More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have arthritis, which is often treated with medications and physical therapy.While these therapies are viewed as the gold standard when it comes to reducing the pain and swelling associated with arthritis, they aren’t the only weapons available.
Essential oilscontain vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories that may help ease arthritis pain and swelling.
The oils are extracted from plants, fruits, herbs, trees, and flowers. Certain parts (like the leaves, flower, and bark) are steamed or pressed to create the oil. By some estimates, it can take several pounds of plant material consisting of more than 30 ingredients to produce just one bottle of essential oil.
This article outlines six of the more common essential oils for arthritis, how to use them, and which potential side effects should get your attention.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Types of Essential Oils for Arthritis
Some essential oils for arthritis provide numbing effects. Someessential oils help with inflammation. Some interrupt pain receptors in the brain. And some work in a combination of ways. Here are six of the more common essential oils used for arthritis—and the science that backs them up.
Eucalyptus Oil
One study focused on people who underwentknee replacement surgery, a common surgery for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Researchers found that those who inhaled eucalyptus oil for 30 minutes on three consecutive days post-surgery reported less pain than those in the control group.
The researchers attributed the reduced pain to the eucalyptus oil’s anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to increaseserotonin, a brain chemical that seems to blunt pain.
Ginger Oil
People have valued ginger for centuries for its anti-inflammatory effects. Today, they swallow ginger in capsule or tablet form, mix it in tea, and even chew the extremely bitter root.
Participants in one study who massaged ginger oil into their arthritic knees twice a week reported less pain and better movement in their knees than those who did not use the oil.
Arthritis
Curcumin
Patients with osteoarthritic knee pain who used an ointment containing 5% curcumin (which originates fromturmeric) twice a day for six weeks reported significantly less pain than those who used a petroleum jelly product.
Copaiba Oil Mix
Arthritis in the hands can be particularly painful, if for no other reason than hands don’t get a day off; they’re in motion every day.
In one study, members of one group received a hand massage with copaiba oil (which is derived from copaiba trees, found in Brazil) combined with a product that contained wintergreen, camphor, and peppermint. Members of the other group were massaged with coconut oil.
Both groups received the treatments twice a day for five days. At the end of the study, the copaiba group took less time to perform tasks with their hands, had increased finger strength, and reported a 50% reduction in pain.
Orange Oil
Researchers exploring the effects of orange oil got creative when they tested the oil on people admitted to the emergency room with broken bones. They put the oil on pads and then put the pads in peoples' collars.
The research team replaced the pads every hour. Team members found that people exposed to the orange oil reported less pain than those who did not receive the oil.
While this study didn’t look at arthritis, per se, it stands to reason that orange oil—which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties—may help with the pain associated with joint disease.
Malanga Root: What Are the Benefits?
Lavender Oil Mix
Lavender is another well-known anti-inflammatory herb that is often found today in candles and bath oil to ease anxiety.
Researchers included lavender in an ingredient mix along with juniper and cananga oils (cananga trees are native to India). Along with coconut oil, they massaged the mix onto the knees of people with rheumatoid arthritis three times a week.
After six weeks, those who got the treatment reported less pain and fatigue than those who didn’t.
A Complex MixEssential oils can be made from virtually any part of a plant, such as the peels of citrus fruits, the seeds ofcardamom, the bark of the cinnamon tree, and the needles of fir trees.
A Complex Mix
Essential oils can be made from virtually any part of a plant, such as the peels of citrus fruits, the seeds ofcardamom, the bark of the cinnamon tree, and the needles of fir trees.
Using Essential Oils
Many essential oils used for arthritis and joint diseases are massaged into the skin around the affected joint. Other oils are inhaled (called aromatherapy).
When using essential oils, look for ones that are 100% pure oil without added ingredients (such as alcohol). And choose those packaged in dark bottles, since light can degrade the oil.
Massaging With Essential Oils
If you have a rash, open wound, or skin irritation, wait until it heals before applying an essential oil. The oil could make the problem worse.
Aromatherapy With Essential Oils
You can enjoy aromatherapy in different ways:
Use Essential Oils in Communal Areas With CareEssential oils sprayed or diffused into the air can affect everyone who breathes that air. Remember that while you might consider the smell of peppermint oil to be invigorating, for example, it could agitate very young children and may present a problem for people who have a fast heartbeat.Some people with asthma report more problems breathing when certain oils are used in a diffuser.
Use Essential Oils in Communal Areas With Care
Essential oils sprayed or diffused into the air can affect everyone who breathes that air. Remember that while you might consider the smell of peppermint oil to be invigorating, for example, it could agitate very young children and may present a problem for people who have a fast heartbeat.Some people with asthma report more problems breathing when certain oils are used in a diffuser.
Side Effects
Side effects can vary depending on how and how often you use the oils, which oils you use, and at what strength you use them. Side effects can include:
Try not to get discouraged if your first attempt at using essential oils is a letdown. Many people experiment with several types of essential oils until they find the one that works best for them.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using essential oils for arthritis. Let your healthcare provider know about any current medications or supplements you’re taking to help avoid interactions.
Summary
Essential oils are extracted from plants, fruits, herbs, trees, and flowers. They may help with arthritis because they have anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties. Six of the more common types are eucalyptus, ginger, curcumin, copaiba, orange, and lavender. Using the oils is simple, whether you massage them into the skin or inhale them (known as aromatherapy).
A Word From Verywell
The pain of arthritis can affect every aspect of your life. It can limit your mobility and reduce the quality of your life. Using essential oils to treat arthritis may be a helpful complement to standard medical therapy. Your healthcare provider can advise you on what, how, and when to use essential oils for arthritis or refer you to aholistic health specialistwho can guide you.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Arthritis Foundation.What is arthritis?Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network.RA essential oils: What essential oils are anti-inflammatory?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: Do essential oils really work?Jun Y, Suk K, Purum M, et al.Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: A randomized clinical trial.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2013;2013:502727. doi:10.1155/2013/502727Tosun B, Unal N, Yigit D, Can N, Aslan O, Tunay S.Effects of self-knee massage with ginger oil in patients with osteoarthritis: An experimental study.Research and Theory for Nursing Practice.2017;31(4):379-392. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.31.4.379Jamali N, Adib-Hajbaghery M, Soleimani A.The effect ofcurcuminointment on knee pain in older adults with osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo trial.BMC Complementary Medicines and Therapies.2020;20:305. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03105-0Arthritis Foundation.Supplement and herb guide for arthritis symptoms.Bahr T, Allred K, Martinez D, Rodriguez D, Winterton P.Effects of a massage-like essential oil application procedure using Copaiba and Deep Blue oils in individuals with hand arthritis.Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.2018;33:170-176. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.004Hekmatpou D, Pourandish Y, Farahani PV, Parvizrad R.The effect of aromatherapy with the essential oil of orange on pain and vital signs of patients with fractured limbs admitted to the emergency ward: A randomized clinical trial.Indian Journal of Palliative Care. 2017;23(4),431–436. doi:10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_37_17Metin ZG, Ozdemir L.The effects of aromatherapy massage and reflexology on pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.Pain Management Nursing.2016;17(2),140-149. doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2016.01.004Mother Earth Living.Guide to making essential oils.Arthritis Foundation.Aromatherapy for arthritis relief.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Essential oil diffusers and asthma.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Arthritis Foundation.What is arthritis?Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network.RA essential oils: What essential oils are anti-inflammatory?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: Do essential oils really work?Jun Y, Suk K, Purum M, et al.Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: A randomized clinical trial.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2013;2013:502727. doi:10.1155/2013/502727Tosun B, Unal N, Yigit D, Can N, Aslan O, Tunay S.Effects of self-knee massage with ginger oil in patients with osteoarthritis: An experimental study.Research and Theory for Nursing Practice.2017;31(4):379-392. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.31.4.379Jamali N, Adib-Hajbaghery M, Soleimani A.The effect ofcurcuminointment on knee pain in older adults with osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo trial.BMC Complementary Medicines and Therapies.2020;20:305. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03105-0Arthritis Foundation.Supplement and herb guide for arthritis symptoms.Bahr T, Allred K, Martinez D, Rodriguez D, Winterton P.Effects of a massage-like essential oil application procedure using Copaiba and Deep Blue oils in individuals with hand arthritis.Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.2018;33:170-176. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.004Hekmatpou D, Pourandish Y, Farahani PV, Parvizrad R.The effect of aromatherapy with the essential oil of orange on pain and vital signs of patients with fractured limbs admitted to the emergency ward: A randomized clinical trial.Indian Journal of Palliative Care. 2017;23(4),431–436. doi:10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_37_17Metin ZG, Ozdemir L.The effects of aromatherapy massage and reflexology on pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.Pain Management Nursing.2016;17(2),140-149. doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2016.01.004Mother Earth Living.Guide to making essential oils.Arthritis Foundation.Aromatherapy for arthritis relief.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Essential oil diffusers and asthma.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Arthritis Foundation.What is arthritis?Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network.RA essential oils: What essential oils are anti-inflammatory?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: Do essential oils really work?Jun Y, Suk K, Purum M, et al.Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: A randomized clinical trial.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2013;2013:502727. doi:10.1155/2013/502727Tosun B, Unal N, Yigit D, Can N, Aslan O, Tunay S.Effects of self-knee massage with ginger oil in patients with osteoarthritis: An experimental study.Research and Theory for Nursing Practice.2017;31(4):379-392. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.31.4.379Jamali N, Adib-Hajbaghery M, Soleimani A.The effect ofcurcuminointment on knee pain in older adults with osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo trial.BMC Complementary Medicines and Therapies.2020;20:305. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03105-0Arthritis Foundation.Supplement and herb guide for arthritis symptoms.Bahr T, Allred K, Martinez D, Rodriguez D, Winterton P.Effects of a massage-like essential oil application procedure using Copaiba and Deep Blue oils in individuals with hand arthritis.Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.2018;33:170-176. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.004Hekmatpou D, Pourandish Y, Farahani PV, Parvizrad R.The effect of aromatherapy with the essential oil of orange on pain and vital signs of patients with fractured limbs admitted to the emergency ward: A randomized clinical trial.Indian Journal of Palliative Care. 2017;23(4),431–436. doi:10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_37_17Metin ZG, Ozdemir L.The effects of aromatherapy massage and reflexology on pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.Pain Management Nursing.2016;17(2),140-149. doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2016.01.004Mother Earth Living.Guide to making essential oils.Arthritis Foundation.Aromatherapy for arthritis relief.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Essential oil diffusers and asthma.
Arthritis Foundation.What is arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network.RA essential oils: What essential oils are anti-inflammatory?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Aromatherapy: Do essential oils really work?
Jun Y, Suk K, Purum M, et al.Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: A randomized clinical trial.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2013;2013:502727. doi:10.1155/2013/502727
Tosun B, Unal N, Yigit D, Can N, Aslan O, Tunay S.Effects of self-knee massage with ginger oil in patients with osteoarthritis: An experimental study.Research and Theory for Nursing Practice.2017;31(4):379-392. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.31.4.379
Jamali N, Adib-Hajbaghery M, Soleimani A.The effect ofcurcuminointment on knee pain in older adults with osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo trial.BMC Complementary Medicines and Therapies.2020;20:305. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03105-0
Arthritis Foundation.Supplement and herb guide for arthritis symptoms.
Bahr T, Allred K, Martinez D, Rodriguez D, Winterton P.Effects of a massage-like essential oil application procedure using Copaiba and Deep Blue oils in individuals with hand arthritis.Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.2018;33:170-176. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.004
Hekmatpou D, Pourandish Y, Farahani PV, Parvizrad R.The effect of aromatherapy with the essential oil of orange on pain and vital signs of patients with fractured limbs admitted to the emergency ward: A randomized clinical trial.Indian Journal of Palliative Care. 2017;23(4),431–436. doi:10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_37_17
Metin ZG, Ozdemir L.The effects of aromatherapy massage and reflexology on pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.Pain Management Nursing.2016;17(2),140-149. doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2016.01.004
Mother Earth Living.Guide to making essential oils.
Arthritis Foundation.Aromatherapy for arthritis relief.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Essential oil diffusers and asthma.
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