The 12 Best Essential Oils for Arthritis 2020 (Plus Recipes)

Arthritis or joint inflammation is a collective term that refers to more than 200 conditions affecting the joints and connective tissues.

According to The Arthritis Foundation, this health problem affects nearly one in four adults (1). The most vulnerable are those who are 65 years old and above. It is also more common in women compared to men.

If you are suffering from arthritis, you will have swollen, tender, and painful joints. More than being uncomfortable, it can also make you unproductive.

For the best solution, try the best essential oils for arthritis, including those that I will be briefly recommending in this guide.

Different Types of Arthritis

Arthritis does not refer to a single health condition. The following are some of the most common types:

• Inflammatory Arthritis: It includes a group of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and reactive arthritis. It is caused by an overactive immune system.
• Degenerative Arthritis: This is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage of the joints, which commonly affects feet, spine, and hands.
• Metabolic Arthritis: It happens when the uric acid in the body gets high and deposits in your joints.
• Infectious Arthritis: Also known as septic arthritis, it is caused by a bacteria or virus that enters the joints. Symptoms are similar to inflammatory arthritis but more severe.

What Happens When You Have Arthritis?

Your joints will be the most affected when you have arthritis. You will experience joint pain, stiffness, and tenderness. There will be inflammation. Your movements will be restricted. Your muscles will also be weak. The symptoms can come and go, while some may persist gradually depending on the type of arthritis that you have.

The Most Common Ways to Threat Arthritis

People suffering from arthritis often take over-the-counter and prescription medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, can help manage inflammation and pain. Analgesics are also effective for pain management. For inflammation, immunosuppressants will help.

In extreme cases, surgery is needed for the treatment of arthritis. It will replace your original joint with an artificial joint, which is common in the knees and hips. Joint fusion can also be done in your wrists or fingers.

To manage the symptoms and minimize the pain associated with arthritis, you might also need to undergo physical therapy. This will also help strengthen the affected joints and muscles.

Certain lifestyle changes can also help to successfully deal with arthritis. A healthy diet and regular exercise will help since weight loss will reduce your risks.

Essential Oils to the Rescue

If you are looking for a natural treatment, why not try the best essential oils for arthritis?

Essential oils can help alleviate the physical symptoms of arthritis, especially inflammation. With their anti-inflammatory benefits, certain oils can help reduce swelling of the joints.

Using essential oils will change your perception of pain and will instantly give you a mood boost. The best essential oils for relaxation, for instance, will positively affect the amygdala, or the emotional center of your brain.

From using essential oil diffusers to bath bombs, there are many ways to incorporate essential oils into your daily lifestyle and enjoy its benefits for making arthritis more bearable.

Take note that while aromatherapy won’t directly cure your arthritis, at least, it will effectively alleviate the symptoms.

Top Essential Oils for Arthritis

Clueless about the best essential oils for arthritis? If you don’t know what to buy, here are some products I can recommend.

Artizen Eucalyptus Essential Oil

With its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, this eucalyptus essential oil is one of the best for arthritis. This is also believed to be effective in the improvement of blood circulation.

In a 2013 study, the researchers have proven the effectiveness of eucalyptus in pain management and inflammatory responses following a total knee replacement (2). The findings can also be applied in the pain of the joints as a result of arthritis.

Ola Prima Ginger Essential Oil

With the analgesic benefits of ginger, it has proven to be an effective natural relief for people who have rheumatoid arthritis. In one study in 2001, the participants used ginger oil for their knee pain and it showed favorable results on osteoarthritis patients (3).

One of the best ways to use this ginger essential oil is with a hot compress. Leave it for several minutes in the affected area.

L&I Apothecary Organic Turmeric Essential Oil

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is one of the secrets of this essential oil for making it effective against arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a good choice if you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

It is believed that turmeric can deliver effects and benefits that are similar to ibuprofen. Like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it can effectively manage knee pain.

Cliganic USDA Frankincense Essential Oil

Derived from the dried sap of trees belonging to the Boswellia genus, frankincense has been used for centuries because of its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and regenerative properties.

Frankincense will help in inhibiting the production of key inflammatory molecules that are linked to conditions like arthritis. This will also be effective in lessening the chances that your cartilage tissues will break down, which is a common problem among people with arthritis.

Like in the case of most of the essential oils I am recommending in this guide, the best way to use frankincense is to apply it topically.

Sun Essential Oils Orange Essential Oil

Orange is known for its sweet, refreshing, and citrusy scent. When used in aromatherapy diffusers and humidifiers, it can instantly improve the air quality in a room. The unique scent will uplift your mood, even if you are suffering from pain because of arthritis.

It is also potent with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it promising when it comes to the treatment of arthritis.

Gya Labs Myrrh Essential Oil

Being a natural analgesic, myrrh is another great choice for the best essential oils for arthritis. It can alleviate joint pain and stiffness, especially for those who have rheumatoid arthritis.

To make myrrh more effective, consider mixing it with frankincense essential oil. When used together, they will help suppress inflammation.

If you would like to make your room calmer, this essential oil can also help. This will provide a more soothing environment, which can minimize the pain you are experiencing because of arthritis.

Maple Life Holistics Maple Essential Oil

This high-grade essential oil has been steam distilled to extract all the beneficial properties while ensuring purity and effectiveness. Like the other options on our list, it does not contain parabens and other toxic chemicals.

It will help numb nerves, which is an immediate way to enjoy relief from pain caused by arthritis. Inhaling rosemary essential oil, meanwhile, has a stimulatory effect on the beta brainwaves. This will change your perception of pain.

Lastly, the manufacturer is offering a risk-free purchase. If you are unhappy in any way, you can return this to the manufacturer, and you will receive an unconditional refund.

Nature’s Star Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint contains up to 44% free menthol. This creates a hot or cold sensation, which can override the pain that you are experiencing because of arthritis. It will inhibit pain receptors immediately after its topical application.

This peppermint comes in a huge 16-ounce bottle, which is larger than most of the products on our list.

The company also offers a satisfaction guarantee. Without asking any questions, you will receive a refund if you are unhappy in any way with its use.

Eden’s Garden Wintergreen Essential Oil

Wintergreen may not be as popular as other essential oils, but it can be equally effective when it comes to the treatment of arthritic pain. It comes with an aspirin-like chemical, which will help in the reduction of pain and inflammation.

However, take note that this is a powerful essential oil. It is recommended that you do not ingest this oil. When used in excessive quantities, this can result in aspirin poisoning. There can also be adverse reactions among people who are taking blood thinners.

Majestic Pure Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils, especially for relaxation. If you have arthritis, this can also be effective for pain management.

In 2016, researchers have studied the effectiveness of various essential oils, including lavender, for patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that lavender has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, and circulation-stimulating properties, which will all be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. In this study, participants used lavender essential oil for massaging their joints, and they reported lesser pain (4). Despite this, more conclusive studies are warranted.

Plant Therapy Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Juniper berry essential oil is known for its warming and stimulating properties. When applied, it will deliver anti-inflammatory benefits, which will make it great for arthritis. If there is an uncomfortable pressure resulting from fluid retention, which commonly happens when you have arthritis, applying this essential oil can help.

This will help calm swollen joints and connective tissues, especially when used with German chamomile and lemon.

Healing Solutions Basil Essential Oil

Basil has a wide array of therapeutic compounds, making this essential oil effective for arthritis.

Among others, one of the compounds in this basil essential oil is 1.8-cineole. It also contains linalool, which will help ease inflammation.

Even in ancient medicine, basil is already a popular herb because it treats joint pain. The same effect can be enjoyed when its essential oil is used, especially for a massage.

Essential Oil Recipes to Try

To make the most out of essential oils, blend them to compound the effect. Here are some recipes to try

Pain Reduction Ointment

A quick topical application of this ointment can help relieve pain associated with arthritis. This will help lessen the inflammation.

• 14 drops of sweet marjoram essential oil
• 14 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 7 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 7 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 7 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
• 2 ounces of almond oil

Mix all the oils in a bowl. Transfer in a bottle and apply directly to the joints or any area that suffers from arthritis.

Massage Oil Blend

Consider massaging joints with inflammation using a unique essential oil blend. Be gentle when massaging to prevent it from causing excruciating pain.

• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of wintergreen essential oil
• 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops of cypress essential oil

Mix the oils and dilute using a carrier oil. Transfer in a dark bottle. When it is time for a massage, apply a few drops on your palm and rub on the affected area.

Joint Pain Soaking Bath

A relaxing bath can soothe inflammation, increase circulation, and help in relaxation. It delivers both physical and mental benefits.

• 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops of cypress essential oil
• 4 drops of lavender essential oil
• 6 drops of wintergreen essential oil
• 2 cups of Epsom salt

Mix the oils in a large container. When it is time for a bath, add a cup in the tub. Soak in the bathtub for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Essential Oil Joint Gel

Rubbing your joints with this essential oil recipe can provide immediate pain relief while also easing inflammation.

• 6 drops of juniper essential oil
• 4 drops of chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops of Palmarosa essential oil
• 4 drops of lemon essential oil
• 28 grams of aloe vera gel

In a glass bottle, pour aloe vera gel and add all the essential oils. Use a small amount of the gel when massaging your joints for relief from arthritis.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a curse for many people! It is a painful condition that you have to live with. More than being uncomfortable, you will also end up being unproductive.

Do not let arthritis ruin your life!

Try the best essential oils for arthritis, including the recommendations above. While there are no conclusive studies, give it a shot and you might be surprised with the results!

Sources: 

1. https://arthritis.org/getmedia/e1256607-fa87-4593-aa8a-8db4f291072a/2019-ABTN-final-March-2019.pdf, accessed 26 May 2020
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703330/, accessed 26 May 2020
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11710709, accessed 26 May 2020

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Leyla_Ozdemir/publication/301344191_The_Effects_of_Aromatherapy_Massage_and_Reflexology_on_Pain_and_Fatigue_in_Patients_with_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_A_Randomized_Controlled_Trial/links/59df0847458515376b386139/The-Effects-of-Aromatherapy-Massage-and-Reflexology-on-Pain-and-Fatigue-in-Patients-with-Rheumatoid-Arthritis-A-Randomized-Controlled-Trial.pdf, accessed 26 May 2020