Let’s face it: inflammation is usually painful (and annoying)!
But it’s not always this way since internal inflammation can exist without presenting any noticeable symptoms. One thing is sure: if your body is producing an inflammatory response, you’ll feel it eventually.
Essential oils for inflammation are just another a useful tool that can be used to renew your health and we’re here to tell you why.
For every human illness, there’s a plant to relieve or fix it. Essential oils are distilled plant matter that captures their nutrients and phytochemicals. The oils can contain leaves and twigs, flowers, sap, and even roots. Our ancestors relied on these plants–quite succesfully–for millennia.
The Low-Down on Inflammation
It’s been said that the root of all human ailments is inflammation.
“Inflammation refers to a biological response to stimuli interpreted by the body to have a potentially harmful effect. While after injury or in certain conditions inflammation is a normal, healthy response, inflammatory disorders that result in the immune system attacking the body’s own cells or tissues may cause abnormal inflammation, which results in chronic pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, and damage to normal tissues,” explains the Hospital for Special Surgery. (1)
Some common inflammatory conditions include:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Erectile dysfunction (2)
- Gout
- Heart disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Lupus
- Meningitis
- Myositis (chronic muscle inflammation)
- Obesity
- Peptic ulcer
- Periodontitis
- Stroke
While some drugs may temporarily reduce inflammation, they rarely cure the cause. Because essential oils are concentrated phytochemicals, the intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties of these plants go right to work to naturally reduce inflammation, hence pain.
16 Essential Oils for Inflammation
Below are some essential oils that are known to combat inflammation. With rare exception, essential oils shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin. Instead, dilute them with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba, olive, and almond oil are all excellent choices. For internal use, consult a naturopath before ingesting any essential oils.
Some essential oils for inflammation reduce swelling, while others are analgesic. Some are particularly calming and relaxing, which can help the whole body to heal. Read on to find out which work best for your particular pain.