Hand & Foot Salt Soak – For Rheumatic and Arthritic Inflammation and Pain

In the past, the term rheumatism was used to refer to any muscular or joint condition that included symptoms of inflammation and pain around the joints. In today’s modern terminology it refers to rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis simply means joint inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself, in this case the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and muscle fatigue.

Over time, the wear and tear on our joints can damage the cartilage tissue that protects and cushions the joints. Without this protection, bone rubs on bone, making movement painful, and causing the area to become inflamed. This is why often, arthritis sufferers will describe a warming sensation emanating from the joints affected. If the inflammation is left untreated, it will cause further breakdown of the cartilage.  The synovial fluid, the lubricating fluid around the joint which is supposed to help the joint move smoothly, will also become inflamed and thicken, causing more fluid to be produced,  resulting in swelling and possibly increasing the pain.

As there is no known cure for arthritis, treatment is directed at reducing the inflammation, providing pain relief, and reducing any edema and swelling present.

What does Joint Joy do?

Three essential oils are used in this blend – Black Pepper, Pine, and Coriander. With caryophyllene and limonene being just two of it’s many chemical constituents, Black Pepper has long been known for it’s anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. Pine and Coriander are both anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and warming.

A salt soak is used because of the importance of sodium, magnesium, and other minerals contained in salt. These help regulate body fluids and blood pressure. Sodium assists with nerve signaling, keeping nerves and muscles running smoothly.

Safety / Precautions

Black Pepper essential oil is considered a hot oil which may cause irritation and skin sensitivity. Although not typically recommended for baths, the very low overall dilution rate (1%) of this blend should alleviate this possibility. Coriander and Pine essential oils are considered non-toxic, non-irritating. Pine is considered one of the safest oils to use in aromatherapy.

Ingredients:

2 ounces / ¼ cup bath salts
2  drops  Black Pepper Essential oil  (Base note)
4  drops  Pine Essential oil  (Middle note)
6  drops  Coriander Essential oil (Top note)
¼ teaspoon carrier oil of your choice

Blending

Step 1
Put the ¼ tsp. carrier oil into a small bowl, then add the essential oils to the carrier oil. First start by adding 2 drops of Black Pepper, then 4 drops of Pine and lastly 6 drops of Coriander. Stir in mixture with a glass rod to blend.

Step 2
Put the bath salts into a small plastic tub, then add the oil to the salts. Cover with a lid and shake your mixture together. Make sure to label it and put the date you made it as well.

Instructions for Use

Pour enough warm water into a small foot tub to cover hands up to the wrist, or to cover feet up to the ankles.   Add 1-2 tablespoons of salts. Swish around to thoroughly mix and dissolve the salts. Soak 10-15 minutes one to two times daily, as needed. Apply moisturizer after drying.

Additional Notes

This blend can be made into a hand lotion instead. Substitute the bath salts with 2 ounces of carrier oil, such as Grapeseed, Sweet Almond, or Coconut oil. Grapeseed oil helps with circulation, particularly of the lower extremities.