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If you want help with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, you can try essential oils like eucalyptus, ginger, turmeric, frankincense, orange, lavender, rosemary, myrrh, and black cumin. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis use herbal remedies to help with symptoms:
- 51.4% of patients use herbal medicines, which can include essential oils.
- Lavender is a favorite, with 31.2% of patients using it.
These oils might help lower pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some studies show they can work:
| Study Description | Findings |
|---|---|
| Study by researchers in India | RA patients who used a mouthwash with turmeric essential oil had a big drop in inflammation compared to those who only got regular treatment. |
| 2021 systematic review of 13 studies | Five studies looked at rheumatoid arthritis, and all but one found that essential oils helped reduce symptoms and made patients more likely to stick with treatment. |
You should always talk to your doctor before trying new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
Key Takeaways
- Essential oils such as eucalyptus, ginger, and lavender may help lessen pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis.
- You should always mix essential oils with a carrier oil before putting them on your skin. This helps stop skin irritation.
- Using essential oils in aromatherapy can help you feel better and lower stress. This might help with arthritis symptoms.
- Talk to your doctor before you use essential oils, especially if you take medicine for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Do not use some oils like clove and cinnamon if you have rheumatoid arthritis. These oils can make symptoms worse.
How Essential Oils Help
Pain and Inflammation Relief
Essential oils can help with pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis. These oils have nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and E.
These vitamins may help with joint pain and stiffness. Many essential oils also have antioxidants. Antioxidants can help lower swelling and discomfort.
You can see how these oils work in the table below:
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| Combination of Oils | Mixing lemon oil with ginger and turmeric boosts anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Analgesic Properties | Lemon oil alone helps relieve pain. |
| Carrier Oil Benefits | Coconut oil as a carrier prevents irritation and improves delivery. |
People have used essential oils for joint pain for a long time. Today, research shows that oil blends can help.
For example, one study found that breathing in lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary helped people with arthritis feel less pain and happier.
Another study showed that a mix of lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint lowered pain and sadness. Using these blends in aromatherapy can lead to less pain and better moods.
Mood and Well-Being
Rheumatoid arthritis can make you feel sad or stressed. Essential oils might help you feel better. The smells from these oils reach the limbic system in your brain.
This part of the brain controls feelings and memories. Because of this, you may feel less stress and more happiness.
The table below shows how some oils work:
| Essential Oil | Mechanism | Effect on Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Activates GABAergic system | Reduces stress, improves mood |
| Ylang-ylang | Increases serotonin | Relaxing, antidepressant |
| Rosemary | Enhances DA activation | Calms anxiety, boosts thinking |
| Cinnamon | Downregulates NFкB | Calms anxiety |
Feeling sad or worried can make rheumatoid arthritis worse. Using essential oils with your medicine can help you feel better overall.
Best Essential Oils
If you want natural help for rheumatoid arthritis, some essential oils are better than others. Each oil can help with pain, swelling, or mood. The oils below have the most science behind them for helping with rheumatoid arthritis:
| Essential Oil | Evidence | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eucalyptus | 2013 study | Eucalyptus can lower swelling and pain. Breathing it in helped people feel less pain after surgery. It also lowered blood pressure. |
| Frankincense | Arthritis Foundation | Frankincense has things that fight swelling and pain. It may help stop the body from attacking itself and protect joints. |
| Lavender | 2016 study | Using lavender in a massage helped people with rheumatoid arthritis feel less pain and tiredness. |
| Ginger | 2016 study | Ginger helped rats with joint swelling. More studies on people are needed. |
| Turmeric | 2010 study | Turmeric lowered joint swelling in rats. Scientists are still studying how it works for people. |
| Basil | N/A | Basil has things that fight swelling. It may help, but more research is needed. |
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known for helping with pain and swelling. Breathing in eucalyptus oil may help your joints hurt less.
Studies show people with rheumatoid arthritis felt better after using eucalyptus oil. This oil has things that block pain and lower swelling.
Try using eucalyptus oil in a diffuser. You can also put drops in hot water and breathe in the steam.
Eucalyptus oil may also help you relax and lower your blood pressure. People often mix it with other oils for stronger effects.
Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger oil comes from ginger roots. It has strong things called gingerols and shogaols. These help lower swelling and protect joints. Some studies say ginger oil can help with pain and swelling in arthritis.
| Active Compound | Effect on Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 6-shogaol | Helps lower swelling |
| Gingerdiols | Helps lower swelling |
| 6-gingerol | Helps with pain and swelling |
Ginger oil is often mixed with orange or turmeric oil. These mixes can help with pain for a short time. Ginger oil also helps with sore muscles and stiffness.
Turmeric Essential Oil
Turmeric oil is bright yellow and fights swelling. The main things in turmeric oil block chemicals that cause swelling. Animal studies show turmeric oil can stop joint swelling completely. It also helps with pain after swelling goes down.
- Turmeric oil works best when mixed with ginger or lemon oil.
- You may feel less joint pain and move better after using turmeric oil.
Scientists are still learning about turmeric oil, but early results are good for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil comes from the Boswellia tree. It has boswellic acids that block chemicals causing swelling. Frankincense oil may help protect joints and slow damage.
Mixing frankincense oil with myrrh oil can help even more. This mix may give stronger pain and swelling relief.
Some studies show frankincense oil lowers pain and stiffness in animals and people. Many arthritis blends use this oil because it fights swelling well.
Orange Essential Oil
Orange oil smells sweet and can help your mood. Breathing in orange oil may lower pain for people with arthritis. Mixing orange oil with ginger oil can help with pain for a short time.
| Study Description | Findings |
|---|---|
| Breathing orange oil | People felt less pain than those who did not use it. |
| Ginger and orange oil mix | Helped with pain for a short time, but not long-term. |
Orange oil is a good choice if you want to feel happier while dealing with symptoms.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is popular for helping with pain and stress. It has linalool and linalyl acetate, which calm nerves and lower pain. Studies show lavender oil in massages helps people with rheumatoid arthritis feel less pain and tiredness.
- Lavender oil may help you sleep better.
- It can help with morning stiffness and sore joints.
You can use lavender oil alone or mix it with eucalyptus, rosemary, or peppermint for more relief.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil smells fresh and herbal. It has things like a-pinene, camphor, and 1,8-cineole. These help lower swelling and pain. Research shows rosemary oil can help with stiff and swollen joints.
| Active Component | Description |
|---|---|
| a-Pinene | Fights swelling |
| Camphene | May help with swelling |
| Limonene | Helps with pain and swelling |
| Camphor | Lowers pain and swelling |
Rosemary oil works well when mixed with lavender and eucalyptus. You may feel less knee pain and move better after using rosemary oil.
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh oil has been used for joint pain for a long time. It fights swelling and helps with pain. Studies show myrrh oil lowers swelling and pain, especially when mixed with frankincense oil.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Fights swelling | Lowers swelling in joints |
| Pain relief | Helps with pain |
| Combination | Works better with frankincense |
Try myrrh oil if other oils do not help your pain.
Black Cumin Essential Oil
Black cumin oil, also called black seed oil, has thymoquinone and other helpful things. These can lower swelling and protect joints. Black cumin oil may also help balance your immune system, which is important for rheumatoid arthritis.
| Compound | Effect on Inflammation |
|---|---|
| Thymoquinone | Lowers signals that cause swelling |
| Quercetin | Lowers things that show swelling |
| Kaempferol | Changes how swelling happens |
Some studies say black cumin oil works better with regular arthritis medicine. You may feel less swelling and pain if you use it often.
Always talk to your doctor before trying new essential oils, especially if you take medicine for rheumatoid arthritis.
Using Essential Oils Safely
Topical Application
You can apply essential oils to your skin, but you need to do it safely. Always dilute the oil before putting it on your skin. Use a carrier oil like almond, coconut, or jojoba oil.
This helps prevent irritation. Before using a new oil, do a patch test. Put a small amount on your inner arm and wait 24 hours. If you see redness or feel itching, do not use that oil.
- Dilute essential oils before topical application.
- Use carrier oils for safe application.
- Conduct a patch test to check for skin reactions.
- Talk to your doctor if you take medicine for rheumatoid arthritis.
Aromatherapy and Bath Use
Aromatherapy lets you breathe in the scent of oils. You can use a diffuser or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water. This method may help you relax and feel less pain.
For bath use, add a few drops of diluted oil to your bathwater. Do not use undiluted oils in your bath. Some oils can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. If you have asthma or allergies, check with your doctor before using aromatherapy.
- Never ingest essential oils.
- Monitor for any negative side effects and stop use if needed.
- Make sure oils do not interfere with your medications.
Carrier Oils and Dilution
Dilution keeps your skin safe. The table below shows how much essential oil to use with carrier oil:
| Dilution Percentage | Drops per 1 tsp. Carrier Oil | Drops per 1 oz. Carrier Oil |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | 1 drop | 6 drops |
| 3% | 3 drops | 18 drops |
| 5% | 5 drops | 30 drops |
Start with a low dilution, especially if you have sensitive skin. You can increase the amount if you do not have a reaction. Always store oils out of reach of children and pets.
Risks and Precautions
Side Effects and Allergies
You might get side effects when you use essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis. Some people get skin problems. You could see itchy or red rashes. Your skin may feel dry or look scaly.
Sometimes, blisters can hurt or leak. Hives show up as red bumps that itch a lot. Sunlight can make some oils cause burning or redness. You might get blisters too.
Breathing in oils can make you sneeze or get a runny nose. You may feel stuffy. If oils get in your eyes, they can sting or burn.
- Contact dermatitis: itchy rash, dry skin, blisters
- Hives: red, itchy bumps
- Phototoxic reactions: redness, burning after sun exposure
- Nasal irritation: sneezing, congestion
- Eye irritation: burning, redness
Always test a little oil on your skin first before using more.
Drug Interactions
Essential oils can change how your medicine works. Some oils may make your medicine weaker. They can also cause new side effects. Always talk to your doctor before you use oils. Your doctor can help you stay safe with your treatment.
| Medication Type | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Immunosuppressants | Oils may boost immune action |
| Pain relievers | Oils may change absorption |
| Steroids | Oils may affect metabolism |
When to Avoid Essential Oils
Some oils are not safe for everyone. Certain oils can change your immune system or make swelling worse.
You should not use clove, cinnamon bark and leaf, fennel, thyme, or frankincense if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
These oils can raise white blood cells or change how immune cells work. They may also change how your body handles swelling.
Avoid these oils:
- Clove
- Cinnamon bark and leaf
- Fennel
- Thyme
- Frankincense
If you have allergies, asthma, or take strong medicine, ask your doctor before using any new oil.
You now know which essential oils might help with rheumatoid arthritis. These oils can help with pain, swelling, and stress. Experts say you should use them along with your normal treatment. Always check with your doctor before you start.
- The American College of Rheumatology says safe extra therapies are good.
- Only use essential oils on your skin or in a diffuser, never swallow them.
- Pick oils with care because the FDA does not check them.
Do a patch test before using a new oil. If you want to learn more, talk to your healthcare provider for help.
FAQ
What is the safest way to use essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis?
You should always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin. Do a patch test first. Use a diffuser for aromatherapy. Never swallow essential oils.
What essential oils should you avoid if you have rheumatoid arthritis?
You should avoid clove, cinnamon bark, fennel, thyme, and frankincense oils. These oils can affect your immune system or cause irritation. Always check with your doctor before trying new oils.
What should you do if you have a skin reaction to an essential oil?
Stop using the oil right away. Wash the area with mild soap and water. If you see redness, swelling, or blisters, talk to your doctor. Always test new oils on a small patch of skin first.
What are the most common side effects of essential oils?
You might notice skin irritation, redness, or itching. Some people get headaches or feel dizzy from strong scents. Rarely, you could have an allergic reaction. Always use oils in small amounts and watch for side effects.
What should you ask your doctor before using essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis?
Ask if essential oils could interact with your medications. Check if you have allergies to any oils. Find out which oils are safe for your condition. Your doctor can help you use oils safely.
