Essential Oils For Inflammation

 

If you’re reading this, you’re probably no stranger to the worldwide web. Therefore, you’re probably no stranger to the essential oil craze. So, what’s exactly going on with them, and will they work for your inflammation issues such as joint pain? According to science, the answer is ‘yes’ to many essential oils. What are essential oils, and how can they help with your inflammation problems? Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Essential Oils?

The essence of a plant, its scent, whatever you’d like to call it, can be made into an essential oil. Technically speaking, essential oils are made from chemical compounds found within a plant, and the unique scent of the plant gives the oil a characteristic essence. They are often used as a form of alternative medicine that uses these essences to promote overall health and well-being.

Obtained through distillation, they are usually combined with a carrier oil (i.e., coconut, jojoba, or avocado) to create a ‘ready to use’ product. Essential oils created through a chemical process are not real essential oils, so be wary when purchasing.

What You Should Know About Inflammation

Inflammation is considered to be our body’s natural immune response to bacteria, infections, and even any kind of allergy reaction. Some inflammation is very mild, and some can be very extreme and uncomfortable - preventing you from doing regular daily tasks. Your body attempts to kill off invaders by sending red blood cells to the area in order to start the healing process. Surprisingly enough, inflammation can even be caused by stress and hormones, and it becomes difficult for your body to know what’s normal and what’s not. Regardless, inflammation is produced as the outcome, and more than likely, you’ll want it gone.

How Essential Oils Can Help Inflammation

Inflammation is no joke. When it’s mild, you can expect swelling and redness, a sign that you’re dealing with an infection usually. Other times, severe inflammation can be a sign of serious medical conditions such as obesity, cancer, heart disease, and even anxiety or depression. Essential oils are a very commonly used strategy to combat any level of inflammation you’re dealing with. The most commonly used essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties include:

• Rose
• Clove
• Thyme
• Fennel
• Eucalyptus
• Bergamot
• Ginger
• Roman Chamomile
• Patchouli
• Helichrysum

Note:  This article has not been medically reviewed. We are not medical professionals, and all of the opinions in this article are based on scientific research and studies. Inflammation can be caused by serious medical conditions, and if your inflammation is severe, it should be checked out by a licensed medical professional. Always listen to your body and look for signs and symptoms of serious inflammation and protect your body by going to the doctor when needed.

Let’s take a further look at some of them and how they can help treat inflammation.

Best Essential Oils For Inflammation

1. Rose Essential Oil

Rose oil has been used for hundreds of years to soothe inflammation and promote healing. It can help reduce redness and swelling, making it beneficial for skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

Pros:

• Natural anti-inflammatory
• Calming aroma
• Hydrating for the skin

Cons:

• In some people, it could cause skin irritation.
• Expensive compared to other essential oils

2. Clove Essential Oil

Clove essential oil contains eugenol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Arthritis and other inflammatory disorders can benefit from its ability to reduce pain and inflammation.

Pros:

• Powerful anti-inflammatory
• Effective pain reliever
• Antimicrobial properties

Cons:

• It should be used in moderation, as high concentrations can cause skin irritation.
• The strong aroma may not be preferred by everyone

3. Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil contains thymol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can help fight off diseases and reduce swelling.

Pros:

• Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
• Boosts immune system
• It can be used in cooking

Cons:

• Some people's skin may become irritated by it.
• It should be used in moderation

4. Fennel Essential Oil

The anti-inflammatory properties of fennel essential oil can help lower swelling in the body. It is often used to relieve digestive issues and menstrual pain.

Pros:

• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
• Relieves digestive issues
• Can help with menstrual pain

Cons:

• Should be avoided during pregnancy
• May cause skin irritation in some individuals

5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil contains a compound called eucalyptol, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can ease aching muscles and bring down lung swelling.

Pros:

• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
• Relieves respiratory issues
• Refreshing aroma

Cons:

• Should be used in moderation as high concentrations can be toxic
• Not recommended for children under 10 years old

6. Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It is often used to relieve stress and anxiety.

Pros:

• Anti-inflammatory and calming
• Relieves stress and anxiety
• Can be used in skincare

Cons:

• May cause photosensitivity, so avoid direct sunlight after application
• Should be used in moderation

7. Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger essential oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It is often used to alleviate muscle and joint pain.

Pros:

• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
• Relieves muscle and joint pain
• Improves digestion

Cons:

• Should be used in moderation as high concentrations can cause skin irritation
• May interact with certain medications

8. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Roman Chamomile essential oil has anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It can help lower swelling and make you feel more relaxed.

Pros:

• Anti-inflammatory and calming
• Relieves stress and anxiety
• Soothes skin irritations

Cons:

• May cause allergic reactions in some individuals
• Should be used in moderation

9. Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. It is often used in skincare products for its soothing effects.

Pros:

• Anti-inflammatory and soothing
• Improves skin conditions
• Relieves stress and anxiety

Cons:

• Strong aroma may not be preferred by everyone
• Should be used in moderation

10. Helichrysum Essential Oil

Because of its potent anti-inflammatory effects, helichrysum essential oil can help reduce swelling and speed recovery. It is often used to alleviate pain and support skin health.

Pros:

• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
• Relieves pain and inflammation
• Supports skin health

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other essential oils
• Should be used in moderation

Final Thoughts

The essential oils listed above have been in the market now for thousands of years - seriously, our ancestors used them at the time as a form of medicine before modern medicine came to fruition. There has to be some truth behind it, right? According to scientific studies and research, there is plenty of proof behind essential oils, and these studies have come a long way in the past decade.

Inflammation is a very tricky demon to overcome and comes and goes as it pleases, making it hard to control or understand. This is why you should talk to your doctor about persistent inflammation. However, if your inflammation is mild in the form of acne, respiratory issues, sinus infections, digestive tract issues, or body aches and joint pains, essential oils can really work wonders.

Essential oils are mild when used appropriately, and you can use them multiple times a day for your inflammation problems. They can be applied topically, used as aromatherapy in a steam bath or by using a diffuser, and can even be eaten in some cases with their powerful anti-inflammatory features.

No matter how you decide to utilize essential oils, follow the directions provided on the bottle and make sure you talk to your doctor if you are worried about certain interactions! Become a little less inflamed by using the essential oils listed above.