Because there are few things worse than aching joints…
Everyone gets aching joints from time to time and while it’s lovely to go to a spa for a facial , or an Indian , Thai or shiatsu massage, self-massage therapy can be a really useful self-care tool that you can do at home. Follow our handy guide and keep reading for our natural remedy for arthritis, joint pain relief and sore muscles. It’s super convenient to make, suitable for sensitive skin, and you may even already have everything on the ingredient list in your kitchen cupboard.
What are the benefits of self-massage? Not only do essential oils, such as jojoba oil, smell lovely, they can penetrate deep below the skin to relieve pain, swelling, and tension due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Massage can also help work out knots and quickly release tension. Aromatherapy may also lower your stress levels and how you sense pain. Be cautious, though, as if they aren’t used properly, essential oils can irritate your skin and actually add to your swelling.
How to use essential oils in skin care Always use a carrier oil (such as coconut, olive or sweet almond oil) to reduce your risk of irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Mix your chosen oils together and then roll the bottle between your hands for 30 seconds or so to ensure that the carrier and essential oils mix. Once you learn how the oils work, creating a blend using natural ingredients may be as easy as knowing which clothes or perfume you prefer based on your mood.
Roll-on bottles are a great way to carry diluted oils on the go and allow for a mess-free application. Arnica montana is good for treating pain and inflammation, particularly after surgery.
Bathing with essential oils Bathing with essential oils is a lush and luxurious way to loosen up and soothe stiff muscles. Simply add 10 to 12 drops of essential oil to an ounce of a carrier oil and add a few drops to your bath. If you’re still sore, you can always treat yourself to your very own aromatherapy massage with lavender oil to help you wind down before bedtime. And relax…
What’s the best oil for massage? Arnica oil is a star player in the line-up for its natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits and great for giving your regular massage oil a therapeutic kick.
Other oils include: bergamot, black cumin (Nigella sativa), cinnamon, eucalyptus, frankincense, myrrh, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemongrass, orange, rosemary and peppermint.
Can essential oils treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Essential oils cannot cure this condition, but evidence suggests that they can relieve major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis, especially inflammation , swelling, stiffness, and pain.
Home-made remedy for arthritis and aching joints What you need
2 cups olive oil
10 fresh red chili peppers
1 litre Glass Jar
Directions:
Wash the peppers and take out the stems.
Grind the peppers into a food processor. You should get approximately one cup of finely chopped mixture.
Transfer the mixture into a clean glass jar and add the olive oil.
Leave it in a cool dark place.
Strain the mixture with a gauze after 7 days.
The treatment can be used by rubbing the oil into your skin several times a day, or whenever joint pains are experienced. Put on a pair of tights or warm socks after rubbing the oil in the affected part, as it’s important that other parts of your body are kept warm. Expect that feel a burning or tingling feeling on your skin, on applying the oil. Don’t worry though, this is normal and to be expected. You can gradually reduce the frequency of this oil massage over time. It can be performed once a week after a month or two of using this treatment or whenever your joints are aching. Always remember though, to keep the oil away from direct sunlight.
