Some people who use essential oils claim that they’re helpful for reducing inflammation in the body. Diffusing essential oils or using them in massage may help manage inflammation.
You should contact a doctor if you have concerns about inflammation, as you may need medical treatments for the underlying cause. You can also discuss with your doctor whether essential oils can help alleviate symptoms, and what kinds of essential oils they recommend.
Read on to learn more about whether essential oils can help with inflammation. This article also discusses how to use essential oils and the possible risks.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Antioxidants can reduce the harmful effects of inflammation in the body. This may be why you hear a lot about the importance of eating antioxidant-rich food to keep you healthy.
Some researchers have also looked at whether essential oils can be used as antioxidants to help reduce inflammation. Although research is limited, there’s some evidence to suggest that essential oils may help.
A 2023 study examined essential oils extracted from C. japonica and C. maxima. It found that they had high anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, the constituent α-terpineol could offer protection against inflammation.
A 2024 study found that cumin essential oil may help treat inflammation. However, the study also noted that there needs to be more research to better understand the possible health benefits of cumin essential oil.
In a 2021 study, researchers looked at the anti-inflammatory properties of Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oil. They found that it could be beneficial in helping to treat inflammation related to conditions such as muscular dystrophy and rheumatoid arthritis. However, more research is necessary.
The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy also lists many oils that may reduce inflammation, including:
- Roman chamomile
- ginger
- helichrysum
- patchouli
If you wish to include essential oils in your treatment plan to help manage inflammation, it’s best to first contact a doctor for advice. They may be able to recommend specific essential oils based on your condition or symptoms.
Learn about over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
There are a few different ways that you can use essential oils for inflammation.
Diffusing essential oils
You can buy an essential oil diffuser online or even at stores such as Wal-Mart or CVS. A diffuser allows essential oil particles to disperse directly into the air.
Inhaling the scent
Massaging with essential oils
You can apply diluted essential oil directly to the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain. It is important to
You can add 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba, to every 10 to 15 drops of essential oil.
Before application, do a skin patch test. This is generally done on the inside of the arm. It will allow you to determine whether your skin is going to react poorly. If there’s no irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use.
Learn more about using carrier oils.
Do not ingest essential oils
Essential oils can be poisonous if you ingest them. It’s important to not swallow essential oils or put them in your mouth.
It’s also possible for essential oils to contain other ingredients that may be toxic.
Always keep them away from pets and children.
Using an essential oil to ease inflammation is not a first-line treatment. If you have inflammation in your body, it may also be part of the healing process, so it’s best to get an accurate diagnosis.
To really treat your body’s inflammation, you have to go to the source. Consult your doctor to help identify the underlying cause.
A 2022 study found that long-term exposure to essential oils for more than 1 hour per day can cause problems with the heart and lungs. This means that regularly diffusing essential oils in the home could cause additional health problems.
The American Lung Association also points out that many studies about the benefits of essential oils do not focus on individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. This means that, even if essential oils help manage inflammation, they could worsen existing conditions.
In some cases, if you’re sensitive to a certain essential oil or have an allergic reaction, you may make your inflammation worse.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should exercise caution when using essential oils of any kind.
Learn more about the safety and risks of essential oils.
You may choose to diffuse essential oils or use them for massage to help manage inflammation. Some studies suggest that some types of essential oil may offer anti-inflammatory properties.
However, if you’re experiencing persistent inflammation, you should consult your doctor. They can work with you to determine the cause and figure out how to best ease any discomfort that you may be experiencing. This may involve directly treating the underlying condition.
Essential oils may also not be safe for everybody. For example, some research suggests that regularly diffusing essential oils in the home can negatively affect the heart and lungs, which may be particularly dangerous for people with conditions such as asthma or COPD.
Never ingest essential oils. They can be poisonous, and they may contain other toxic ingredients.