What are the essential oils for cellulitis?
Introduction
When people come down with an illness or infection nowadays, usually doctors will prescribe prescription drugs, antibiotics, or medications made in a lab.
Don’t get us wrong, these treatments absolutely do work, and the breakthroughs in modern science and medicine over the last couple of decades have been nothing short of miraculous.
We must remember, however, that there are also natural options available.
For centuries upon centuries, people have used essential oils for medicinal purposes, to treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments.
To this day, in fact, many alternative healing practices still incorporate essential oils into their treatment plans.
Lately, more and more research has been conducted into the effectiveness of essential oils on cellulitis.
Cellulitis, which can be a very serious medical condition, responds well to certain essential oils, which is what we’re going to be covering today.
If you’re thinking of using essential oil for cellulitis, here are 5 essential oils proven to work.
Firstly, what is cellulitis?
We’re going to look at using essential oil for cellulitis a little later on.
First, however, we need to ensure that we understand exactly what cellulitis is.
Cellulitis is a very serious, and, sadly, quite common bacterial infection that affects the skin.
The infection occurs in deeper layers of the skin, so it is not just an external skin condition like, say, eczema, for example.
Caused by a strain of bacteria belonging to the staphylococcus or streptococcus groups, these bacteria, if they manage to enter the body through deeper layers of the skin, such as through bites, scratches, cuts, or similar injuries, can make you very sick.
Cellulitis can also be caused by a weak immune system, obesity, fungal infections, genetics, lymphedema, or other skin conditions or irritations.
One reason why cellulitis is so serious is that the infection can set in very quickly, and, if not treated quickly, can become progressively more aggressive very quickly and can spread easily.
Even mild cellulitis infections can be dangerous, though these are usually local to just one area, and can cause mild swelling and/or irritation to the skin.
In more severe cases, however, cellulitis can spread, and the infection can become more aggressive and can even cause sepsis.
Sepsis is an extreme response from the body to infection and can be fatal.
Basically, sepsis sets in when an already existing infection triggers a series of chain reactions in the body that can be fatal if not treated quickly and effectively.
Which parts of the body does cellulitis affect?
Cellulitis is an infection that can affect any part of the body.
Most commonly, however, it affects the legs, particularly the skin on the lower leg, though the other extremities may also be affected.
Often, cellulitis sets in when bacteria which are already present on the skin, find their way into the body.
This can then trigger all manner of different types of infection, including cellulitis.
Sometimes cellulitis will clear up on its own, whereas in other instances, it will need to be treated with antibiotics, topical ointments, or more natural remedies like essential oils.
As we’re looking at essential oil for cellulitis today, this should come as no real surprise.
What are the main symptoms of cellulitis?
By now, you’ve probably realized that cellulitis is not a nice condition to suffer from, but what you may not know yet, is exactly what it is that makes this particular infection so nasty.
To help highlight why cellulitis is such a dangerous condition to suffer from, here’s a look at some of the main symptoms:
- Inflammation of the skin
- Itchy skin
- Tenderness of the skin around the affected area
- Spots, blemishes, and/or rashes on the skin
- Pain and discomfort
- Lack of mobility
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Chills
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
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5 Essential Oils for Cellulitis
As beneficial as modern medicine can be, sometimes the drugs and medicines themselves cause pretty nasty side effects, so more traditional and holistic solutions may be sought out instead.
Essential oils are renowned for their soothing, healing, and medicinal properties, so here’s a look at 5 essential oils for treating cellulitis at home.
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Oregano essential oil
Oregano isn’t just a tasty herb used to season Italian food, it’s also a herb packed full of natural goodness.
Oregano oil is packed full of antibacterial properties that have been found to help neutralize the staphylococcus bacterial strain responsible for causing cellulitis.
The oil also promotes healing and can help wounds to heal quicker.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is loaded full of antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat cellulitis and ease the symptoms.
Tea tree oil can also reduce pain and swelling in the skin caused by infection.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil isn’t just useful for relaxing and smelling nice, it’s also ideal for treating skin conditions such as cellulitis.
Lavender essential oil is loaded full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients that ease the symptoms of cellulitis, while also helping to speed up wound healing.
Juniper essential oil
Juniper berries may be commonly used for making gin, but they’re also rich in plant-based compounds that help to treat infections and soothe irritated skin.
Geranium essential oil
Geranium essential oil is another very effective oil when it comes to the treatment of cellulitis and other skin infections and ailments.
When combined with a carrier oil and massaged onto the skin, geranium oil can reduce swelling, clear up painful rashes, speed up wound healing, and even help to draw toxins out of the affected area.
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