Essential Oils have been used for centuries for treating aches and pains associated with joint ailments such as gout. Essential oils are best for treating gout pain because they break down uric acid particles that get stuck between painful points. Because we believe in all-natural, pain relief, we have put together a list of the best 7 essential oils for gout, which offer the quickest results, along with the most efficient ways to use them.
However, before using essential oils for gout, it is important to understand what gout is and what it means to have this painful condition.
What is Gout?
Gout is a kind of arthritis where minuscule particles of sodium urate get trapped and build up around the joints. Furthermore, gout is accompanied with inflammation, which makes it extremely painful. Gout generally affects the joint in the big toe but can occur in any joint of the body. Gout symptoms develop quickly, usually within 24 hours, and can last for up to 10 days. Anyone who experiences gout knows how painful it is, and that reassurances can be expected.
What Triggers Gout?
As previously mentioned, gout is caused by the build-up of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid is a natural waste product produced by the body every day. However, if the body produces too much uric acid, the kidneys become overloaded, resulting in the acid not being filtered properly from the blood. When uric acid circulates in the blood, it starts to accumulate and begins to form sodium urate crystals, which are the particles that get trapped in the joint tissues.
Sodium urate crystals have sharp edges and build up slowly over the years. You will not know of this build up until it becomes large enough to cause inflammation and pain.
Why Are Essential Oils For Gout The Best Treatment?
Essential oils for gout pain are excellent, all-natural treatments because they break down uric acid particles that get stuck in and around the joint tissue. Furthermore, essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties which are perfect for reducing the swelling and pain caused by inflammation.
The Top 7 Essential Oils For Gout Treatment and Quick Pain Relief
1. Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen essential oil has a wonderful and pleasing fragrance of a minty and woody sweetness. After mixing wintergreen essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice, your body will absorb it easily. Wintergreen essential oil is perfect for treating gout because of its quick response due to its cortisone-like impact.
Furthermore, wintergreen essential oil renders warmth and promotes good blood circulation, which are both important for relieving inflammation.
2. Lemon Grass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is stimulating and rejuvenating. It promotes good blood circulation and helps to break down uric acid crystals. Lemongrass is one of the best essential oils for gout because of this.
3. Birch Bud Essential Oil
Birch bud essential oil has excellent, anti-inflammatory compounds which are important for relieving gout pain. What also makes birch bud essential oil one of the best essential oils for gout pain is that it is an all-natural cleansing agent, which helps to break down the uric acid particles causing the pain.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is nearly 1/3 menthol, which is why it is invigorating, stimulating and soothing. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and is perfect for treating muscular and joint pain.
5. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory, healing and antiseptic oil. Furthermore, it is relaxing, refreshing and lifts the spirit. Because lavender essential oil is a favorite scent in the essential oil world, it is perfect to add to any gout-relieving blend.
6. Rosemary Essential Oil
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 anesthetizes the nerves. When mixed with a carrier oil in a massage blend, rosemary essential oil is excellent for reducing the symptoms of arthritis, stiff muscles and gout.
7. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree Essential Oil 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 blended with a carrier oil and applied topically, tea tree essential oil desensitizes inflamed nerve endings, therefore, relieving the pain of gout.
Essential Oils for Gout Recipes and Treatments with Quick Results
Hot Towel Compress:
For potent and fast pain relief, a hot towel compress is extremely effective.
Instructions:
- To get the blood flowing, soak the affected area in cold water for several minutes.
- Use a soft cloth to pat the skin dry.
- Add 3 – 6 drops of your chosen essential oil or essential oil blend to a tsp of carrier oil and massage it into the affected area.
- Soak a soft towel in hot water and wring it out. Then, place it over the affected area where you have massaged in the essential oils.
- Keep the towel lightly wrapped around the area until the heat has subsided.
- You can repeat this procedure 2 – 3 times per day, as needed.
Massage Blends With Essential Oils for Gout Pain Relief
Massage is the perfect way to use essential oils for gout pain relief.
Recipe 1:
- In a 5ml dark, glass, dropper bottle, add:
- 6 Drops lavender essential oil
- 8 Drops peppermint essential oil
- 12 Drops rosemary essential oil
- 4 tbsp of a carrier oil of your choice
Blend the mixture well and massage it into the affected areas 3 times per day.
Recipe 2:
- In a 5ml dark, glass, dropper bottle, add:
- 10 Drops lavender essential oil
- 8 Drops peppermint essential oil
- 8 Drops birch bud essential oil
- 4 tbsp of a carrier oil of your choice
Again, blend the mixture well and massage it into the affected area 3 times per day.
Tea Tree or Wintergreen Essential Oil Blend:
Blend 10 drops of tea tree essential oil or 8 drops of wintergreen essential oil to 2 tbsp of a carrier oil of your choice. Massage the blend into the affected area 3 times per day.
Foot Bath With Essential Oils For Gout Relief
Instructions:
- Blend 12 drops of any essential oils of your choice with 2 tsp milk.
- Fill up 2 basins with water; one basin with hot water and the other with cold water.
- Add the essential oils to each of the basins.
- Soak your feet in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Then, soak your feet in cold water for 10 minutes.
- As you soak your feet, gently massage the drifting oil droplets into your feet and affected areas.
- Repeat the procedure as necessary.
Precautions You Should Take When Using Essential Oils For Gout
- If you are not sure how to use essential oils for gout properly, ask for the advice of your doctor or a licensed natural health practitioner.
- If you are pregnant, suffer from hypertension or have epilepsy, you should avoid rosemary essential oil. Again, ask your doctor of any questions.
- Although reactions are rare with proper use, always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil to ensure you will not have an allergic reaction to it.
Remember Your Carrier Oils
Please remember that before using essential oils topically, they must be diluted with a carrier oil.
In conclusion, we hope that these essential oils for gout will help to relieve your inflammation and pain associated with it.
If you found this information useful, please “Like it” and share it with your friends so that they can learn how essential oils for gout can help them, as well.
*Note that this article is for informational purposes only, and for any medical condition, you should seek the advice of your doctor.
Comments (2)
Susan J Pritchard on November 25, 2019
I want to learn about essential oils
Jackie on November 25, 2019
What are some carrier oils you can Recommend to me?
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