Essential oils are extracts of plant parts that are used in aromatherapy and alternate medication. One can use plant barks, leaves, flowers or seeds, or any other part to extract these oils, refine for use in perfumery. Essential oils are gaining traction because they are safe and have a long-lasting comforting effect on the body.
Knee pain and swelling are common problems among individuals above 50 years of age, while many young people can also be affected by the ailment for many reasons. Many essential oils for knee pain and swelling are available in the market and are recommended for soothing effects and long-term pain relief. But before that, let’s first understand the reasons for knee pain and swelling.
Reasons for Knee Pain and Swelling
Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee pain and swelling. It is a joint disease in which joints become stiff because of the breakdown of cartilage between the joints. Osteoarthritis affects the most mobile joints that are used frequently, such as the knee or hip. On the other hand, Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when white blood cells start consuming the cartilage around the joints, causing great pain and discomfort.
According to the CDC (Centre for Disease Control, USA), nearly 53 million people in the USA alone are diagnosed with some type of arthritis every year, which is alarming. Young individuals between the ages of 18 to 25 are becoming more prone to knee and joint pain annually.
Essential oils for knee swelling are now being looked at as alternative medication for pain relief. The soothing effect of essential oils lasts long, and with regular usage, the ailing person can lead a more normal, healthier life.
Best Essential Oils for Knee Pain Relief
There are a number of essential oils in the market that are recommended for a variety of ailments and body conditions that cannot be easily treated with mainstream medications. Essential oils find applications in perfumery, Ayurveda, alternative medication, etc. and are gaining popularity due to the research-backed scientific data available to better understand their effects.
Essential oils contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. These components of essential oils are absorbed through the skin when applied directly to the affected area. The anti-inflammatory agents work to relieve the pain, soothe joints, and increase mobility in case of joint pains and ailments.
Essential Oils for Knee Pain and Swelling
- Ginger essential oil: Ginger extracts are known to reduce inflammation at a cellular level. The ginger essential oil acts on the vanilloid receptors present on the nerve endings around the affected joint area. Typically, the application of ginger essential oil on the knee can result in a slight burning sensation that lasts for a few seconds. Tests suggested that ginger essential oil was known to have relieved knee swelling and pain among 40% of the topically administered extracts. Experts at the University of Miami concluded that ginger essential oil could be used as an NSAID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug to treat arthritis.
- Orange extracts: Orange essential oil is one of the best essential oils for knee pain, swelling, and inflammation. According to research, orange essential oil showed the presence of active ingredients that acted as anti-inflammatory agents. It also has excellent antioxidant properties that help prevent cell damage and hastens the repair. In combination with almond oil, the diluted orange essential oil is an effective treatment for joint pain relief.
- Turmeric: Curcumin, the most active ingredient of turmeric, is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly effective in treating joint pains arising due to rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric can be ingested in tea form or applied on the joint where swelling has occurred, in combination with almond oil. This study suggested that turmeric finds a very active role in treating rheumatoid arthritis and even prevents it altogether.
- Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil contains polyphenols and anthocyanins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties respectively. The rosehip oil has been proven to relieve joint pain when administered topically on the joint area, especially the knee joint.
- Flaxseed oil: Flaxseed oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that make it beneficial for the overall health of the human body. Essentially, omega-3 fatty acids are proven to have anti-inflammatory properties, making them even more useful in treating joint pain and inflammation. Flaxseed oil can be injected directly in regulated amounts to improve the condition of knee pain and swelling.
Use of Essential Oils
One can use essential oils for knee pain and swelling through topical application, applying directly on the affected area in diluted forms and sometimes in combination with other essential oils. Several ready-made essential oil packs can be bought and used for massage for pain relief. Alternatively, you can buy both the recommended essential oil and carrier oil and mix them yourself for massage.
Another method of using essential oil for knee pain, swelling, inflammation, etc., can be through inhalation. It is a part of aromatherapy wherein the oil can be diffused in the air using a diffuser and inhaled in a controlled environment. The oil, along with water, can be placed in an electric diffuser. The diffuser dispenses the oil in the air and can be used at home or in offices.
Afterthoughts
Essential oils have found wide application in treating several ailments and human beings’ general physical and mental well-being. Essential oils for knee pain and swelling are readily available on VibrantBlueOils. You can visit it for more details on the different types of essential oils and their applications.
Sources:
- https://www.londonpainclinic.com/uncategorised/help-alleviate-pain-using-essential-oil/
- https://draxe.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-for-arthritis/
- https://www.aromahead.com/blog/essential-oils-for-knee-pain-amt
- https://www.bustle.com/p/9-essential-oils-for-pain-relief-that-actually-work-according-to-science-9114293
