Joint pain plagues millions of people globally. Most of them develop severe joint pain with age. It can be caused by various health conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Paget’s disease of bones, tendinitis, bursitis, sprain or strain. Injuries affecting bursae, ligaments or tendons around a joint might also result in severe joint pain.
Joint pain can occur in any joints within the body like hands, shoulders, hips, and knees. This pain can range from mild to severe, accompanied by stiffness, redness, or inflammation in joints. Degenerative and autoimmune condition such as arthritis requires proper diagnosis and a treatment plan to reduce the severe pain associated with it.
Leading a healthy lifestyle, providing required support to joints, and engaging in physical exercises are important in relieving joint pain. Know some essential organic oils which can be applied topically to reduce joint pain and other associated symptoms. You can also use organic oils for hair growth and face cleansing.
Here are five essential oils that can help in reducing joint pain:
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has several anti-inflammatory, aromatic, and anesthetic properties that help in relieving symptoms associated with joint pain. It can be used in combination with other carrier oils to provide a soothing effect in joint pain due to arthritis.
Ingredients:
- Five to ten drops of peppermint essential oil
- Two tablespoons of coconut oil
How to use it:
- Mix five to ten drops of peppermint essential oil in two tablespoons of warm coconut oil.
- Apply the oil by massaging gently over the paining joints for around five minutes.
- Repeat the process as and when required.
2. Rosemary Oil
It is extracted from the shrub known as Rosmarinus officinalis. Rosemary oil has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The main chemical constituent of this oil is rosmarinic acid, which is chiefly responsible for its pain-relieving properties. Other constituents also play a supporting role in reducing joint pain.
Ingredients:
- Five to ten drops of rosemary essential oil
- Two tablespoons of coconut oil
How to use it:
- Mix five to ten drops of rosemary oil in two tablespoons of heated coconut oil.
- Apply this oil by gently massaging the affected area for around five minutes.
- Repeat this process as and when required.
3. Ginger Oil
Used globally as a common kitchen ingredient, ginger can also help in relieving joint pain. It has several anti-inflammatory properties owing to its active constituent zingiberene. Ginger essential oil is extracted from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale. The oil also contains several phytochemicals such as geranial, geraniol, borneol, camphene, etc. It is excellent in reducing pains associated with arthritis.
Ingredients:
- Five to ten drops of ginger essential oil
- Two tablespoons of heated coconut oil
How to use it:
- Mix five to ten drops of ginger essential oil into two tablespoons of heated coconut oil.
- Apply this oil by massaging the affected joints for around 5 minutes.
- Repeat the process as and when required.
4. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is extracted from the flower of Lavandula angustifolia. It has several analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Rheumatoid arthritis patients have reported a significant improvement in their symptoms by applying lavender oil topically. It improves blood circulation in the affected joint and reduces inflammation.
Ingredients:
- Three to five drops of lavender essential oil
- Two tablespoons of heated coconut oil
How to use it:
- Mix three to four drops of lavender oil in heated coconut oil.
- Apply this oil over the affected joints in circular motions for around five minutes.
- Repeat the process as and when required.
5. Cayenne Pepper Oil
Cayenne pepper essential oil is extracted from red chilli. It has several analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It must be applied for several days to notice results. Capsaicin is the main active constituent of the cayenne pepper oil, which reduces the activity of the molecule responsible for carrying pain sensations to the brain.
Ingredients:
- Three to five drops of cayenne pepper essential oil
- Two tablespoons of coconut oil
How to use it:
- Mix three to five drops of cayenne pepper essential oil in heated coconut oil.
- Apply this oil in circular motions on the affected joints for around 5 minutes.
- Repeat this process for several days to notice results.
