Whether your joint pain is caused by an active lifestyle, arthritis, or aging, it can greatly affect your day to day life. Living with pain has emotional, mental and of course physical ramifications.
When suffering from joint pain and stiff joints, it can make it hard to participate in the activities you’ve always loved; it can even make it hard to socialize, as you’re in pain and can’t find comfort or relief.
Essential oils can be a great, natural remedy to this problem, allowing you to avoid harsh medicines without having to suffer with your condition. In this article, we’ll walk you through what essential oils can help to loosen up those stiff joints.
- Aloe Vera Essential Oil
That’s right; aloe vera can do a lot more for you than just provide relief from a painful sunburn. Aloe vera essential oil can help to soothe your joint pain when applied to the joint. It can also help to improve your skin and hair. This oil is typically found in gel form, but you can get it in oil form.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is especially useful in minimizing swelling and arthritic pain, as its leaves contain tannins. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties found in eucalyptus can help to ease the pain in your joints and muscles, as well. Eucalyptus is also known for being beneficial in combating migraines, depression, and stress.
- Ginger Essential Oil
The properties in ginger that cause it to have its strong flavor are the very properties that allow it to be used effectively as an anti-inflammatory. Its soothing qualities present in oil form are good for and come recommended to be used for joint pain, arthritis pain, back pain, muscle pain, etc.
- Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender’s wonderful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and sedative effects help to ease muscle spasms, pain, and tension; provide relief from headaches; and encourage calmness and relaxation.
- Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint, though great for upper respiratory and sinus infections, is also an excellent pain reliever. Peppermint oil is known to help relieve general muscle pain, joint pain, nerve pain, and headaches. A couple of drops of peppermint oil can also help to improve the healthy appearance of your skin and hair.
- Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary has both analgesic and antispasmodic properties, which make it particularly useful in combating back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches. Like peppermint oil, rosemary oil can also be used to improve the appearance of your hair and skin and can help clear up sinus infections.
- Thyme Essential Oil
The common household spice, thyme, when used as an oil, can help to relieve joint and muscle pain. It can also help to reduce backaches and sinus infections. Like all oils, this oil can be used in many ways, but it is easiest to use it in a humidifier.
- Vetiver Essential Oil
Similar to lemongrass and citronella, vetiver helps to relieve everyday aches and pains, including those caused by rheumatism or arthritis. Vetiver is popularly used in Ayurvedic medicine.
While essential oils offer a safe alternative to harsh medications commonly used to treat these conditions, they may not take care of all your pain. You can also try getting a massage or massaging the tender area yourself, soaking in a hot bath, or applying heat or ice at proper intervals in addition to the essential oils for added benefit.
There’s no reason to live with joint pain and no one wants to be a slave to those stronger medications commonly used to treat pain; try these essential oil tricks now to find relief.