Psoriatic arthritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the joints – inflammatory arthritis and the skin – psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting 2 % of the Caucasian population in the United States. Patients that have both inflammatory arthritis and psoriasis are diagnosed as having psoriatic arthritis. The psoriasis and the arthritis components might appear separately in some patients, making the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis difficult. Some patients may have had psoriasis for over 20 years prior to the advancement of arthritis.
Where Does Psoriatic Arthritis Start?
Psoriatic arthritis is a systemic rheumatic illness that can trigger swelling in body tissues that are not necessarily located near the joints. Most common places where psoriasis arthritis is generally seen include kidneys, lungs, heart and eyes.
What Are The Symptoms?
Psoriatic arthritis, which generally gets too much attention in arthritic treatment is related to psoriasis and can cause often unbearable and agonizing swelling of the joints in the knees, hands, fingers and spine.
Psoriatic arthritis can also be the cause for several other illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis, arthritis related to Crohn’s condition, reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. All these conditions can cause swelling in the spinal column, mouth, skin, eyes, and various other organs. In view of the tendency to cause swelling in the spinal column, psoriatic arthritis may even be the reason behind conditions like “spondyloarthropathies“.
How To Use Essential Oils For Relief In Psoriatic Arthritis?
Essential oils can be used in many ways to reduce the signs of psoriatic arthritis. Massage, compresses and baths are specially advised. Analgesic oils such as rosemary, eucalyptus and clove are among the popular essential oils used for relief in chronic psoriatic arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory oils such as lemon, grapefruit, cypress and juniper berry helps to ease swelling and fluid retention.
Muscle relaxant oils such as Roman chamomile and lavender are highly useful in terms of minimizing pain and helping a patient to sleep and relax. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the best essential oils you can use for relief in psoriatic arthritis.
Before I get to the list of the best essential oil and recipes for psoriatic arthritis, I will introduce 2 natural products that are gentle on the skin, FDA-listed and fast acting for quick relief. Please take careful note of the following:
AMOILS H-Arthritis is an excellent therapy specially formulated to help relieve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and to control future discomfort. Click here to read my review on H-Arthritis.
AMOILS H-Psoriasis is specially formulated for the psoriasis condition itself. Click here to read my review on H-Psoriasis.
Top 10 Essential Oils For Best Relief In Psoriatic Arthritis
1. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus removes waste and toxins from the tissues and stimulates blood circulation. While being good at reducing the swelling, spasms, muscular sprains and discomfort of the tissues, eucalyptus can be used to treat terrible injuries of the muscles, ligaments and tendons. In addition, Eucalyptus can also be used to minimize the nerve inflammation and pain in several conditions like sciatica. In the end, it has a gentle and revitalizing impact on mind that helps to reduce fatigue.
The external use of this essential oil is valued for its ability to repair the cells of skin and its anti-aging characteristics. It is one of the much better solutions for conditions like psoriatic arthritis. Weaken this essential oil in a carrier oil rich in vitamins and fatty acids so that the skin can have a best possible chance to recuperate.
2. Basil Oil
Basil essential oil contains a number of anti-oxidants that act just like some non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen and Celebrex. However, when isolated at high enough concentrations Basil works same as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen.
3. Camphor Oil
Camphor is an antimicrobial element that is easily absorbed by the skin. Camphor produces the same cooling sensation as that of menthol and acts as a mild local anesthetic.
4. Clove Oil
This intense oil, generally known to relieve dental pain and infection, is used to clear the intestines of worms and their eggs. Clove is good at both smell and taste. It is aromatic, warming, carminative and an antiseptic.
5. Cayenne Pepper Oil
Cayenne Pepper can help to ease pain when massaged over throbbing muscles and arthritic joints. Cayenne Pepper does this by diminishing the effect of a pain-mediating neurotransmitter known as compound P. Although the use of cayenne pepper essential oil may initially trigger a burning sensation, the burning will certainly reduce with each application and subside on its own after some time for most people.
6. Ginger Oil
Ginger is a rich hot oil that I often use to relieve nausea. In addition, it helps to normalize the blood pressure, either by raising it by restricting external blood flow or lowering it by dilating the capillary. This oil is warming and an antiseptic.
7. Juniper Oil
Juniper is known to do wonders in cases of psoriatic arthritis. Massage this oil blending it in a carrier oil over the impacted areas or pour it in a hot bathwater.
8. Lavender Oil
Lavender is one of the most universal and practical essential oils on the planet. It can easily blend with other essential oils such as rosemary and chamomile.
9. Menthol Oil
Menthol is a compound extracted from peppermint oil or other mint oils. It has local anesthetic and counterirritant properties. It can easily be mixed with nonprescription medicines for relief in inflammatory conditions of the throat and mouth. Menthol can also be blended with other oils for relief in conditions like muscle pains, muscle stretch and other comparable conditions. Menthol is often used with other ingredients such as camphor and eucalyptus for pain management in conditions like psoriatic arthritis.
10. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint works as a muscle relaxant, especially for the digestive system. It can also relieve muscle pains and minimize the soreness of the nasal passage. When used as a massage oil, peppermint plays a trick on the nerves by promoting the effect of those that produce a cool, relaxing sensation and desensitizing those that pick up pain messages.
Essential Oil Blends For Quick Relief In Psoriatic Arthritis
Recipe 1
Ingredients
- Essential oil of Rosewood – 3 drops
- Essential oil of Lavender – 3 drops
- Essential oil of Roman Camomile – 2 drops
- 15 millilitres of Sweet Almond carrier oil
Store this blend in a cool place in a dark glass bottle and use as required. Either gently massage this blend once daily or use 3-4 drops in your bedtime bath.
Recipe 2
Ingredients
- Essential oil of Geranium – 2 drops
- Essential oil of Petitgrain mandarin – 2 drops
- Essential oil of Immortelle – 2 drops
- Essential oil of Spike Lavender – 4 drops
Blend all the above mentioned essential oils in 30 ml sweet almond carrier oil. Do a full body massage with this blend once a week for a period of 4 weeks for significant relief in psoriatic arthritis.
Recipe 3
Ingredients
- Essential oil of lavender – 5 drops
- Essential oil of Sandalwood – 5 drops
- Essential oil of Roman chamomile – 5 drops
- Essential oil of German chamomile – 5 drops
- Hazelnut carrier oil – 20 ml
- Rose hip seed carrier oil – 30 ml
Apply this blend very gently over the areas affected.
In Summary
Research on essential oils unfolds that specific essential oils have even more powerful anti-arthritis properties than many of the popular prescription medicines. The essential oils mentioned in this article can help you deal with and often overcome the challenges of psoriatic arthritis. Incorporating therapeutic-grade essential oils into your treatment program is a significant step towards achieving long lasting health and wellness.
Comment from R:
I have some questions about the oils. I have been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and I am taking Prednisone and am now just starting Remicade Infusion and am wonder what oils will help. Im new to this hole thing and would like some help with what to us and how to mix them. Thanks so much
Olivia’s Response:
My apologies for the delay in responding. I cannot comment on your doctor’s prescribed medication.
However, if you would like to try essential oils for a natural remedy, please refer to the post below for essential oils and recipes for psoriatic arthritis.
Best essential oils and recipes for psoriatic arthritis
You can do your own blends, alternatively you may need to use H-Psoriasis for the psoriasis component and H-Arthritis for the arthritis component.
My 15 year old grandson has psoriatic arthritis and the humari is not working. He has swollen and stiff knees. I would like to try essential oils but not sure what is best. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hi Pat,
You may try either eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils to start off or try one of the 3 recipes provided. Please follow the treatment regime.
If the results unsatisfactory, you may wish to opt for H-Arthritis and H-Psoriasis for the arthritis and the psoriasis component respectively.
Regards,
Olivia
I get horrendous pain in the base of both thumbs…they are ok..ish until I start writing or wring a cloth even putting cream on my hands sets it off!! Am in the kitchen right now to try your recipes. Will let you know how I get on! Thanks! Lisa
Ok…just filled small tub with carrier oil added some of the oils you suggested…wow! It worked! Even my hubby who has a bad neck at the moment put some on he was surprised it worked so fast. I have few friends with bad pain…Will make a batch…me a happy bunny!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comments and I am so happy that it works for you and your hubby!
Thanks,
Olivia