Base Oils
Castor Oil
Contains ricinoleic acid (anti-inflammatory)
Enhances transdermal penetration
Traditionally used for joint swelling
Benefit: May reduce localized inflammation and improve absorption of actives.
Hemp Oil
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Supports skin barrier
Mild anti-inflammatory properties
Benefit: Skin nourishment + mild inflammation support.
Arnica Oil
Contains helenalin (anti-inflammatory compound)
Commonly used for bruising, sprains, joint pain
Benefit: Can reduce swelling and soreness in arthritic joints.
Warming / Circulatory Stimulants
Cayenne (Capsaicin source)
Depletes substance P (pain neurotransmitter)
Well-documented topical analgesic effect
Benefit: Strong pain relief for arthritis; may help acute gout flare pain.
Ginger Root
Inhibits inflammatory mediators (COX & LOX pathways)
Warming circulatory stimulant
Benefit: Supports joint stiffness reduction.
Turmeric
Contains curcuminoids (anti-inflammatory)
Mild topical effect compared to oral use
Benefit: Supportive, but modest effect topically.
Cooling / Analgesic Essential Oils
Peppermint Oil
Menthol activates cold receptors
Temporary analgesic effect
Benefit: Immediate cooling relief for hot, inflamed gout joints.
Lemongrass Oil
Contains citral (anti-inflammatory + antimicrobial)
Mild analgesic
Benefit: Supportive for inflammation and circulation.
Anti-Inflammatory / Tissue Support Herbs
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)
Anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating
Yarrow
Anti-inflammatory + improves circulation
Goldenrod
Traditionally used for inflammatory conditions
Mullein
Mild anti-inflammatory, soothing
Fleabane
Historically used for rheumatic complaints
Comfrey
Contains allantoin (cell proliferation support)
Tissue repair
Mugwort
• Circulatory stimulant
Traditionally used for musculoskeletal pain
Benefit of this group:
Collectively supports inflammation reduction and tissue repair, though evidence is largely traditional/herbal rather than modern clinical.
Base Oils
Castor Oil
Contains ricinoleic acid (anti-inflammatory)
Enhances transdermal penetration
Traditionally used for joint swelling
Benefit: May reduce localized inflammation and improve absorption of actives.
Hemp Oil
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Supports skin barrier
Mild anti-inflammatory properties
Benefit: Skin nourishment + mild inflammation support.
Arnica Oil
Contains helenalin (anti-inflammatory compound)
Commonly used for bruising, sprains, joint pain
Benefit: Can reduce swelling and soreness in arthritic joints.
Warming / Circulatory Stimulants
Cayenne (Capsaicin source)
Depletes substance P (pain neurotransmitter)
Well-documented topical analgesic effect
Benefit: Strong pain relief for arthritis; may help acute gout flare pain.
Ginger Root
Inhibits inflammatory mediators (COX & LOX pathways)
Warming circulatory stimulant
Benefit: Supports joint stiffness reduction.
Turmeric
Contains curcuminoids (anti-inflammatory)
Mild topical effect compared to oral use
Benefit: Supportive, but modest effect topically.
Cooling / Analgesic Essential Oils
Peppermint Oil
Menthol activates cold receptors
Temporary analgesic effect
Benefit: Immediate cooling relief for hot, inflamed gout joints.
Lemongrass Oil
Contains citral (anti-inflammatory + antimicrobial)
Mild analgesic
Benefit: Supportive for inflammation and circulation.
Anti-Inflammatory / Tissue Support Herbs
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)
Anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating
Yarrow
Anti-inflammatory + improves circulation
Goldenrod
Traditionally used for inflammatory conditions
Mullein
Mild anti-inflammatory, soothing
Fleabane
Historically used for rheumatic complaints
Comfrey
Contains allantoin (cell proliferation support)
Tissue repair
Mugwort
• Circulatory stimulant
Traditionally used for musculoskeletal pain
Benefit of this group:
Collectively supports inflammation reduction and tissue repair, though evidence is largely traditional/herbal rather than modern clinical.
