Trouble with Arthritis?? Part 1

Since going back to school for Natural Health I have learned what herbs and essential oils are great for helping with those aches and pains of the joints.

There are two types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of the cartilage that forms a cushion between the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is where your own body attacks your own immune system which in return attacks the joints. The follow are many different ways to help improve or become aware of fighting off arthritis.

Herb 101(www.achs.edu) for helping Arthritis:

• Follow an Alkalizing Diet
• Use Alfalfa, celery, nettle infusions
• Take cayenne capsules
• Get regular exercise

Here is how to make an Infusion: 

1-oz dried herbs

1-pt purified water 

Place your herbs into a ceramic or glass teapot. Bring to a boil. DO NOT use an aluminum pot. An electric kettle or kettle on the stove is fine. Turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb. Cover the pot and let steep for 10-20 minutes. Strain the tea in a non-aluminum strainer and then drink. Store for no more that 24 hours in the refrigerator. 

Aroma 101(www.achs.edu): Essential oils and their Theraputic Properties

~~~ Always do a skin patch test before using any oils listed as possible irritants or sensitizers( such as asthma, allergies, or rashes). Any reaction, such as redness, blisters, or itching indicates irritation. If this occurs dilute the oil or choose a different oil.~~~

• Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic, so this helps relieve the inflammation.  This is great to add to a bath with Epsom salt and 2-3 drops of Chamomile. You can also add a few drops to lotion to rub into your joints that are causing you pain.
• Eucalyptus: Anti-rheumatic, helps with pain and stiffness caused by rheumatism. Add 5 drops to 1-oz base oil to massage the area or apply a hot and cold compress.
• Ginger: Analgesic, which helps to relieve pain. Add 3 drops to 1 tsp sunflower oil and apply directly to the area, or use a cold compress.
• Juniper: Analgesic-rheumatism, Add 3 drops to 1oz cold pressed peanut oil and rub into the area as frequent as needed.
• Pine: Anelgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic. Prepare a cold compress and use 1-3 drops in 1/2oz of peanut oil and massage the area.
• Rosemary: Anelgesic, apply dirrectly to the skin, hot/cold compress, hot bath, or massage directly into the skin with oil.
• Tea Tree: Rheumatism and analgesic, helping relieve pain when applied topically.

* The rosemary, and tea tree essential oils are highly antimicrobial which helps destroy infectious organisms*

Carrier oils:

Peanut oil: Helps with arthritic or rheumatic conditions

Sesame oil: Top-quality lubricant for rheumatic conditions and it's a natural skin cleanser.
* Peanut oil and Sesame oil are two of the best oils for arthritis*


If you are looking for high grade essential oils for a decent price check out http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com or www.rockymountainoils.com.  For those of you who have used Young Living Essentail Oils I would say these two sites are just as good if not better quality for a much better price.