Please click here to visit our sponsor

Arthritis and Aromatherapy


Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of movement and at a more serious stage deformity. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness by means of aromatic, plant derived scents. It is very much a traditonal method as well as a science that encompasses the intuitive and creative aspects of preparing special purpose blends.

Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and -- more recently -- phytols. For application to the skin they have to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential Oils must always be used diluted when applied to the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe.

Since the reasons for the occurance of arthritis are still not completely established, it is difficult to find a cure for the disease. Arthritis could be genetic, it could have to do with bone density loss, it could also be a type of infection caused by toxins released in the body. Even more likely it is a combination of several factors. It is -- at this stage -- only possible to treat the pain and symptoms caused by arthritis but not it's underlying cause.

Aromatherapy is one form of arthritis treatment, using a variety of essential oils. They can be added to the bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled or applied as compresses. The right mixture of essential oils will help to relax, promote pain relief and alleviate fatigue. Essential oils can also provide psychological benefits like improving the mood and reducing anxiety.

Some of the more suitable arthritis oils are Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.

One of the most effective ways to use aromatherapy for relieving pain and reducing inflammation are hot compresses:

1. Fill a medium size bowl with hot, but not scalding water.

2. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil.

3. Fold a piece of sterile cotton cloth and dip it into the bowl.

4. Squeeze out excess water, but not too much.

5. Place the wet, hot cloth onto the affected area until it has cooled down to body temperature.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 at least two to three times.

7. Wrap the treated area in a dry and warm towel or blanket and leave the patient to rest for a while.

Another good way to use aromatherapy for arthritis relieve is to rub diluted essential oils (see above for dilution) onto pulse points and affected areas during the day. Applying essential oils throughout the day can help to alleviate pain and tension. The essential oils on the skin are quickly absorbed and enter the bloodstream. This is an excellent form of arthritis relief and works also well as a preventative measure.

Aromatherapy is a natural, safe and economical option to deal with the pain and symptoms of arthritis. And above all, it has no negative side effects as so many of the conventional treatments do. In mild cases of arthritis, aromatherapy is often all that is needed to make a person comfortable.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.

About the author: Mireille Gautschi is a qualified Flower Essence Therapist and Herbalist who has many years experience with the developement of natural herbal remedies. Her products can be found on the Hillside Herbal Products website http://www.hillsideherbal.com.au that also offers a very informative newsletter.




Radovan Karadzic’s companion tells of her shock
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 3 hours ago
“I met Dr Dabic seven or eight months ago at a lecture on alternative medicine that was held in Belgrade,” she said. “I remember that he spoke about quantum ...
Video: Karadzic plans to defend himself in The Hague RussiaToday
Fugitive life had mistress, alternative medicine clinic... | KXNet ... Reiten Television KXMB Bismarck
Secret life of fugitive Karadzic BBC News
guardian.co.uk - The Age
all 6,323 news articles


Daily Mail

40 per cent fall in homeopathic prescriptions as GP shuns the ...
Daily Mail, UK - 10 hours ago
By Fiona Macrae GPs are turning their backs on homeopathy, with the number of prescriptions for the alternative medicine falling by almost half. ...


Never trust a hippie
Daily Telegraph, Australia - 17 hours ago
My second: that Karadzic's choice of new career confirms what I already suspected about alternative medicine. If ever there was a profession in which a ...


Natural Medicine: The facts about natural medicine
Seattle Post Intelligencer - Jul 20, 2008
Here are two common myths and facts about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and its role in the future of health care: Myth: You must choose ...


Medical Marijuana: Whole Plant Better Than Isolated Components in ...
Drug War Chronicle, DC - 3 hours ago
The research is an intervention in the ongoing debate between medical marijuana supporters and herbal and alternative medicine advocates on one side and the ...


Vet specializes in alternative medicine for pets
Greenville News, SC - Jul 17, 2008
By Angie Campbell • STAFF WRITER • July 18, 2008 More and more Upstate pet owners are searching out the benefits of alternative medicine for their ...


A scoping review of research on complementary and alternative ...
7thSpace Interactive (press release), NY - Jul 19, 2008
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become more common in Western developed countries in recent years, as has media reporting on CAM ...


Alternative medicine on trial
ABC Online, Australia - Jul 7, 2008
In a new book called Trick or Treatment, science journalist Simon Singh and professer of alternative medicine Edzard Ernst ask how effective alternative ...


Doctors in for a dose of alternative medicine
The Age, Australia - Jul 4, 2008
It gives me a sense that I'm in the right place, somewhere between alternative medicine and Western," he told an interviewer. ...
GP training to include the fringe alternatives The Age
all 5 news articles


Alternative Malnutrition Treatments
Renal and Urology News, NY - Jul 21, 2008
Use of complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) has increased in recent years, prompting the need to examine the safety and efficacy of these ...

alternative medicine - Google News

home | site map

© 2006 www.elearn-university.org