Essential Oils to Support Pain Management and Joint Health
Essential Oils to Support Pain Management and Joint Health
Active Lifestyle?
Do you run, bike, CrossFit, yoga, hike, play any sports or love playing outside with your kids? According to statistics from the Arthritis Foundation, about 54 million people in the U.S. alone are diagnosed with joint inflammation. This affects about 27% of the adult population.
Don’t let your favorite activities leave you uncomfortable or in pain. If you suffer from joint pain, inflammation, stiffness or swelling, try some of these essential oils to keep your joints healthy, your muscles flexible, and your body in tip-top condition!
Really Quick… Back to Basics
What is a joint?
A joint is a connection between two bones. It can be hard like the skull, or moveable like the knee.
What is cartilage?
Cartilage is a hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint.
What is synovial fluid?
Synovial fluid is produced by synovium, joint lining, to lubricate the joints.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s response to irritation. Inflammation within joints can cause soreness and cartilage tearing.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are extracted from flowers, roots, leaves, seeds, bark, and fruit of plants. They are the most powerful part of a plant - the lifeblood of the plant!
Essential Oils for Healing
Essential oils, herbs, spices, and minerals have been used for many years to support healthy joints and help manage inflammation. Some essential oils have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, including Turmeric, Frankincense, Lavender, Ginger, and Basil.
Turmeric Essential Oil
Turmeric is considered an anti-inflammatory superfood. It can be found and used as a spice, a powder, and an essential oil. The essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically around joints or anywhere there is pain. Turmeric power could be taken in hot milk or tea and the spice can be added to your scrambled eggs or smoothies!
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is made from the dried gum resin of the frankincense tree and has been used for thousands of years to treat inflammation and pain. Some brands of frankincense essential oil can be consumed or taken in capsules, but do your research before ingesting essential oils! It’s also great to use in bath soaks or massages!
Frankincense is the swiss army knife of essential oils. It can be used for so many things but it is especially great for relaxing, including relaxing your joints! A great way to use lavender to support healthy joints is to add it to an Epsom salt bath and soak for 20-25 minutes for relief!
Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger has tremendous benefits in decreasing inflammation. You can add fresh ginger to your drinks or salads to heal joint inflammation. You can use ginger essential oil (diluted) and apply it topically to the joints or any inflamed region on the body. Ginger is considered a “hot oil”, meaning it can cause burns and skin irritation, so it’s very important to dilute this oil before applying to the body.
Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil is very therapeutic and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibiotic and diuretic properties. It helps with edema, fluid retention, which is associated with inflammation. You can put a few drops of basil essential oil with a carrier oil and rub it directly on your sore or swollen muscles for almost instant relief. It can also be used in a warm Epsom salt bath for recovery.
Other Anti-Inflammatory Tips
There are other supplements and ways to support joint health and reduce inflammation, like eating a healthy diet and making sure you stretch pre and post workout! Foods rich in flavonoids and polyphenols can help reduce inflammation – these include leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and even dark chocolate.
Also, check out ithriveX performance cream to help fix the pain in your body!
