Reduce Inflammation with These 4 Essential Oils
Inflammation
Essential Oils
Frankincense. Encourages circulation and helps decrease symptoms of joint or muscle pain.
Turmeric. Helps relieve inflammation in the entire body, including joints and gut.
Patchouli. Can address internal inflammation and conditions such as arthritis and gout.
Ginger. Contains zingiberene and gingerols, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Research
Frankincense has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for inflammation in the body.
Home Remedy
Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relieving Rub. Mix ½ cup of coconut or jojoba oil, 10 drops of helichrysum oil and 10 drops of lavender oil in a bottle and massage it into inflamed areas.
Background
Inflammation is your body's response to stress—whether from your diet, lifestyle or environment—that results in an inflamed or heated area. When you catch a cold, you may have inflammation in the form of a fever as your body heats up to eradicate the effects of the invading virus.
This kind of inflammation is acute and beneficial, but the modern epidemic of chronic, low-grade inflammation destroys the balance in your body. When your body's systems experience a constant inflammatory response, you become more susceptible to aging and disease. Over time, dietary and environmental toxins build up in the body, turning on the immune system and keeping it highly reactive and in an inflamed state. Other causes of inflammation include stress, leaky gut and chronic food allergies or food sensitivities. Essential oils can work together with healthy diet and lifestyle choices to reduce inflammation and help prevent disease.
Suggested Supplements
Omega-3. EPA/DHA found in fish is nature’s anti-inflammation prescription.
Proteolytic Enzymes. Enzymes (bromelain, papain and actinidin) help our bodies respond to inflammation by breaking down inflammatory proteins and toxins.
Infection
Essential Oils
Oregano. Has proven and powerful antibiotic capabilities.
Cedarwood. Defends the body against toxins; fights off bacteria in the body.
Tea Tree and Manuka. Destroys parasites and fungi.
Thyme. An antiseptic; controls infections on the skin and within the body; antibacterial.
Research
A study conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology found that cedarwood is effective in controlling both bacteria and yeasts responsible for oral infections.130
Home Remedy
Infection-Fighting Lotion. Mix 1 to 2 drops each of tea tree, cedarwood, manuka and thyme oils into a squirt of natural lotion and apply it to areas of infection or to your lymph nodes to fight internal infection. Additionally, take oregano oil internally for up to two weeks.
Background
An infection is the invasion of body tissues by disease-causing agents. These agents are able to multiply, cause a reaction in bodily tissues and produce toxins within the body. An infection can lead to countless symptoms, from a sore throat and fever to far more serious and sometimes fatal complications. Worldwide, infectious diseases are the leading cause of death of children and adolescents, and one of the leading causes in adults. Infections are caused by germs such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Many of the constituents in essential oils have been proven to fight these germs and help you recover from or possibly evade infection
Suggested Supplements
Elderberry. Fights infections, including influenza, herpes, viral infections and bacterial infections.
Echinacea. Evidence suggests that phytochemicals in echinacea have the capacity to reduce viral infections.
