How to Use Lavender to Treat Rheumatism

Rheumatism is an umbrella of medical issues that can affect the skin, lungs, heart, bones and joints. We commonly use the term rheumatism when we mean rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic type of joint pain. Rheumatism encompasses much more, including other forms of arthritis, tendonitis and fibromyalgia. Though conventional medications can be used to treat these symptoms, lavender and other herbal remedies may help as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Carrier oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Cedarwood essential oil
• Cotton balls
• Dried lavender flowers
• Washcloth

Lavender Massage Oil

1. Pour 1 oz. of a carrier oil into a small bowl. A carrier oil, such as peanut, almond or orange, helps get the essential oils to the body without causing skin irritation.
2. Add 1 ml of lavender essential oil to the carrier oil. You can put some cedarwood oil in the mixture as well. Stir well to combine all the oils.
3. Dip a large cotton ball into the essential oil mixture. Gently squeeze out the excess oil so you will not drip on yourself.
4. Rub a generous dab of massage oil on the area that is bothering you.

Apply a Lavender Compress to Alleviate Pain From Rheumatism

5. Brew a tea made from 1 tsp. dried lavender flowers and 1 cup of boiling water.
6. Pour the hot tea into a small bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes to avoid burning yourself.
7. Immerse a washcloth into the bowl of lavender tea. Wring out so it will not drip, and fold into a rectangle.
8. Put the warm compress on aching joints or muscles.

Ease Symptoms of Rheumatism With a Lavender Bath

9. Add up to 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers to a warm bath.
10. Allow the flowers to soften in the bath water. They will start to release their delicate scent.
11. Get into the bath and relax. The lavender will cause you to relax and you may feel less joint pain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get lavender massage oil on your clothing, apply an enzyme-based stain lifter as soon as possible. Wash your clothing in the hottest water you can use without destroying the garment. Check to see if the stain is gone before putting the clothing in the dryer.
• Do not use lavender to treat any medical disorder if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. Large doses of lavender may harm both unborn babies and young infants.