Contents:
- Medical Video: Physical Therapy Treatments : How to Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
- Choice of essential oils to relieve rheumatic symptoms
- 1. Eucalyptus oil
- 2. Frankincense oil (incense oil)
- 3. Lavender oil
- 4. Evening primrose oil
- 5. Ginger oil
- 6. Turmeric oil
- 7. Basil (basil)
- 8. Orange oil
Medical Video: Physical Therapy Treatments : How to Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis known as rheumatism is chronic inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Many people use essential oils to relieve the symptoms of rheumatism. However, can essential oils treat rheumatism? See the explanation here.
Choice of essential oils to relieve rheumatic symptoms
Many people use essential oils to treat certain symptoms or diseases, including rheumatism. However, essential oils cannot cure rheumatism. Instead, evidence shows that this essential oil can relieve the main symptoms of rheumatism and osteoarthritis, especially inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
There are several types of essential oils that can be used to relieve rheumatic symptoms. Here's the choice.
1. Eucalyptus oil
Some compounds in eucalyptus oil have been shown to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
A study shows that inhaling eucalyptus oil within 30 minutes for 3 consecutive days can reduce pain in people who undergo knee surgery. Patients also showed lower blood pressure numbers.
Most studies recommend using eucalyptus oil directly or adding a few drops to warm water.
2. Frankincense oil (incense oil)
Essential oils of Frankincense or frankincense oil can help treat various diseases, including chronic pain and inflammation. Frankincense oil comes from plant sap Boswellia serrata.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the acid in this essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves pain. Boswellic acid can help reduce the autoimmune response and prevent cartilage damage.
People with rheumatism may use Frankincense capsules that contain at least 60 percent boswellic acid and consume it around 300-400 milligrams (mg) daily. However, always consult a doctor if you want to relieve rheumatic symptoms with any herbal medicine.
3. Lavender oil
Lavender oil is often used to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. You can get this benefit by inhaling directly, applying it, or adding this oil to warm water.
A study looked at the effect of a five percent mixture of lavender oil diluted in sweet almond oil in people with knee osteoarthritis. Patients who massage the oil mixture 5 milliliters (ml) in the swollen joint experience a reduction in pain after the first week of use. This essential oil is used 8 times for 3 weeks. However, further research is still needed to prove its usefulness.
4. Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is an oil derived from the seeds of an evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis) One of the most important ingredients in this essential oil is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid.
When GLA is consumed, the body converts it into a strong anti-inflammatory. That's why this oil can help relieve rheumatic symptoms such as painful and stiff joints.
Evening primrose oil also contains beta-amyrin, which is also an anti-inflammatory compound.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends people with rheumatism to use between 540 mg and 2.8 grams of evening primrose oil every day for a minimum of 6 months. Again, with a note you have pocketed the doctor's permission to use this oil as rheumatoid treatment.
5. Ginger oil
Ginger has long been recommended for people with inflammation and chronic pain. Ginger can be added to food or consumed in supplements.
The chemicals in ginger turn into a strong group of anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols after digestion.
Ginger essential oil can contain other compounds that relieve RA symptoms. A study in 2016 found that female rats given essential oils had reduced the rate of chronic joint inflammation.
6. Turmeric oil
Turmeric contains an active ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties, namely curcumin. This content has been proven to help increase human blood circulation.
A study reported that turmeric extract can reduce rheumatic symptoms such as arthritis, although further research is still needed.
Another study conducted by a government agency in the United States reported that turmeric essential oil can reduce joint inflammation in mice.
7. Basil (basil)
Basil or basil contains various compounds that have the potential to help relieve symptoms of various diseases.
The essential oil of basil contains 1,8-cineole, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. It also contains linalool, a compound that has been shown to reduce swelling in mice.
A study found that rats with swollen arthritis developed and recovered after being given 150-300 mg of basil essential oil extract every day. The mice also experienced less swelling (edema) and a lower risk of damage to the cartilage. Swelling occurs due to fluid buildup and is associated with inflammation.
8. Orange oil
Citrus fruits produce essential oils that are strong with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties. Citrus fruits have natural antioxidants which are one of the important dietary components for rheumatic patients.
Orange oil can reduce rheumatic symptoms because it can reduce the level of inflammation by interfering with the inflammatory response in the immune system due to its antioxidant properties.
You can apply and massage dilute orange oil to your skin to reduce rheumatic pain. Also, you can add orange oil to the water in the bathtub to provide a calm effect and reduce pain in the body. In addition, you can also try adding 1 teaspoon of avocado oil or almond oil then spread it on the back of your hand or in the affected area.
Keep in mind, orange oil can increase the risk of sunburned skin), so avoid applying it to exposed skin before exposure to sunlight.
