6 Powerful Essential Oils To Help Ease Pain + Inflammation
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Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response and is the natural way to protect itself against harm.
There are two types of inflammation; chronic and acute.
Acute level inflammation can cause redness and swelling for a short period of time.
Chronic inflammation has been linked with many serious health conditions including cancer, obesity and heart disease. Inflammation occurs when the body’s white blood cells are released into the blood or affected tissues to guard your body from foreign substances. This release of chemicals increases the blood flow around the area of injury which may lead to visible redness and warmth on the area.
One great option that may help relieve inflammation is essential oils.
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. Usually through the process of distillation, they capture the plants volatile chemical compounds, including aroma and flavour. Essential oils are commonly used through aromatherapy to help with mental and physical wellbeing.
The below oils are especially great for relieving the discomfort of inflammation and combating aches and pains.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
1. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a cooling effect and contains anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties that can relieve muscle pains and swelling. Mix the eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and rub it into the affected area or add a few drops into a steam bath.
Peppermint Essential Oil
2. Peppermint
Like eucalyptus, peppermint oil also has a cooling effect and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint also contains menthol and menthone which makes it a great choice for alleviating pain and discomfort. Some peppermint oil extractions can be applied without a carrier oil, however if this is too strong, dilute first and then apply to the affected area.
Lavender Essential Oil
3. Lavender
Lavender is commonly used for its calming properties to ease stress and relax the mind. However, it can also be utilised to help relieve inflammation around the joints. This can be achieved through adding three to five drops to a carrier oil or placing five drops of essential oil into a warm bath. This will help not only help relieve inflammation but also encourage relaxation.
Ginger Essential Oil
4. Ginger
Ginger contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that work to heal the body and reduce pain and swelling. Ginger essential oil provides relief through the body’s vanilloid receptors which is located in the senor nerve endings. It has been continually recommended for people with chronic inflammation. For the most effective results, combine the essential oil with a carrier oil and regularly massage into the affected area.
Basil Essential Oil
5. Basil
Basil essential oil contains a variety of therapeutic compounds that help to reduce inflammation. Some of these include cineole and linalool. Add a few drops of basil essential oil into a carrier oil and massage into the affected area or add two drops into a warm bath.
Black Pepper Essential Oil
6. Black Pepper
Black pepper essential oil possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties that help to alleviate pain and fight inflammation. It’s warming properties also help to reduce muscle injuries. As black pepper oil can be strong and potentially irritating to the skin, mix a few drops into a carrier oil and apply to the affected areas.
Why use a carrier oil?
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils. Essential oils are extremely potent and can irritate the skin when directly applied. Diluting them will also help to spread the small amount of essential oil over a large surface of skin area.
There are many carrier oils available and are often sourced from nuts, seeds and plants. Popular carrier oils include:
· Olive oil
· Grape-seed oil
· Argan oil
Safety and Precautions
Before applying essential oils and carrier oils to the skin, conduct a patch skin test on a small area of skin to avoid irritation. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should consult with a medical professional before using essential oils. You should also consider pets and children or those will allergies before using essential oils.
Recipes
These recipes can help provide comfort and healing:
I have chosen to use essential oils from ECO. Modern Essentials. You can find out more about their extensive range of single oils, blends and accessories here.
REFERENCES
Medical News Today, 2018. Which Essential Oils Can Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321853.php
Dr Axe, 2017. Top 5 Essential Oils For Arthritis https://draxe.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-for-arthritis/
Dr Axe, 2018. Chronic Inflammation At The Root Of Most Diseases + What To Do About It https://draxe.com/health/inflammation/inflammation-at-the-root-of-most-diseases/
HEALTHLINE, 2019. Try This:18 Essential Oils For Sore Muscles. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/essential-oils-for-sore-muscles
Well and Good, 2019. 10 Essential Oils For Inflammation That Your Holistic Tool Kit Needs. https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/essential-oils-for-inflammation/