What Essential Oils are Best for Joint Pain?

Using essential oils for joint pain has become quite popular. Before getting into what essential oils are best for treating joint pain, we first must define what essential oils are.

Essential oils are strong, hydrophobic liquids that contain volatile fragrance compounds derived from plants. Over time, various essential oils have been used medicinally.

Some of the most effective ones that have been used and are most effective for relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation are: rosemary, marjoram, and lavender.

Those that are best for relieving joint pain are as follows: clove, ginger, rosemary, marjoram, peppermint, and lavender.

Clove Oil for Treating Joint Pain

Clove oil is an anti-inflammatory oil and is very strongly antimicrobial, antibacterial, and hemostatic.

It is very popular because of its analgesic and warming properties. Clove oil is used commonly for treating joint and muscle pain.

Clove oil can be used to treat a variety of other health problems, and is full of vitamins and minerals such as hydrochloric acid, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and sodium.

Clove oil is quite strong- even in small quantities, and therefore, should be diluted before ingesting or applying.

Some individuals discover that they have violent allergic reactions to a main part of clove oil- eugenol- when they use/take too much at once.

If you have never used clove oil before, use a very small amount to test.

There are some risks using clove oil, including intestinal discomfort (most common with children).

In serious cases, kidney and liver failure has been caused by clove oil. Additionally, diabetics should be very cautious because clove oil can cause blood sugar to drop.

Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use clove oil, in order to avoid passing it on to the baby.

Clove oil blends well with lots of essential oils, including rosemary, cinnamon, basil, rose, lemon, peppermint, grapefruit, nutmeg, lavender, orange, and geranium. Therefore, clove oil is a very popular element in herbal and aromatherapy combinations.

Ginger Oil for Treating Joint Pain

Ginger oil is another essential oil used for joint pain that has a variety of other uses.

Ginger oil has digestive, stimulating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, and even expectorant properties.

Traditionally, this oil is used for inflammation reduction. Its nature is that of a pain reliever and is quite effective in reducing pain caused by arthritis, migraines, headaches, rheumatism, and muscle aches. Ginger oil is usually massaged into the muscles or joint to relieve pain.

Ginger oil comes from the root of the ginger plant- which is also where ginger spice comes from.

The origins of ginger come from India and China and now, the whole world uses it as a spice- due to the fact that it aids in digestion. Both ginger root and ginger oil are used as preservatives and flavoring agents.

Keep in mind that ginger oil is quite strong and therefore, you should be extremely careful and use it very sparingly.

Also, ginger oil blends quite well with lemon, cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, lime, frankincense, patchouli, sandalwood, rosemary, bergamot, neroli, myrtle, ylang-ylang, and orange.

Rosemary Oil for Treating Joint Pain

Rosemary oil is very effective in helping to cure joint pain. The oil is applied directly to the skin to relieve both joint and muscle pain.

Massaging this oil works to improve circulation of blood and is full of anti-inflammatory properties, which work to relive joint pain and muscle aches.

Since ancient times, rosemary has been used for many different purposes. A very special importance was given to the rosemary plant by the Romans and is used quite often in religious ceremonies.

Additionally, the Egyptians used rosemary as an incense. Even today, there are many medicinal preparations that contain rosemary essential oil due to its many, well-researched health benefits.

Marjoram Oil for Treating Joint Pain

Marjoram is actually the best possible essential oil remedy for individuals who are suffering from joint pain and muscle strains and pains, and more.

It is probably the essential oil that is most commonly used for stiff joints, joint pain, and even muscular and rheumatic pains, bruises, and strains.

The health benefits of this wonderful essential oil can be attributed to its many and varied properties.

Marjoram oil has several other benefits as well, including treating- and curing- headaches, colds, sinusitis, stress, bronchitis, asthma, fatigue, and insomnia.

Though the use of marjoram oil has no inherent risks, as with any other alternative medications and aromatherapy, you should avoid it if you’re pregnant.

Marjoram oil blends very nicely with bergamot, chamomile, cedarwood, cypress, tea tree, and eucalyptus.

Peppermint Oil for Treating Joint Pain

One of the very basic necessities for your first aid kit is peppermint oil.

When diluted, it makes a wonderful remedy for headaches and its analgesic properties make it wonderful for treating aches and pains of muscles and joints.

To relieve muscle and joint pain, massage the oil directly onto your skin.

Peppermint is native to England and is actually a cross between spearmint and watermint.

For many years, it has been known for its medicinal uses, and has the title of being the oldest medicine in the world.

Unlike most of the other essential oils, peppermint oil has been studied and its health benefits proven by the scientific community.

Peppermint oil is sold in many forms and has even be prescribed by doctors. It can be used as a flavoring agent, and many people find it suitable for their palate.

There are lots of nutrients and minerals in peppermint oil, including iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, folate, copper, and potassium. It even contains vitamin A and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

Using too much peppermint oil can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and even heartburn.

So, pretty much the same rules apply as with anything else- start out using a small amount to test for these. If nothing happens, feel free to increase it as necessary.

Peppermint essential oil blends quite well with: rosemary, marjoram, eucalyptus, and lemon.

Many herbalists and aromatherapists commonly use peppermint oil in their combinations.

Lavender Oil for Treating Joint Pain

Use lavender essential oil as a massage oil for the treatment of muscle and joint pain, arthritis, rheumatism, and more.

Lavender oil blends well with pine, geranium, nutmeg, cedarwood, and clary sage.

Lavender oil is used in various forms, including gels, oils, lotions, soaps, and infusions.