Recently, the use of aromatherapy in general and specifically essential oils has been on the rise. Not only does the scent help soothe the user’s mind, it also has multiple positive effects in relieving physical discomfort. The use of essential oils for lupus treatment has become more popular for the same reason.
However, before actually choosing an essential oil for yourself, you must understand how aromatherapy works. There are also a wide variety of scents with multiple different effects on the body as well. Knowing what your body needs is important in order for this remedy to work effectively.
We at Autism Connecticut are happy to provide you with basic information of aromatherapy. You’ll also understand why the use of essential oils for autoimmune diseases such as lupus is praised by so many.
Let’s check it out now.
Why Aromatherapy For Lupus?
A few skeptical patients would probably think: “How can smelling a scent help with physical pain?” Well, there is science behind the way aromatherapy works on your body.
Any scent that you inhale in will stimulate your sensory receptors. Here, your sense of smell continues to send the information through to an area of the brain called the hippocampus. This is a part of the limbic system, which is in charge of your emotions and hormones
If the brain receives positive signals, such as a comforting, relaxing scent, it will revoke more benefitting emotions. Thus, different smells will trigger the brain differently.
This has been the basis for many researches on what effect a certain smell has on your body. Having the use of this information, therapists are able to create blends of scent that helps with multiple conditions at once.
For lupus, these are some of the benefits aromatherapy or essential oils may have on your condition:
- Relieve muscle pain and joint aches
- Ease of breathing
- Reduce headaches and migraines
- Help with stress and anxiety
- Better sleep and rest
- Sense of relaxation
Using Essential Oils For Autoimmune Diseases Treatment
There is still much left unknown about autoimmune diseases such as lupus. A perfect cure has yet to be found, and medications can only help reduce the symptoms. Thus, finding a sustainable treatment that doesn’t put more pressure on the patient is very important.
Compared to remedies such as massaging and acupuncture, essential oil costs considerably less. You can also give yourself this handy treatment at any time and any place. At the same time, aromatherapy is incredibly helpful for patients whose pain is too severe for them to exercise, or are suffering from mental illness because of lupus.
However, please remember that the sole use of essential oils will not be as effective as combining it with other treatments. Consult with a professional about your condition to see which combination of remedy will work best for you.
The best way to find the perfect blend of essential oils for you is also by talking to an experienced therapist. Nonetheless, you can always experiment on different scents on your own – just that some won’t work as effectively on you as they do on others.
Best Essential Oils For Lupus
1. Relieving pain
Capsaicin – a component usually found in chili peppers – is very commonly used in cream and balm because of its pain relieving effect. Applying capsicum oil topically on the skin (after being diluted) will help soothe the aching area.
Basil and ginger oil have also been proven to help reduce the sense of pain. Lavender oil, when applied on the skin, can significantly decrease the pain level as well.
Other oils with the same effect include: lemongrass, peppermint, chamomile
2. Relieving stress
Lavender essential oil also has a calming effect on the patient’s mind, which helps improve the quality of their mental well-being.
Citrus scents such as orange, bergamot or grapefruit oils are also wonderful choices for patients who wish to feel relaxed mentally.
Other oils with the same effect include: sandalwood, rose, jasmine
3. Aiding sleep
Scents such as clary sage, lavender, jasmine, chamomile will be beneficial to the patient’s sleeping and resting quality.
Therefore, essential oils will make great gifts for autoimmune patients, who suffer from pain and fatigue regularly.
How To Use Essential Oils For Lupus Effectively
- Most of the oils are toxic and you should never ingest them.
- Allergies to essential oils are more common than you think – always patch test or consult with a professional to reduce the chance of flares.
- Inhaling too much essential oils may worsen your headaches as a side effect.
- Always dilute the concentrated oil with carriers such as coconut oil or lotion before applying them to your skin. If not, they can easily cause irritation and burn.