Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is anautoimmune diseasewhere the immune system mistakes its own cells as foreign and therefore attacks them.
This causes inflammation and issues with communication pathways between the body and the brain, leading to symptoms.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Support for the use of essential oils for chronic disease is mainly from anecdotal evidence.
Using essential oils with traditional therapies may help relieve symptoms of MS.
However, the clinical evidence is scarce.
Health Benefits
Thelimbic systemis the area of the brain responsible for behavioral and emotional responses.
When a person inhales essential oils, it activates certain parts of the limbic system.
This is thought to be the reason behind the positive health benefits of aromatherapy.
It’s important to speak to your doctor prior to starting essential oils for your MS symptoms.
Dosage and Preparation
There is no specific guideline for the dosage or preparation of essential oils.
The essential oil is usually very concentrated so it is put in water or another oil.
Maximum dilution of 10 percent is 60 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil.
A good rule of thumb is to dilute the oil with a carrier oil by at least 2.5 percent.
Essential oils are also not regulated by the FDA, so they are not required to meet purity standards.
When researching companies, pay attention to the extraction process.
If there are any other ingredients, the oil is diluted.
Essential oils should also be packaged in dark bottles and kept out of sunlight.
Before starting to use any essential oils, speak to your doctor.
If they give you the go-ahead, you may be able to find some relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are various ways you’re free to use aromatherapy for MS symptoms.
Alpinia zerumbet, otherwise known as shell ginger, may be useful to help with spasticity in MS patients.
However, the research done on the oil and spasticity was for muscle tightness sparked by a stroke.
Essential oils that hold a membership with the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy are generally considered the best.
2015;81:SL5C_04.
doi:10.1055/s-0035-1565356
Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H.Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalisL.)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Aromatherapy.
