Gout or gouty arthritis is an all-too-common condition that cripples countless adults around the world. It can be a hassle and certainly no one ever dreams to have this condition.
Gout is characterized by the inflammation of the joints due to the accumulation of uric acid in the body. As uric acid accumulates, it gets deposited around the joints and results in crystallization. These crystal deposits occupy the space and limit the lubricating solution in the joints. As a result, joints swell and hurt with motion. While it can affect any joint, it is most commonly found in fingers and toes.
Good thing, nature has gifted man with highly effective essential oils for gout.
The pain experience can vary from person to person depending on the severity of the condition. People suffering from gout may report mild to severe pain. Others are lucky enough to just experience mild pain while others are completely crippled by the pain, even a simple touch over the affected joint could hurt. The afflicted joint can appear swollen and tender or no overt sign at all.
What Causes Gout?
Essential oils for gout relief attempt to treat the cause of the problem. But what really triggers gout?
As mentioned above, this condition is caused by the build-up of uric acid, which is our body’s natural waste product, in the joints. What happens is that our body produces more uric acid than what our kidneys can filter out from the blood and excreted into the urine. As uric acid accumulates in the blood, it begins to become trapped in the joint tissues and soon crystallizes there.
It takes years for these uric acid crystals to build up and cause any symptoms. But when sodium urate crystals form, they turn into crystals with sharp edges. Soon, it fills up the joint spaces resulting in pain and all other associated symptoms.
Why Essential Oils Are the Best Pick?
There are a lot of medications and formulations prescribed for gouty arthritis. However, essential oils for gout remain as the go-to, all-natural remedy for gout. For instance, this Essential Oil Pain Relief Blend, with its unique formulation, combines the strengths of each essential oil for the fast and effective relief of your gouty arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the joint swelling and pain. But more importantly, essential oils help accelerate the breakdown of uric acid.
What Essential Oils Are Good For Gout?
There are several sources of essential oils for gout and arthritis. Here are seven of the most common essential oils for gout treatment.
1. Peppermint
Comprised of high amounts of menthol, peppermint essential oil can give you stimulating, invigorating and soothing relief from gout. Because of its natural anti-inflammatory property, it has long been used for treating joint and muscular pain.
2. Lemongrass
The minty scent of lemongrass isn’t only for cooking oriental dishes. Lemongrass essential oil is known for its rejuvenating and stimulating effect. When used for treating gouty arthritis, it is thought to help break down uric acid crystals. And because of this property, lemongrass is considered the best essential for gout.
3. Wintergreen
The pleasing and aromatic fragrance of wintergreen essential oil can help you rid of gout. Wintergreen essential oil is used along with your choice of carrier oil. It is readily absorbed by the body and works like natural steroid or cortisone for quick pain relief. Furthermore, this essential promotes good blood circulation and renders warmth – these are helpful in relieving swelling and pain.
There are herbal products available such as the Therapeutic Organic Geranium Wintergreen Essential that combines wintergreen with other essential oils. These all-natural gout remedies blend different oils for a more effective, faster pain relief.
4. Birch bud
Among the essential oils for gout, birch bud essential oil is said to have high anti-inflammatory properties for quick gout pain relief. Aside from helping treat the swelling, it also has cleansing properties that help metabolize the uric acid crystals. This further minimizes the pain.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is commonly found in the kitchen. But what many probably don’t know is that rosemary essential oil can be helpful in treating gout. Aside from providing warmth, it also helps promote blood circulation around the affected joint. It also contains pain-relieving properties. When used for along with carrier oil for massaging affected joint, rosemary essential oil works effectively in reducing gout symptoms.
6. Lavender
You’re probably familiar with the healing properties of lavender. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties that make it very useful for treating gout. Add to that, the pleasing scent of this essential oil can foster relaxation. Without a doubt, lavender is among the favorite in the world of essential oils for gout.
7. Tea Tree
This essential oil for gout has different uses making it a must-have in your household. It is known to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties which are both helpful in the treatment of gouty arthritis. Moreover, tea tree essential oil can help desensitize swollen nerving endings for pain relief.
How to Apply Essential Oils For Quick Results
There are many ways of using essential oils for gout relief.
2. Massage
If the affected joint is not swollen, you can gently massage the essential oils. You can concoct your own blend or recipe of essential oils. Some of the most common combinations include lavender, rosemary and peppermint. You can do massage 3 times a day for faster pain relief.
3. Foot Bath
Lastly, you can soak the affected joint into a basin with your chosen essential oils for gout. First, soak your feet into a basin of hot water for 10 minutes then soak it into cold water for another 10 minutes. As you soak your feet, gently massage the oil into the affected joint. You can do this repeatedly for best results.
Conclusion
Lastly, while essential oils for gout and arthritis are effective, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment regimen. These natural remedies can be used as an adjunct to your treatment modalities.