Inflammation occurs in your body when the immune system is activated. It can have different causes, such as an infection or a reaction to a food allergy. However, some inflammations can lead to other issues in your body.
To relieve the pain, some individuals have resorted to using essential oils. This article will examine the effectiveness of essential oils in reducing inflammation in your body.
What The Research Says
Antioxidants can reduce the harmful effects of inflammation in your body. Some researchers have also examined whether essential oils can act as antioxidants for reducing inflammation in your body.
According to a 2010 study, the following essential oils were discovered to have anti-inflammatory properties:
● Clove
● Thyme
● Fennel
The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy also lists multiple oils that could reduce inflammation, including:
● Ginger
● Patchouli
● Helichrysum
How To Use Essential Oils For Inflammation
There are multiple ways to apply essential oils to reduce your inflammation, including:
Diffusion
A diffuser will allow essential oil particles to distribute directly into the air. This will be beneficial to you if your inflammation is stress-related.
By Mouth
Although rare, specific types of essential oils can be gargled. According to researchers in a 2011 review, an essential oil mouthwash effectively reduced gum inflammation caused by gingivitis.
However, it is important to consult your doctor before trying this method. This is because essential oils are not meant to be swallowed.
Massage
You can apply diluted essential oil directly on the affected area to ease pain and swelling.
Risks and Warnings
Using an essential oil to reduce inflammation is not a first-line treatment. If you have inflammation in your body, it indicates that your body needs help.
In order to treat it, you need to go to the source. Consult your doctor to find out what’s wrong. This is important so you don’t “mask” the inflammation with essential oils without resolving the underlying medical cause.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should be cautious when using essential oils of any kind.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing persistent or unusual inflammation, consult your doctor. They can work with you to find the cause and figure out the best way to reduce the discomfort you are feeling.
In the meantime, you can use essential oils or traditional remedies for inflammation. These include taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or using heat or cold therapy to ease discomfort.
