Last Updated on October 17, 2024
Sometimes, we can’t help but be skeptical about the effects that essential oils have when it comes to dealing with mental or physical health issues. The good news, however, is that there’s now a growing body of scientific studies and research that help support the use of essential oils for dealing with inflammation and pain.
Essential oils can be administered through either inhalation via aromatherapy, topical application, and even ingestion via capsules. When it comes to dealing with inflammation, which among them are the best? If you’re curious about what essential oils are good for inflammation, then please keep reading.
Table of Contents
The Top Essential Oils for Treating Inflammation
You have a lot of options when it comes to essential oils that can help relieve inflammation on your body. Each of them works a bit differently, though they have been proven to have a significant impact. They’re as follows:
Bergamot
According to studies, bergamot has anti-inflammatory properties and has the ability to give you a sense of peacefulness. It also works as an effective treatment for respiratory issues as well as an effective gargle for a sore throat when added in a water and salt solution.
Juniper Berry
The juniper berry essential oil is yet another effective oil that’s found to be really effective in dealing with inflammation. Even though it’s not as widely researched as the other essential oils out there, it’s been discovered to affect various signaling pathways that have a close relation to inflammation, metabolism, and even wound healing.
This was after a 2017 study that was published in Cogent Medicine emphasizing the potential of the essential oil in dealing with inflammatory conditions.
Eucalyptus
Research has revealed that the eucalyptus plant contains several compounds that were found to be really effective in reducing swelling, inflammation, and pain on the body. A 2013 study that involved subjects who went through a total knee replacement surgery revealed that the subjects were able to notice a reduction in pain after taking inhaled preparations of the eucalyptus essential oil for 3 days in a row.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the market for all the right reasons. It’s been widely used by many individuals for dealing with anxiety, depression, and pain. Apart from that, it’s also proven itself to be capable of dealing with inflammation.
Based on a 2016 study which tested the effects of lavender essential oil on patients with rheumatoid arthritis concluded that applying the oil in aromatherapy massage helped reduce the pain and fatigue symptoms that the subjects experienced.
However, further research is still needed to back the claim.
Rosemary
You might associate rosemary with cooking, but its essential oil has been doing quite well in terms of reducing pain and inflammation. A native to the Mediterranean, the rosemary essential oil contains antioxidants that help eliminate toxins from the body.
Apart from that, it’s been found that it has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Due to this, it’s widely used in aromatherapy as a means of reducing inflammation. Additionally, a 2015 study conducted revealed that rosemary essential oil contains analgesic properties which proved useful in pain medications.
Chamomile
Chamomile essential oil – which is extracted from the chamomile plant – has been used for centuries to deal with fever symptoms and even for cosmetic purposes.
You can basically find two types of chamomile oils in the market: German and Roman, both of which are similarly effective. They have been proven to be quite effective in relieving pain as well as inflammation.
Roman chamomile, in particular, comes with a calming and skin-soothing property that not only helps get rid of inflammation but can also reduce irritation.
Rosehip
According to the Arthritis Research UK, rosehip essential oil contains anthocyanins and polyphenols which are all helpful in reducing joint pain and inflammation. These make the oil quite effective in pain management and inflammation reduction.
Apart from that, Healthline also pointed out that rosehip oil’s anti-inflammatory benefits are ideal for individuals who are not allowed to take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other pain medications.
Ginger
Ginger has been used by people for years in dealing with arthritis and joint pains due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. As a matter of fact, there have been several studies – like this 2016 study – showing that certain ginger extracts are effective in preventing joint inflammation. Apart from that, it can also be used for relieving and alleviating pain.
Thyme
The thyme plant comes with carvacrol which is a natural anti-inflammatory phenol. Apart from that, it also features antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.
How you use thyme essential oil will depend on the type of inflammation you have. For example, if you’re dealing with a respiratory issue, it’s best to blend it with a carrier oil or perhaps eucalyptus oil.
Meanwhile, if you have a mouth infection, mixing a few drops of thyme essential oil with one glass of water and swishing it around your mouth will help ease the inflammation you experience.
Clary Sage
The clary sage oil comes from the buds and leaves of the clary sage herb which is native to Europe. It features antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which are quite useful and effective in relieving pains, aches, muscle spasms, and inflammations.
Additionally, it’s also effective in soothing the skin. However, due to it being quite potent, it’s recommended to use clary sage essential oil in tiny amounts.
Safety Precautions When Using Essential Oils
Generally, essential oils are safe to use. However, there are some safety precautions you have to keep in mind when using them. They’re as follows:
- Always use essential oils in small dosages as they are quite potent when applied pure.
- Make sure to dilute your preferred oil with the use of carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, or avocado oil. The rule of thumb is to use two percent dilution which equates to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil.
- Don’t expose yourself to sunlight after using essential oils. Certain oils can cause your skin to burn when you apply them on your skin then head out under the sun.
- Refrain from touching your eyes after using essential oils as it can lead to irritation.
Conclusion
While the essential oils we’ve mentioned work well in dealing with inflammation, they’re not necessarily a cure. We still recommend consulting your doctor if you’re experiencing unusual or persistent inflammation even after applying your chosen essential oil.
If you have questions about this matter, please leave a comment below so we can respond right away.
Lacey is an environmental enthusiast and passionate advocate for living green and sustainable. She believes that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small. Lacey is dedicated to reducing her own carbon footprint and educating others on the importance of living greener. She is an advocate for green energy and sustainable practices. She is an active member of her local community, volunteering with local conservation efforts, and taking part in sustainability initiatives. Lacey is a firm believer that the only way to ensure a sustainable future is to work together and make small, but important changes.