For much of mankind's history, people have used herbal treatments to reduce pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. The bark of the Willow tree has given us 'the wonder drug' for pain reduction, which actually occurs due to a reduction of inflammation. Now, many professional therapists lay-practitioners are turning to essential oils for inflammation reduction and pain relief. Essential oils provide a very simple means of reaping the anti-inflammatory, analgesic potential of natural medicine, as all one need do is put a few drops of essential oil into a base oil and massage in for quick, sometimes long-lasting relief.
A look at the most recent research gives a long list of abstracts where scientists have validated the inflammation reducing potential of essential oils. Several plants have a long history and strong reputation for their anti-inflammatory activity. Ginger, for example, has an interesting dual-action of being both warming to an area, and have potent anti-inflammatory activity at the same time. Ginger oleoresin (an oil and resin compound) has been successfully studied for its anti-inflammatory activity. Supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of Ginger root, also with strong anti-inflammatory activity, are easily obtained by licensed practitioners and home users to include in their joint and muscle ache recipes.
Further validating the inflammation reducing power of essential oils, Japanese researchers have released a study in the January 10th Journal of Lipid Research confirming this effect in MANY essential oils. This confirms the therapeutic selections of several -- not just any single -- essential oil for reducing inflammation. The range of oils found to have anti-inflammatory activity was very broad, from thyme and clove, to rose, eucalyptus and even bergamot; many of these oils the traditional therapist would not expect to display a significant effect. Also of interest was the notable absence in the research of what are considered some of the strongest anti-inflammation essential oils, namely Lavender, Helichrysum, German Chamomile and Ginger. This of course does not deny in any way the inflammation-reducing action of these oils; instead in bolsters their potential use by noting that even oils NOT considered the foremost inflammation reducers can have dramatic effects.
The strongest inflammation-reducing activity was produced by the essential oil of Thyme, a pungent herb long used as a savory flavoring. Thyme essential oil is highly regarded for its immune system boosting and anti-viral / anti-bacterial actions. Interestingly, the study noted that all essential oils tested reduced inflammation in a manner similar to resveratrol, the long-life-enhancing component of red wine. Inflammation itself is oftentimes a symptom of a strained or challenged immune system, as well as a marker of aging. One's ability to naturally keep inflammation under control is likely to result in fewer illnesses and a slower aging process. Along these lines, it was the single natural component Carvacrol, also found in high concentrations in Oregano essential oil, that had the strongest anti-inflammatory activity of any of the single isolated compounds from any essential oil used in the study. While carvacrol by itself is actually a dangerous chemical in that it can burn our tissues, it seems to have a multitude of beneficial actions including reducing inflammation, being a strong anti-microbial agent, and boosting immune system function.
Using the anti-inflammatory action of essential oils for one's self is very simple to do. A personal massage formula can easily be created by choosing one to three of these essential oils in this category. Massage strength -- or a formula that one would use regularly on sore joints and muscles is usually found with a concentration of 2-5% essential oils in a carrier oil (like Jojoba or Almond oil). Higher concentrations are NOT better, and some oils have actually been found to be pro-inflammatory at higher strengths. An example recipe would be 1% Ginger, 1% Thyme and 3% Lavender in a base of Sweet Almond oil. A one-percent concentration is 8 drops of essential oil per fluid ounce of carrier. As there are so many inflammation-reducing oils, do a little research to find which ones might be right for you. Some are warming (ginger), some cooling (German chamomile) and enhance your active lifestyle.
Aromatherapy is not just the practice of scents, but the use of essential oils as medicine. For more, visit Synergy Essential Oils here.
