Everyone suffers from common aches and pains, sore bodies, and stiff joints at some point in their lives. This can be caused by any number of reasons from being sick, lifting something too heavy or engaging in too much activity, to living a sedentary lifestyle. Sometimes, however, your aches and pains might be a sign of something more serious than the occasional soreness. If you are feeling pain and stiffness in your joints, you could be suffering from arthritis.

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is characterized by degeneration of cartilage in your joints causing a feeling of stiffness and pain. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common and well-known types include:

1. This affects any of the joints in your body by causing pain and stiffness that gradually worsens over time.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis causes pain and stiffness, as well as swelling and inflammation. RA also usually occurs in the same joints on the left and right sides of your body and often occurs in hands, knees and wrists.

 Arthritis causes more pain and stiffness in the morning after a long night sleep and also after a long period of resting. Using a natural holistic approach with pure oils, such as turmeric essential oil, aids in decreasing these symptoms.

WHAT CAUSES ARTHRITIS?

A common misconception is that arthritis is something that happens only with aging, but there are other causes of arthritis too. Primary Osteoarthritis is generally caused by aging. This is where cartilage, the cushion between your bone connections, degenerates through years of use.  The loss of this tissue becomes more painful over time.

Secondary Osteoarthritis (SO), is not caused by aging. Diseases and conditions that cause secondary osteoarthritis include

1. Increasing weight increases stress on joints. Obesity is a big risk factor for secondary osteoarthritis. The knees are especially affected.
2. Trauma to joints. This often happens while playing sports. A tennis player might get secondary osteoarthritis in their elbow joints, bikers or soccer players in their knee joints. Injuries and accidents can also cause Joint trauma and lead to secondary osteoarthritis.
3. Congenital birth abnormalities. Occurring in joints, such as hips, they can lead to arthritis early in life due to early degeneration from the malformation of joints and unusual mechanical wear.
4. Gout causes deposits of uric acid crystals to build up in the cartilage which degenerates the tissue.
5. Diabetes and other types of hormone disorders also cause early degeneration of cartilage.

Sometimes the cause of arthritis is unknown. Anyone feeling arthritic pain in their joints should discuss it with their doctors to determine what tests and treatments are right for you. Adding organic essential oils to your wellness routine could provide a holistic approach to your arthritic care.

TURMERIC ESSENTIAL OIL COULD HELP WITH ARTHRITIS INFLAMMATION

All-natural turmeric essential oil, steam distilled from the turmeric root (it's part of the Ginger family) could be useful in your arthritic treatment routines. Curcumin is the active agent in turmeric, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In addition, Turmeric is high in vitamins and minerals (especially Vitamin C.)

Used in traditional Asian medicine, it is thought that Turmeric helps reduce pain and inflammation, the two most common symptoms of arthritis.  Use it both for aromatherapy (inhale) and topically (put about 10-15 drops in an ounce of your cream, oil or gel.)

A recent study out of Japan showed the relationship with interleukin (IL) 6, the inflammatory cytokine involved in the Rheumatoid Arthritis process, and curcumin was important. It significantly reduced the inflammatory markers. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=25159739)

In the U.K., Cardiff University scientists found that Frankincense could inhibit the production of key inflammatory molecules, helping prevent the breakdown of the cartilage tissue that causes arthritic conditions. (ScienceDaily August 4, 2011.)  We recommend mixing Turmeric and Frankincense essential oil - 6 drops of each in 1 ounce of an organic oil, gel or organic cream, and rub topically on hands, joints or affected areas daily. Rubbing the essential oil (mixed with a cream, oil or gel) on affected areas could help control some inflammation and provide some pain relief.

DO YOU NEED TURMERIC AND/OR FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL?

If you do not have therapeutic-grade Turmeric and Frankincense essential oils, you can buy one and get 30% off here on the Sublimenaturals webstore, or get 10% off your entire order on Amazon  (with code 2ORZ9QR6) or 15% off with purchase of 3 items - see the Amazon page for codes.   Our essential oils are GC/MS tested for purity and are therapeutic-grade.    

OTHER THINGS TURMERIC DOES

Essential oils are multi-taskers! You should know that both essential oils are anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal.  Both are good for grounding of spirit and balance, and both can be used on a cut or scrape to help heal and purify. Frankincense is a favorite to diffuse for a tranquil environment.

• Turmeric is great for a soothing massage, helpful for fatigue or a post-viral recovery. Just mix some drops in your favorite oil and massage on.

• Turmeric can stimulate the immune system, helping to flush toxins and stimulating blood circulation and purification.

• Turmeric can help alleviate IBS. Blend in an oil and massage on the tummy. You can also blend a drop of Peppermint in, or alternate the two.

• Turmeric is a stimulant for the liver, and could help with sluggish digestion, congestion or cleansing - but use in moderation and for short periods (like 3 days in a row.)