After a strenuous workout, the body builder’s temporary pain may give him a great sense of achievement. But most times, inflammatory conditions such as pain and swelling, impact our quality of life. Because of the many side effects of steroid-based medication, many people are turning to dietary supplements and natural herbal remedies for the relief of pain and inflammation. Dealing with inflammation successfully often requires a holistic approach that involves lifestyle and dietary changes, adequate sleep, reduced stress as well as a sufficient intake of clean water daily. Adding essential oils that work like steroid-based medication to your daily health regime can help relieve discomfort and pain. They also have very few side effects if used correctly. Before we look at the best essential oils for the job, we have to understand what inflammation is.
What causes inflammation in the body
Inflammation is the body’s way to help protect and heal itself from infection or after an injury. The immune system acts by sending squadrons of white blood cells to the affected area through increased blood flow in order to fight infection and heal the injured tissue. The result is that you may experience pain, swelling, heat, redness, and an array of other symptoms like headaches, nausea, and rashes.
There are two types of inflammation namely chronic and acute conditions. Acute inflammation is often a result of injury or illness and is temporary. Chronic inflammation often points to an underlying condition of which the root cause may not be so easy to pinpoint.
Inflammatory triggers include:
- Prolonged Stress
- Radiation exposure
- Injury
- Trauma
- Infection
- Allergic immune repose
- Arachidonic acid (Omega 6)
Side effects of steroid-based medication
Steroid drugs like Prednisone are usually prescribed to treat a whole array of inflammatory conditions. Although steroid-based medication offers relief, it is the long-term use and side effects that are a cause for concern. According to a 2010 study, the most commonly known side effects include:
| Increased risk of infection |
| Dermatitis |
| Fluid retention edema |
| Fat deposits in the face, chest, upper back, and stomach |
| Mood change |
| Hypertension |
| Cushingoid-like state |
| Stomach ulcers |
| Osteoporosis |
| Impaired wound healing |
| Increased appetite |
| Weight gain |
| Worsening of previously acquired medical conditions |
| Depression |
| Hyperglycemia |
| Adrenal suppression and crisis |
| Cataracts |
These essential oils work like a steroid-based medication.
Based on the lengthy list of side effects of steroidal and NSAID medications, many people are turning to essential oils that work like steroid-based medication. Even so, knowledge and careful use of essential oils are necessary. Not all essential oils are equal. Many are polluted with contaminants and also contain synthetic aromas. It is crucial, therefore, to do adequate research on various essential oil brands with regards to the processes of production they follow and purity. Working with a holistic practitioner with knowledge of essential oils and natural healing methodologies is very important when treating chronic inflammation in order to first establish the root cause. This is also true if you are already using chronic medication already or want to take it orally.
Essential oils that work like steroid-based medication have either analgesic, anti-rheumatic or anti-inflammatory qualities that help relieve inflammation. They are usually applied topically with a carrier oil as a base or diffused. Taking essential oils in oral form is generally not advised. There are only a few good-quality brands that produce essential oils for ingestion.
Frankincense (Boswellia serrata resin) essential oil
Frankincense is the gum resin of a species of tree called Boswellia which grows in parts of India, Somalia, and Arabia. The resin has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic qualities making it an excellent natural remedy. A 2003 study show that Frankincense significantly improved arthritis in the knee after just 8 weeks of treatment. In a 2016 study extracts from Boswellia Serrata and Boswellia Carterii were found to reduce inflammatory conditions associated with rheumatism.
We choose
Zongle USDA Certified Organic Frankincense Essential Oil
Safe to Ingest, Boswellia Serrata, 1 OZ
Curcumin (Turmeric) essential oil
Curcumin is a yellow pigment found in the Turmeric plant. This spice has long been used in natural medicine for its anti-inflammatory abilities, for treating digestive disorders, and for the healing of wounds. Other suggested uses include the treatment of cancer, colitis, arthritis, and neurodegenerative conditions. People on blood-thinning medication or who take nonsteroidal drugs should avoid adding curcumin to their regime.
We choose
doTERRA Turmeric Essential Oil
15 mL
Rocky Mountain Oils Organic Turmeric Essential Oil
100% Pure Essential Oil | 15 ml
Plant Therapy Organic Turmeric CO2 Essential Oil
USDA Certified | 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade
10 mL (1/3 oz)
Last thoughts on essential oils that work like steroid-based medication.
When taking essential oils that work like steroid-based medication, make sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully. Do not take oil for topical use, internally. Most essential oils on the market are not for digestion. Always dilute the oils with a carrier such as a jojoba, sweet almond, or fractioned coconut oil for topical use. Essential oils can be very beneficial in the management of inflammation when used correctly when compared to the many side effects of traditional steroid medication.
Others enjoyed these articles too:
Which essential oils work like Minoxidil for treating hair loss?
Which essential oils are bad for birds?
Which essential oils contain vitamin C?
What are the symptoms of essential oil toxicity?
5 Essential oils that break rubber bands for hair.
Cautionary Note and Disclaimer: Sunny Life Mag is a digital magazine for entertainment. The articles published are not here to diagnose or treat any health or medical conditions. Not any of these statements have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The content of the articles and the products recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health issue. The intention is also not to imply that essential oils heal or cure. Please consult a medical practitioner knowledgeable in using essential oils as a natural remedy.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links that appear on this site are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase. These commissions help to improve this site and to fund further research. The buyer does not pay any commission whatsoever but is an arrangement between the supplier and this site. Our selection of products is carefully curated and includes only those products we believe in.
