Treat Arthritis With Aromatherapy

Inflammation, pain and swelling of the joints are some of the symptoms of a disease called arthritis. It affects normal joint movement, which restricts motion. The sufferer may also feel feverish or fatigued. Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. It limits physical activity and in extreme cases it can cause deformity.

There is no known cure for arthritis but a treatment called aromatherapy may help patients feel better. Aroma means scent and therapy means treatment. It is an alternative approach to mental and physical health problems. Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils to help heal imbalances in your body. Essential oils are fine liquids that are extracted from plants, trees, flowers and bushes. Each pure oil is made up of numerous separate compounds. These compounds need to be in the final oil for it to be of the maximum aroma-therapeutic value. Hydorsols and phytols are blended in with the essential oils for treating arthritis. Hydorsol is the condensed water that is left over after an essential oil is produced from water distillation. The flavor and aroma are saturated in the water from the distilled material. Phytols are a remedy prepared by soaking plant material in vegetable oil or water.

When you visit an aromatherapist for the first time, they will take an assessment of your lifestyle. Some questions might include your diet, stress level and medical history. They will than select the oils and make a personalized blend that is right for you. A massage will follow resulting in relaxation. Treatments will alter depending on your symptoms at the time.

There are several things you can do, if you would rather treat yourself at home. One way that has been successful in easing the pain of arthritis is the application of hot compresses. Put hot water into a bowl. Make sure it is not too hot. Add three to six drops of an essential oil to the water. Make sure you use an oil with pain relieving properties such as chamomile, lavender or cinnamon. Put a sterile cotton cloth into the water. Wring out some excess water and place the cloth onto the bothersome area. Let the cloth cool down to your body temperature. Repeat these steps several times. Use a warm towel or other material to wrap the region that you treated.

You can also rub the essential oils onto painful areas during the day. The oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Always make sure the oils are diluted when applied to the skin. They need to be mixed with a carrier lotion or vegetable oil. Aromatic baths are another way to ease your pain. Add the essential oils to hot water for a relaxing combination. Pour the oils under running water and always make sure it is mixed well. Use 5-7 drops of essential oils to 1 ounce carrier oil. Lemon, Eucalyptus and Camphor are some other oils appropriate for treating arthritis symptoms. Aromatherapy has no negative side effects and can help you to feel more comfortable.