Essential Oils to Soothe Chronic Inflammation Naturally

Using Essential Oils to Soothe Inflammation

Inflammation serves an important role in our bodies when responding to illness and injury. However, ongoing low-grade inflammation can contribute to chronic health issues. Using essential oils may help provide relief through their anti-inflammatory compounds.

What Causes Inflammation in the Body?

Inflammation gets triggered as part of the immune system's response to harmful stimuli like pathogens or damaged cells. This helps protect us by releasing white blood cells and inflammatory markers.

Short term inflammation assists the healing process and usually resolves on its own. However, modern lifestyles and diet often sustain low levels of inflammation for long periods. This can increase risk for certain diseases over time.

Signs of Chronic Inflammation

Ongoing inflammation tends to have vague symptoms that slowly worsen rather than acute flare ups. Watch for these common indicators:

• Joint pain or stiffness
• Digestive discomfort like gas, cramps or diarrhea
• Skin conditions like rashes, eczema or psoriasis
• Feeling unusually fatigued
• Gaining weight and increased belly fat

Pay attention if these symptoms persist for weeks or seem resistant to lifestyle changes and over the counter remedies.

Using Essential Oils to Fight Inflammation

Many essential oils derive from plants containing beneficial compounds that can help counter inflammation. Always dilute oils properly before use especially when applying to skin.

Frankincense

This ancient aromatic oil offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound healing benefits. Studies confirm ability to inhibit production of inflammatory markers making it helpful for chronic conditions.

Turmeric

Turmeric essential oil provides similar anti-inflammatory effects as turmeric powder spice. The active curcuminoid compounds block inflammatory enzymes associated with arthritis pain and joint damage.

Rosemary

Rosemary oil contains rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid both shown to suppress inflammation in animal studies. Applying diluted rosemary oil helps ease muscle and joint discomfort.

Tea Tree

From soothing skin rashes to clearing sinus congestion, tea tree oil works to control inflammatory responses triggering these issues. Plus acts as an antimicrobial to fight underlying infections.

Helichrysum

Use helichrysum essential oil to heal wounds, bruises and damaged skin tissue by stimulating anti-inflammatory enzymes inhibiting swelling and redness.

Essential Oil Application Methods

There are several effective ways to leverage essential oils' inflammation reducing abilities:

Topical

Apply diluted essential oils directly onto affected skin areas. Helps alleviate localized discomfort from rashes, burns, aches or swellings when combined with a carrier oil.

Aromatherapy

Inhale essential oil molecules dispersed in diffusers, steam tents or hot showers. Calms systemic inflammation through scent receptors triggering healing responses.

Baths

Add a few drops of essential oils into a warm bath then soak sore muscles and joints. Both absorbing aromas and direct oil contact eases localized and bodywide inflammation.

Ingestion

Consume very small amounts of approved food-grade oils like lemon and frankincense internally to reduce gut inflammation. Always dilute first and research dosing.

Signs You Need Medical Care for Inflammation

While using essential oils can suppress mild inflammation, worsening or persistent symptoms require professional medical diagnosis and care. See your doctor promptly for:

• Joint pain and rashes failing to improve with anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes
• Digestive problems lasting more than a few weeks
• Shortness of breath, chest tightness or audible wheezing
• Visible swelling in the hands, feet or limbs that continues spreading

Monitoring inflammation early on gives the best chance to curb it before leading to chronic illness. Using essential oils makes a supportive complementary therapy alongside following your physician's advice.

Safely Soothing Inflammation with Essential Oils

Many essential oils provide natural plant-based compounds that counter the type of ongoing low grade inflammation contributing to numerous diseases. When used properly, essential oils can offer relief for common symptoms related to this pernicious immune response.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.