Best Essential Oils for Inflammation in 2022
Did you know that inflammation is the root of many diseases? It’s true! If you can get inflammation under control, you can actually decrease your risk of developing some major health problems. And I’m not talking about swelling or inflamed skin from a wound. Alot of people suffer from inflammation and aren’t even aware of it. And it’s often because of an unhealthy gut.
In this blog post, we will discuss the seven best essential oils for inflammation and how to use them. We’ll also talk about what causes inflammation and how to decrease it.
Stay tuned – this is going to be an informative post!
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s response to an injury, infection, or a foreign invader. It is a natural process that helps the body heal. This is called acute inflammation. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to some serious health problems. Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other degenerative diseases.
You may be experiencing some form of inflammation if you fall into one of these categories:
- Achy painful joints
- Acne
- ADD or ADHD
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Any condition that ends with “itis”
- Asthma
- Autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, lupus, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Candida overgrowth
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Digestive issues like IBS, gas, bloating, or diarrhea
- Eczema
- Fibromyalgia
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Headaches
- Hormonal imbalances like PMS or PCOS
- Mood swings
- Rosacea
- Sinus Infections
- Strong sugar cravings
And many, many more!
What Causes Inflammation?
This constant on-the-go mentality and high levels of stress we experience have caused us to become sick with ailments that never used to be common. People never had piles of work to complete or had to work around the clock. Food used to actually be food and not this processed stuff created in a lab.
Common causes of inflammation:
- Diet high in processed foods and sugar
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- GMOs
- Toxins found in pesticides
- Toxins found in cleaning products
- Additives and preservatives in foods
- High alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Eating foods we’re allergic too
- NSAIDs
- Antibiotics
- Dehydration
And more!
Now that we know what inflammation is and what causes it, how does it contribute to illness and sickness we experience today? It all has to do with the gut. Inflammation has a negative effect on the gut and the health of our gut affects our overall health.
Inflammation and the Gut
Your gut microbiome is the place where food is digested, metabolized, and absorbed. It includes the stomach, small and large intestine, colon, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. Billions of live bacteria, over 35,000 different strains, make your gut their home.
Our gut is lined which allows food particles, pathogens, and other toxins to travel through and out of our system. When the lining is compromised or inflamed, the wall becomes more permeable and can allow these food particles, pathogens, and other toxins to “leak” back into the body. The body’s immune system senses these as foreign invaders and inflammation is the first response.
We lose the ability to absorb nutrients our body needs.
Overtime, exposure to all the causes of inflammation above, causes chronic inflammation. The gut becomes impaired from the leaks and inflammation that the body responds with more inflammation, allergic reactions to food, and other diseases.
Controlling inflammation also means looking at gut health.
Best Essential Oils for Inflammation
In looking at the best essential oils for inflammation, we must consider all the symptoms and how best to alleviate them. Reducing stress and focusing on healthy digestion are great ways to look at this.
Best essential oils to use for stress in reducing inflammation
The key to our resilience and tolerance for stress is found in the adrenal glands. To keep them healthy, try minimizing everyday hassles that can drain these important organs of their energy. Take time out each day even if it’s just five minutes with yourself and use these essential oils!
- Cinnamon Bark– This sweet woody and spicy oil is often used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety. It can also help promote energy.
- Galbanum– This essential oil can help the root chakra as it can center and ground you, making you more in the present moment. It’s also useful in strengthening the adrenal glands.
- Helichrysum– Can help ease any stress and depression
- Manuka– If you have a sensitive nervous system, this oil can help you relieve stress and anxiety
- Rosemary– Can help ease stress and exhaustion
- Thyme– This is a very calming
- Lavender– The most popular essential oil for promoting a stress-free environment.
Best essential oils for inflammation in the gut
The best way to control inflammation is by looking at the health of the gut!
- Clove. Helps stimulate the immune system and promote healthy digestion. It helps kill the harmful bacteria that cause gut issues in the first place.
- Peppermint. Peppermint is excellent at soothing the stomach and intestinal walls. It aids in improving digestion.
- Fennel. Fennel has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for gut health. It’s compounds, anethole and fenchone help soothe the gut and reduce inflammation.
- Thyme and Rose. This powerful combination helps ensure a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut.
Best Essential Oils for Inflammation
- Sandalwood. A 2017 study showed that sandalwood’s anti-inflammatory properties can be very beneficial in controlling mild and moderate inflammatory conditions.
- Frankincense. Not only anti-inflammatory, but can also relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve skin tenderness. It’s also believed that this oil can promote tissue regrowth.
- Chamomile. If you are experiencing muscle or joint pain, chamomile may help! It is easily absorbed into the skin to help reduce inflammation.
- Myrrh. This essential oil is most effective when used for inflammation relating to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- Thyme. Thyme has been found to suppress the COX2 enzyme, that triggers inflammation.
- Dill. Lowers stress levels and very relaxing.
- Ginger. Improves circulation while soothing the digestive system.
- Grapefruit. Helps relieve nerve exhaustion and stress levels
- Tarragon. Helps with anxiety and nervousness.
- Ylang ylang. Soothes the nervous system and balances emotions.
Essential Oils for Inflammation Favorite Recipes
Blend #1: Promote Healthy Digestion
Ingredients:
- 5 ml raw honey
- 5 ml carrier oil (coconut or sweet almond oil)
- 20 drops essential oils of your choice (Clove, Orange, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Lemon)
Instructions:
- Mix all oils and honey together
- Stir in 2 drops of this digestion blend into tea, water, or coffee. Or take directly
Blend #2: Inflamed Area on Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 drops dill essential oil
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops ginger essential oil
- 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 2 drops tarragon essential oil
- 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 10 ml carrier oil (fractionated coconut )
- 10 ml roller bottle
Instructions:
- Drip the essential oils in the roller bottle
- Add carrier oil
- Shake well
- Apply mixture to inflamed area and around the belly button 2 to 3 times a day
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to reduce inflammation in the body?
The fastest way to reduce inflammation in the body is by eliminating the things that are harming it most. Start limiting processed foods, dairy, soy, corn, over the counter medicines, alcohol, grains, sugar, nuts, eggs, and nightshades. I talk alot about this in my Paleo articles. Don’t worry, it’s not forever though! Take a few weeks and let your gut reset and heal. Then you can slowly reintroduce these foods back into your diet to see what triggers you inflammation.
Does apple cider vinegar help with inflammation?
Drinking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water daily can drastically help with inflammation. There’s a catch though, it has to be raw and unfiltered and contain “the mother.” This is what gives ACV it’s incredible health benefits. I have started drinking a cup every morning! It can take some time getting used to the taste, but your gut will thank you! And while apple cider vinegar will help reduce inflammation, it’s also important to consider other lifestyle changes as well. It won’t work by itself.
