HOW TO TREAT YOUR ARTHRITIS PAIN NATURALLY THIS WINTER

If you are one of the many people who experience increased joint pain and immobility during the winter months, you will not be waiting for scientific proof to tell you that rain and cold weather can affect your arthritis.

Theories around pressure changes and studies that show increases in reported symptoms with weather fluctuations aren't exactly helpful. Not when you have a debilitating pain in one or several joints in your body.

You simply try to push through and function as best you can.

A better focus is to recognise that there is the genuine need for extra support and to find the best possible help for your pain as soon as you can.

How do pure Therapeutic Plant Oils treatment benefit arthritis sufferers?

The word ‘arthritis’ can be misleading as it does not refer to a single diagnosable condition.

Instead, the word 'arthritis' is used to point to the general issue of joint pain or disease in the joints.

The most common forms of arthritis today are osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis but there are, in fact, over 140 conditions that fall under the general umbrella of arthritis.

It's not so common, but children can get arthritis too.

The big benefit of using pure therapeutic plant oils for treating joints is that we can create a blend containing a number of natural compounds to support the body against a range of possible issues.

And, no matter what, you can be sure that all the ingredients are pure, organic and beneficial to your health.

In addition, we work with pure essential oils and carrier oils externally which means that they will not affect any other medication or supplement regimes.

It is important to seek advice from your doctor/healthcare professional, or by making contact with a specialist organisation such as Arthritis New Zealand, if you have had any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:

  • pain and stiffness in one or more joints
  • early morning stiffness in one or more joints
  • recurring pain, tenderness, or swelling in one or more joints
  • overall aching, joint stiffness and fatigue
  • muscle weakness associated with joint stiffness
  • difficulty doing daily tasks

Which essential oils and carrier oils are helpful for treating pain and disfunction in joints?

When you know what kind of arthritis you are dealing with, you will have a better idea of what support you need from therapeutic plant oils.

For example, osteoarthritis, affecting almost half of people over 60 and nearly all over 80, is the ‘wear and tear’ condition of eroded cartilage and tissue. Osteoarthritis is not generally an inflammatory condition, though it can develop into one.

In osteoarthritis cases, we could focus on nourishing the joint tissues and surrounding muscles to promote greater natural repair and resistance. With ingredients that include compounds for safe and sustainable management of pain.

Other types of arthritis that might affect younger men, women and children can be linked to immune-related inflammation. These issues may call for compounds of a fortifying and cleansing nature that will support the immune system and offer anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties for effective pain management.

Joints can also be affected by bacterial infection and this would require a compound synergy with a strong anti-bacterial component.

It is also important to understand that diet, directed exercise, and lifestyle choices can all be important elements in an effective treatment plan.

Studies show that tumeric is an excellent complementary treatment for arthritis amongst many other benefits of Tumeric

SOME GREAT OILS TO USE THAT TREAT ARTHRITIS PAIN NATURALLY:

ginger essential oil - absolute essential

Ginger Zingiber officinalis (organic)

The inherent characteristics of Ginger are well suited to treating joints. With anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties, it can support healing from painful swelling, poor circulation and infection.

Ginger's performance in various studies puts it on the table as a natural alternative to steroid treatments. But as ginger is a warming/stimulating oil, it's best to use it where inflammation is not a major issue (as this would require a more cooling herbal choice) but where improved circulation would be more beneficial.

Ginger is also safe for use with elderly people.

Ravensar Ravensara aromatica (wild)

A rich herbal oil from Madagascar with a myriad of healing benefits.

Ravensar has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, diuretic and detoxifying properties and is therefore well-rounded for supporting joint issues.

As a general tonic and immune-supporting oil, Ravensar is a good choice for inflammatory conditions linked to immune deficiency or disease.

Ravensar is safe for use on children and elderly.

Juniper Berry Juniperus communis (organic)

Another great choice for joints!

With anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antibacterial, analgesic and tonic properties, Juniper Berry offers excellent coverage for a gamut of possible issues. It can provide extra relief for sore muscles surrounding a joint and also helps to fortify a deficient immune system.

Juniper Berry and Wintergreen (below) would be my number one choice for using with Castor Oil (below).

Not recommended during pregnancy or for children under twelve.

Wintergreen Gaultheria fragrantissima (organic)

A cleansing, fortifying oil that is ideal as a tonic restorative on muscles and tendons.

Wintergreen has a high analgesic composition making it excellent for natural pain relief and very common in sports massage blends.

It has other necessary compounds specifically relevant to joint care, such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Not suitable during pregnancy or on children under twelve.

Castor Oil Ricinus communis (organic)

A great base oil to add nutrient-rich joint food to your topical joint-care blends (make sure you use unsulphanated).

Castor Oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune-supporting properties and is especially beneficial for supporting lymphatic drainage. Castor Oil also promotes healthy circulation.

Castor oil is not recommended during menstruation, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Two organic clinical blends that include above oils and I often prescribe for joint related issues are: Muscle Tonic and Body Repair Cream

 

What are the most effective ways to treat arthritis naturally for pain relief?

Massage:
Add 5 drops of essential oil/s to a teaspoon of Castor Oil or pure Carrier Oil (other choices such as Arnica Infused, nutrient-rich Avocado can be used if Castor Oil is unsuitable – see above) and gently massage direct to affected area.

avocado oil - absolute essential

Overnight intensive treatment:
Add 5 drops of Juniper Oil to Castor oil (preferably) and apply to the joint. Wrap in a cloth and cover with glad wrap. Leave overnight. Repeat every night for 10-21 days, than take a break for 10 days and repeat if required.

Bath:
Add 5 drops Wintergreen, 2 drops Ravensar, 2 drops Juniper and 1 drop Ginger to the bath and soak for 15 minutes. Repeat as above.

 

Medicinal-grade Therapeutic Plant Oils must be 100% pure. At Absolute Essential we use certified organic or wild grown (sustainable) plants to produce our oils and all extraction processes are strictly controlled to produce the best quality oil with maximum purity and therapeutic value. See more at Absolute Essential.