Aromatherapy is a branch of phytotherapy using essential oils and aromatic essences. Obtained from plants, these substances contain active ingredients capable of improving the discomfort of joint problems. Essential oils for joints provide effective and rapid responses, which are very useful in the event of a crisis. Essential oils provide immediate, targeted benefits, through localised massages of sore areas. They also have the great advantage of limiting side effects. However, because of their potency, they must be used in accordance with safety rules.
👉Gaultheria essential oil (Gaultheria procumbens or fragrantissima)
This oil is extracted from the leaves of a herbaceous plant resembling a small shrub less than 15cm tall.
Properties
An anti-inflammatory and analgesic plant, wintergreen is a genuine natural aspirin that is extremely effective for joint pain and inflammation.
Wintergreen essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, acting as a prostaglandin inhibitor and reducing inflammation mediators such as bradykinin. It also acts as an antispasmodic and promotes healing, unlike aspirin. Applied topically, it protects the vascular system, particularly in peripheral vascular disorders.
Instructions for use and precautions for use
- For an immediate local effect: dilute 15 drops of wintergreen essential oil in 10 ml of arnica vegetable oil (oily macerate) and massage.
- For swollen and aching joints: dilute 3 drops of wintergreen essential oil, 2 drops of helichrysum essential oil and 2 drops of bay laurel essential oil in 10 ml of arnica vegetable oil. You can then massage 5 drops of this mixture into the painful areas as needed to relieve congestion.
Due to its vasodilatory and warming effect, using wintergreen essential oil may cause irritation.
In addition, its use requires precautions: it is prohibited internally, contraindicated for pregnant or breast-feeding women, for children under the age of 6, and in the event of skin reactions. It can be toxic if ingested, causing convulsions, diarrhoea and respiratory paralysis. We also advise against using this essential oil in cases of haemophilia, allergy to aspirin, gastroduodenal ulcers, gastritis, and in patients taking anticoagulants or platelet aggregation inhibitors. It should not be diffused, inhaled or used in bath water, as its route of administration is essentially cutaneous.
👉Eucalyptus Citronata essential oil(Eucalyptus Citriodora)
The leaves of this tree, which can grow to over 25m, are used to extract the essential oil.
Properties
Lemon Eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties thanks to citronellal, which reduces inflammation mediators. It also inhibits PGE2 prostaglandins, providing antioxidant action. It also acts as a local analgesic by interacting with muscarinic and opioid receptors. It is an antispasmodic, relieving muscle cramps and contractures.
In addition, this essential oil has sedative and relaxing properties, acting as a muscle relaxant and regulator of the central nervous system, offering calming and antihypertensive effects. It also has pancreatic-regulating, anti-rheumatic and hypotensive properties.
Directions for use and precautions for use
Dilute 5 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil in 1 teaspoon of calophylla vegetable oil (or other vegetable oil). Massage the painful area with this mixture 3 times a day for 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the pain. Suitable for children aged 12 and over.
Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women. It is for adult use only. It must not be inhaled, diffused or used in the bath. Its irritating nature for the skin and mucous membranes requires dilution. Citronellal inhibits CYP 2E1, requiring vigilance with regard to drug interactions. The oil must not be swallowed and is for skin use only.
👉Katrafay essential oil(Cedrelopsis grevei)
This essential oil is also known as white mahogany. It is the bark that is used by complete distillation to extract the active principle.
Properties
Rich in sesquiterpenes, Katafray essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, relieving muscle and joint pain. It acts as a tonic and stimulant, fighting fatigue thanks to its effect on the adrenal glands. Its analgesic properties are effective against a range of aches and pains such as migraines and backache. It is also beneficial for skin regeneration, soothing conditions such as eczema and burns. It also has venous and lymphatic decongestion properties.
Directions for use and precautions for use
Use 15 drops diluted in 5 ml of vegetable oil (arnica, calendula, etc.) and applied by massage for an immediate local effect.
Do not use Katafray essential oil on pregnant women during pregnancy or on breast-feeding women. Do not use on babies or children under the age of 7.
Other essential oils
Scots pine essential oil is also recommended for massaging painful joints. Rosemary and bay laurel essential oils may also be useful.
Preparations are available from chemists. Always choose organic, chemotyped essential oils and organic vegetable oils.
A few tips to help relieve joint problems
There are many, but we can mention 2 main ones.
Poultices
Once or twice a day, you can apply a poultice to the painful joint area.
To prepare a clay poultice, gradually mix warm water with the clay in a non-metallic container (using a wooden or plastic spoon) until you obtain a thick paste. Then apply to the affected area, wrapping with cling film to prevent drying. Then leave on for a few hours (listen to your body and how you feel).
Clay therapy uses clay for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Depending on the treatment required, different types of clay are used, such as kaolin, smectite and illite.
Wraps or baths
Algotherapy is the use of seaweed in health care, taking advantage of its richness in minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Seaweed such as kelp and fucus(Fucus Vesiculosus) are applied in the form of wraps or baths for their detoxifying and stimulating properties.
Warning: This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor, pharmacist or other health professional.
For any therapeutic use, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Refer carefully to the contraindications and precautions for use for each essential oil.
Sources
- https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/appareil-locomoteur/douleurs-articulaires/que-faire.html
- https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/appareil-locomoteur/arthrose-rhumatismes/phytotherapie-plantes.html
- https://www.vidal.fr/parapharmacie/utilisation/bon-usage-phytotherapie-plantes/aromatherapie.html
- https://fr.puressentiel.com/blogs/conseils/lhuile-essentielle-de-gaultherie-vertus-et-utilisations
- https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/anti-inflammatoires-naturels/#:~:text=Plus easy to use, powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
