Arthritis

Lavinia Botanica has created 3 arthritis balms.  They are No. 1 Osteoarthritis Rub, Rheumatoid Relief Rub and Arthritis Relief Rub

The different types of arthritis have different blends of essential oils for each problem.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease, that targets joint disorder. It is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage wears away leaving exposed bone and causing the formation of rough bone deposits. Osteoarthritis can start at any age and by the time most people are around 70 they would have shown symptoms of this condition.

In early stages, the use of essential oils can help slow down the degeneration process. The heat that the oils produces is useful in promoting healthy blood circulation. This also helps the joint to stay healthier for a longer period of time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and can happen at a much earlier age in life.  In rheumatoid arthritis the body attacks the synovial membrane and other connective tissue in the joint causing inflammation.  This inflammation then leads to deterioration of the cartilage in the joint with the accompanying pain and difficulty in movement.

Arthritis Relief Rub is a general rub to help where minuscule particles of sodium urate get trapped and build up around the joints. This is caused by the build-up of uric acid, which is a natural waste product produced by the body every day. When the body produces too much uric acid, and the kidneys become overloaded, resulting in the acid not being filtered properly from the blood it starts to form sodium urate crystals around joint tissues and causes inflammation, which makes it extremely painful, it generally affects feet and hands and joints.

Essential oils are effective at treating joint pain because they penetrate cells quickly and easily, providing oxygen, nutrients, and lipids that injured and inflamed joints need. They may rebuild damaged joints and restore mobility. Analgesic oils like fir needle, black pepper, eucalyptus, thyme, ginger, rosemary and marjoram can all be used to massage the joints. They reduce inflammation and its heating action is good for relieving sore muscles around arthritic joints. A hot compress using these oils can also help treat the disorder to a large extent.

Frankincense – Laboratory experiments have shown that frankincense may arrest the progress of rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory substances, thus preventing the damage they cause to the cartilages.

Marjoram – Long known to be a pain reliever, marjoram has traditionally been a go to for muscle aches and pains. In a double blind clinical trial marjoram oil was added to a blend of oils.  When massaged onto the abdomen during a painful bout of dysmenorrhea, the analgesic effects of the oils combined together to help the test group find relief.

Wintergreen essential  oil is perfect for treating gout because of its quick response due to its cortisone-like impact.  This essential oil renders warmth and promotes good blood circulation, which are both important for relieving inflammation.

Lavender EO – is a powerful anti-inflammatory, healing and antiseptic oil. It is relaxing, refreshing and lifts the spirit.

Rosemary EO – due to its powerful astringent properties, rosemary essential oil is one of the best essential oils for gout treatment. Not only does it have a warming quality, but it also improves blood circulation and is a pain reducer as it anesthetises the nerves.

Tea Tree EO – has so many diverse uses that it is a must-have in every home. It has broad antimicrobial and antifungal properties making it perfect for the treatment of conditions such as gout.  When applied topically, tea tree essential oil desensitises inflamed nerve endings, therefore, relieving the pain of gout.

Cypress EO when used, it helps to rid the body of toxins especially the uric acid that causes gout. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, which makes it efficient for treating joint and muscle pains.

Basil EO contains eugenol, which is anti-inflammatory; it also contains significant quantities of E-beta-caryophyllene, which stimulates the cannabinoid receptors, which can help alleviate the pain associated with arthritis. It stimulates blood circulation and enhances the body’s delivery of nutrients to the cells, which accelerates the elimination of uric acid crystals. Some experts assert that basil is one of the best essential oils available for treating the pain and inflammation of a gout attack.

Peppermint – essential oil is one of the most widely used essential oils and is nature’s version of icy-hot. When applied to the skin in combination with a carrier oil, it feels cool. As it dries, it provides a warm feeling that is similar to the icy-hot pain relievers. It contains menthol, which accounts for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Chamomile EO – reduces pain by numbing the nerves and helps you get rid of the inflammation, which is the major cause of the trouble in gout pain.

Frankincense – Laboratory experiments have shown that frankincense may arrest the progress of arthritis by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory substances, thus preventing the damage they cause to the cartilages.

Essential oils are excellent to calm the body and mind like lavender and chamomile.  Ylang Ylang fights depression and relaxes the body, thereby driving away anxiety, sadness, and chronic stress. It also has an uplifting effect on the mood and induces feelings of joy and hope.

Bushflowers  or flower therapy are used to calm emotions.  This works on two levels – the physical and the emotional. Conventional medicine targets only the body, getting only one half of the job done as a result. By simultaneously treating the emotions associated with a particular ailment, one is actually able to get to the root of the problem. Flower Therapy also works on both planes – the mental as well as the emotional. This obviously increases, multi-fold, the chances of controlling arthritis.

The information presented in the brochure is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition nor to replace the advice or care of a qualified health professional.