Bunions are salt deposits caused by tonsillitis, influenza, poor metabolism, gout, rheumatic infections, improper nutrition, and uncomfortable shoes.
According to statistics, bunions occur more frequently in women, and about 36 percent of the population and have them.
Bunions most frequently affect the inner foot at the base of the big toe. However, it can also affect the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe, referred to as a tailor’s bunion or bunionette.
Typical symptoms include:
- pain when walking;
- redness and tissue swelling over the big toe joint;
- the growth of a bony lump at the side of the big toe joint;
- deformity of the big toe joint.
Risk factors for developing these conditions include:
- conditions which affect both the muscles and nerves;
- some types of arthritis, like – rheumatoid arthritis;
- foot injuries;
- feet which do not develop normally before birth;
- genetic;
- uneven weight-bearing in the foot.
Here is a list of the top 10 essential oils for bunions and bunionettes:
#1 Cypress
It is derived from steam distillation of the stems, twigs, and needles of the needle-bearing Cupressus sempervirens. This oil has been used in ancient civilizations as a natural remedy by the Chinese, followed by the Greeks, and then the Egyptians.
This essential oil contains numerous chemical components, including – delta carene, a-pinene, limonene, a-terpinene, sesquiterpene, carvone, sabinene, b-cymene, 4-terpinol, cedrol, carveol, santene, and a-thugene.
Cypress essential oil is an effective herbal remedy that can provide relief from bunion issues due to its anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation and pain.
#2 Lavender
Lavender oil is produced from the flower buds of Lavandula angustifolia and has a chemically complex structure with more than 150 active constituents. These compounds have potent antispasmodic (suppressing pain), calming, and stimulating attributes.
Individuals with this type of condition frequently report a considerable improvement in their symptoms when lavender essential oil is applied topically. Also, more recent studies have established similar results, concluding that lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory activity.
#3 Juniper Berry
This oil is extracted from Juniper (scientific name – Juniperus communis), a coniferous evergreen shrub that belongs to the pine family and is typically found on mountains and heaths in Europe, North America, and Southwest Asia.
This essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties which help shrink the size of your bunion and reduce the level of pain associated with the condition. Moreover, it helps in the removal of toxins, like uric acid, from the human body.
Both of these properties help fight conditions, such as – arthritis, rheumatism, renal calculi, and gout, that are strongly related to the accumulation of toxins in the body and improper circulation.
In addition, many aromatherapists recommend juniper berry oil as a relaxant and consider that it has a positive impact on brain chemistry.
#4 Basil
Throughout the world, basil has been used for millennia in various forms, such as – herbal tea, dried powder, or oil.
The therapeutic characteristics of basil essential oil include – antidepressant, analgesic, anti-venomous, antispasmodic, cephalic, carminative, digestive, diaphoretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, insecticide, febrifuge, stomachic, nervine, tonic, sudorific, and stimulant.
It also has anti-inflammatory attributes which reduce swelling and ease pain from bunions. Don’t forget to always dilute basil essential oil with a carrier oil, like – almond or coconut. Use a 1:1 ratio before applying topically to the affected area.
#5 Peppermint
Some of the therapeutic characteristics of this oil include – anesthetic, analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiphlogistic, carminative, astringent, cephalic, decongestant, cordial, expectorant, emmenagogue, hepatic, febrifuge, stimulant, nervine, stomachic, sudorific, and vermifuge.
Peppermint also has remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities along with an anesthetic effect, which helps in relieving the swelling and pain linked to arthritic conditions.
It is important to remember that this oil is very strong and should always be applied to the skin with a carrier oil.
#6 Lemon
Lemon essential oil is used to treat a wide spectrum of health conditions for at least 1,000 years. Due to its active plant compounds, it can help reduce inflammation levels in the body.
Lemon essential oil has a high vitamin C content that makes it an excellent enhancer of the body’s immune system. Moreover, it has been observed that lemon oil has helped improve depleted dopamine (a chemical messenger that transports signals between brain cells) levels that aid people to fight depression.
#7 Frankincense
It is one of the better-known essential oils, along with myrrh essential oil, because of its presence in the Christian biblical stories.
This essential oil contains sesquiterpenes, enabling it to go beyond the blood-brain barrier. It can also inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules linked with conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, as well as it can be useful in helping to prevent the breakdown of the cartilage tissue.
It is also very good for skin health, helping reverse signs of aging, treat dry skin, and reduce the appearance of scars.
#8 Marjoram
The oldest historical uses of Marjoram essential oils take us to the ancient Greek mythology, where it was used as a natural remedy to treat poisonous stings, muscular tension, and as a symbol of affection and love.
The main active chemical constituents of this essential oil include – a-terpinene, y-terpinene, sabinene, p-cymene, linalool, y-terpineol, terpinolene, linalyl acetate, cis-sabinene hydrate, y-terpineol, and terpinen-4-ol.
Marjoram essential oil helps regulate the pH levels in the human body, that is important to reduce inflammation levels. Also, it may help reduce pain associated with inflammation, toothaches, headaches, colds, and fevers.
In addition, just the inhalation of marjoram oil can lower blood pressure and calm the nervous system.
#9 Rosemary
It is made from the herb rosemary (botanical name – Rosmarinus officinalis) and has been shown to help lessen pain associated with arthritis since it contains chemicals with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the human body.
To use it, just combine a few drops of rosemary essential oil into 1/2 tsp of carrier oil and apply topically to the affected area up to 3 times per day.
#10 Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil has antifungal, decongestant, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. This is why Eucalyptus oil is typically used to treat runny noses, coughs, congestion, sore throats, arthritis, and a range of other conditions.
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