effects. The best result is when used and combined with
wintergreen oil. It can be rubbed on the swollen joints as needed to help
reduce the discomfort and add some relief.
● Turmeric
Essential Oil. Turmeric or curcumin specifically is a powerful
pain-relieving antioxidant.
● Eucalyptus oil. It is an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. It helps to soothe both the inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and even muscle injury
● Helichrysum oil. Helichrysum oil is a natural antibiotic. It is a powerful pain reliever, increases circulation, and reduces inflammation in the joints.
● Rosemary oil. Rosemary is also an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.
● Lavander Oil. It can help fight against the inflammation of arthritis. It can also help inhibit the overall progression of osteoarthritis. It helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and thus prevents the severity of the disease.
● Bergamot Oil. A sweet citrus fruit used in earl grey tea, bergamot essential oil can help relieve some symptoms of depression, can aid digestion as well as generally help to reduce tense muscles.
● Helichrysum Essential Oil. It contains unique properties that make it anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial.
There are no adverse effects reported in Aromatherapy. Therefore, it is a safe addition to current pain management procedures. However, experts advise that before applying essential oils, they should always be blended with carrier oil. The essential oils are strong essences. Because of that, if not diluted first, they can harm the skin. Common carrier oils include almond, avocado, and virgin olive oil.
Understanding the approaches for different types of arthritis is the essential way to control and manage pain or inflammation. Aromatherapy showed a positive effect in reducing pain. It boosts energy, multivitamins, and nutrition solutions empowering to meet wellness goals naturally.
Always remember to check with the right resources to determine if particular essential oils are suited to a person’s health status. Still necessary to consult an aromatherapist to help assess the needs in this area before using it.
