Arthritis is a condition that mainly affects an individual’s joints, causing joint pain and stiffness. Arthritis can also lead to redness, swelling, and difficulties with manoeuvrability. If left untreated, the symptoms of arthritis can exacerbate and lead to further discomfort, and can leave those with arthritis feeling debilitated. That being said, many of the treatment methods used for arthritis can lead to unwanted side effects, which is why you may wish to try a natural alternative. Essential oils for arthritis can have a hugely beneficial effect due to their natural anti-inflammatory benefits, amongst a whole host of other benefits that can help to relieve arthritis pain.

10 Excellent Essential Oils for Arthritis That Really Work

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

• Great for: Reducing pain and inflammation.
• Why it helps: Peppermint oil has great anti-inflammatory benefits thanks to the presence of I-menthol. Add that to its great anti-pain benefits and you have a great oil for arthritis treatment.
• How to apply: As the oil is quite strong, it is advisable to mix it with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) before rubbing it onto your joints.

2. Rosemary Oil

• Great for: Helping to promote good circulation.
• Why it helps: Rosemary oil ranks among the essential oils for arthritis as it has an abundance of anti-pain properties, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits.
• How to apply: Dilute the rosemary oil with a carrier oil (such as olive or jojoba oil), and rub the mixture onto the arthritis stricken area.

3. Marjoram Oil

• Great for: Easing stiff, painful joints.
• Why it helps: Marjoram oil is highly beneficial in relieving joint pain with its calming and relaxing benefits. It can be used to deal with sprains, bruises, muscles spasms and stiff joints.
• How to apply: This oil can be an irritant if applied directly to broken or damaged skin, so ensure to avoid the use of it on such areas. When applied topically, directly to the affected area, it can offer relief from pain and relaxation.

4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

• Great for: Natural healing and circulatory improvement.
• Why it helps: Eucalyptus oil works to dilute blood vessels, helping to promote an increase in circulation and assist the body's natural healing process.
• How to apply: Eucalyptus is the active ingredient in many cough medicines and throat drops, the oil can be applied directly to the affected area for arthritis relief.

5. Lavender Essential Oil

• Great for: Reducing dull aches and pains.
• Why it helps: Lavender is one of the great essential oils for arthritis treatment as it helps to promote circulation and the healthy flow of oxygen to muscles and joints, as well as encompassing many relaxing properties.
• How to apply: Mix around 5 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil to some warm olive oil, and then massage the mixture onto the affected area. Alternatively, add 5 drops to your bath tub for full body relief.

6. Basil Oil

• Great for: Relieving pain.
• Why it helps: Basil has many natural anti-inflammatory and anti-sceptic benefits making it useful in arthritis treatment.
• How to apply: When applied tropically, in high enough concentrations, basil oil has a similar effect to medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

7. Cayenne Pepper Oil

• Great for: Relieving throbbing and muscle/joint pain.
• Why it helps: Cayenne pepper oil helps to relieve arthritis pain by nullifying the effect of a neurotransmitter known as compound P.
• How to apply: Apply directly to affected area. Some users may experience a burning sensation when using cayenne pepper oil for the first time, which will usually reduce and subside after numerous applications.

8. Menthol Oil

• Great for: Lessening inflamed joints and muscles.
• Why it helps: As a compound from other mint oils, menthol oil has natural aesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and counterirritant properties.
• How to apply: Menthol oilis often mixed with other essential oils for arthritis treatment, such as eucalyptus, to provide relief from arthritis pain. The mixture can be massaged onto the affected area to assist with pain management.

9. Chamomile Oil

• Great for: Stimulating healthy circulation and detoxifying the blood.
• Why it helps: Both the German and the Roman chamomile plant have great anti-phlogistic and anti-rheumatic properties, meaning it helps to detoxify the blood and promote circulation.
• How to apply: Massage the oil onto the affected area to help alleviate arthritis pain. The oil can also be infused with warm water in a bath tub to provide full body relief.

10. Birch Essential Oil

• Great for: Reducing muscle, joint, and bone discomfort.
• Why it helps: Birch oil is highly effective in treating arthritis due to its abundance of natural health benefits. Including anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, disinfectant, diuretic and astringent properties. The salicylic acid and methyl salicylate found within birch essential oil both work to reduce discomfort in the joints, muscles, and bones, which is why birch oil is thought to be one of the best essential oils for arthritis treatment.
• How to apply: It is best to dilute birch oil before applying it to the skin as direct contact can cause irritation. Mixing birch oil with a carrier oil and massaging the mixture onto the affected area will help to provide relief from arthritis pain. The oil can also be mixed with other essential oils, making the formulation stronger and more effective.