Inflammation is quite the buzzword these days and you have also probably seen a lot of blogs and recipes about the benefits of using essential oils for inflammation. I have not written an article about inflammation yet because there is more to it. The question really is how to use essential oils for inflammation. First we have to understand what is inflammation in the first place.
What is inflammation?
When your immune system is activated, inflammation happens. A lot of things can trigger this. From food allergies, bacteria or injury to infections. Even toxic emotions can cause an inflammatory response. Basically what happens is that your body sense that there is an invader and then sends blood cells to that area to kill the invaders and heal the body. There is a bit of a problem because your body struggles to differentiate between when something is really wrong and when you are just being stressed or angry. Most of us are stressed especially now during this pandemic and your body is just trying to help. The chronic inflammation can wear your immune system out though.
Some chronic inflammatory conditions are:
- Inflammation of the small intestines can result in food allergies
- Inflammation of the brain can cause dementia
- Inflammation of the kidneys can cause high blood pressure
- Inflammation of the large intestines can cause cramps and diarrhea
- Inflammation of the bronchi results in bronchitis
These normally result in redness, swelling, loss of function and pain
We also now have a runaway inflammation response where the body is attacking its own tissues which is called an auto immune response. The following conditions are examples of this:
Rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease.
What can you do about inflammation?
1. Go to your doctor
Inflammation is your body trying to tell you something because it has sense that something is out of the order. It is important to establish what that is first by visiting your doctor and getting to the root cause of the inflammation.
2. Include antioxidants in your diet
Antioxidants can combat inflammation in the body. No wonder you hear so many nutritionists recommending that we include antioxidant rich foods in our diet.
What about essential oils?
Even though there are a few essential oils that have antioxidant properties, I am on the cautious side when it comes to using essential oils to combat inflammation. You might disagree with me because there is a ton of recipes available online that all claim to help with inflammation. They are certainly helpful BUT we just don’t have enough research and evidence which particular oil to use for which specific autoimmune condition. There is also the risk of adverse drug interactions. Furthermore, when you are dealing with systemic inflammation then you might even find that you get an inflammatory response by using essential oils in the first place.
This is probably the reasons why your doctor will tell you to stay clear from using essential oils if you have an auto-immune disorder. If you do want to use essential oils discuss that with your doctor especially if you are on immunosuppressant drugs.
A lot of online advice advocate taking essential oils internally or including them in smoothies and food recipes. You absolutely have to mention that to your doctor.
Using essential oils topically and diffusing it is much safer.
If you don’t have an auto-immune disorder then you might find essential oils beneficial. How to use essential oils for inflammation is really important.
It is advisable to start with a 1 % dilution and perhaps do a skin patch test first to see if you have an adverse reaction. If you have a reaction that might spike your inflammation. Also use caution if you are asthmatic or have respiratory issues.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be very careful before they use essential oils
What oils can I use?
The following oils have anti-inflammatory properties. It is however important to understand an oil and its constituents before using it, especially for something like inflammation. Just because it is on the list does not mean it is the best oil for YOU and YOUR body.
The anti-inflammatory components are:
- 1.8 -Cineole : Cardamon, Sage, Rosemary
- Anethole : Cedarwood and Fennel
- Borneol : Lavender, Spikenard, Sage, Rosemary
- Eugenol : Black Pepper, Basil
Other anti-inflammatory oils are:
Caraway
Myrrh
Spikenard
Black pepper
Sweet Marjoram
Helichrysum
Sandalwood
A study that was done in 2010 found that these oils reduce the expression of the inflammatory enzyme COX-2 with Thyme oil reducing the levels the most – up to 75 %.
Thyme
Clove
Rose
Eucalyptus
Often the synergy between two or more essential oils makes it more effective. I use a 1 % topical dilution of Peppermint oil and Caraway oil when my digestive issues play up. Peppermint is quite stimulating though so I don’t use this blend after dinner because that will interfere with my sleep again. That is what I mean with understand the oils that you choose to use.
How do I use essential oils for inflammation?
1. Diffusing essential oils
This is an easy way to use essential oils and if your inflammation is stress related then this is a fantastic method to use. Our sense of smell has a profound effect on our central nervous system. This is also the reason why it is super important to pick an oil from the list that you found pleasant. Even though Thyme oil has been proven very effective, I would not diffuse that personally because it has such a strong aroma. I would pick something like Rose rather.
Pick an organic essential oil to use in your diffuser and remember that less is more. You only need a few drops in a diffuser. You can read more about diffusers here.
2. Apply it topically
Using essential oils topically in a massage oil or cream is a very effective method. Your skin is your largest organ and will absorb the essential oils to help reduce the inflammation. Always use essential oils diluted in a carrier oil. Carrier oil is a vegetable oil and there are a few carrier oils that is even more beneficial in dealing with inflammation like coconut and castor oil. Start with a 1% dilution and do a skin patch test first .
3. Hot compress
This is a good method to use when there is painful swelling. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on dealing with swelling and if you need to use anti-inflammatory medication. An easy mistake is to use too much essential oils in the water. Once again remember less is more. Add one or two drops of oil per 2 liters of hot water. Soak your cloth and wring it out and apply the hot compress on to the area.
4. Bathing with a cool solution
For skin inflammation such as dermatitis bathing the area with cool water with a few drops of Chamomile will be helpful. No I know personally that my dermatitis is stress related and then it can get so bad that anything that I apply just irritate my skin. Once again use a very low dilution of essential oils to water and remember that oil and water does not mix so you have to swish the water around otherwise you will have a drop of oil just laying on top of the water.
When it comes to skin conditions like dermatitis treating the root cause, which most of the time is stress, is far more effective.
The effect that stress has on our bodies can not be overlooked. There are a few lifestyle changes that you can implement to help your body cope better with the daily dose of stress.
- Making some dietary changes to include more antioxidant rich foods
- Exercise more
- Sleep better
- Living more in the moment
- Selfcare
- Focus more on your breathing
- Meditation
- Prayer
Take care of you so that you can take care of those you love
Elize
