Cellulitis disease is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues. It appears and spreads underneath the skin surface. Cellulitis results in redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. [1]
Some essential oils for cellulitis may reduce the symptoms to a great extent. Much scientific research proves the efficacy of these natural remedies for cellulitis.
It can occur anywhere on your body or face; the skin on the lower legs gets affected in most cases. [2]
There are two types of bacteria responsible for the appearance of cellulitis. They are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. But, many other types of bacteria can cause cellulitis too. [3]
There are two most common areas where cellulitis appears. One is in the skin near ulcers; the other is surgical wounds. The bacteria enter through cuts and breaks in the skin. [4]
Read on to learn the uses and benefits of certain essential oils for cellulitis, plus the causes and symptoms of the bacterial disorder.
Essential Oils for Cellulitis Natural Cures: How Effective?
Doctors usually give antibiotics to cure cellulitis. But there can be adverse effects on the health of antibiotics. The most severe effect of antibiotics is on gut health. This is because antibiotics hurt the composition of the microbes that live in the gut.
The stomach serves as the second brain. 80 percent of the immune system is in the gut. This is a crucial matter. [10]
Excessive use of antibiotics can also lead to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant super bacteria. Such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This is one potential cause of cellulitis.
Almost 2 million of the American population suffer from antibiotic-resistant infections every year. At least 23,000 of them die from their ailment [11]. The scary part is that the numbers are rising every year. Before taking an antibiotic treatment, it is best to try natural home remedies first. Natural remedies with essential oils for cellulitis are safe. It will not put the patient at risk of severe side effects.
Home Remedies Using Essential Oils for Cellulitis
Cellulitis is mild in most cases. They usually tend to resolve within several days or a couple of weeks. However, sometimes it can progress to a more severe infection or other health problems.
If cellulitis remains untreated, it may be fatal. [12] These essential oils may help eliminate cellulitis with the least side effects.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil has excellent anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is no surprise that it can help in the treatment of cellulitis. Tea tree oil is quite effective against a variety of microbes. It may fight the bacterial infection causing cellulitis. [13]
The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree essential oil can reduce swelling and redness.
How to use tea tree oil for cellulitis:
Take 3-4 drops of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
Coconut oil for cellulitis is in itself a good remedy. Mix them and apply the mixture to the affected area. Leave it on for at least 1 to 2 hours. Then, wash it off with regular water.
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2. Oregano Oil
Oregano essential oil possesses impressive antibacterial properties. These properties may help the patient to get rid of the cellulitis-causing bacteria.
On top of that, there is a wound-healing potential of oregano oil. This may help the patient reduce the symptoms of cellulitis and speed up healing. [14]
Learn how you may use oregano oil for cellulitis:
Blend 3-4 drops of oregano oil with 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil). Apply this mixture to the cellulitis-affected area. Use this remedy 2 to 3 times every day.
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3. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is a widely used essential oil all over the world. People in the past have valued lavender for its cosmetic purposes. For example, the Romans used lavender oil to take baths, cook, and purify the air.
People used lavender leaves and stems of the plant to prepare the medicine. Even the Bible mentions lavender oil among the aromatics used for anointing and healing.
The lavender essential oil has been treating migraines, stress, anxiety, and depression for generations. This versatile oil is gentle enough to apply directly to the skin.
Here is a simple method of using lavender oil to get rid of cellulitis:
Mix 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 tablespoon coconut or sesame oil. Blend well. Then apply the mixture to the cellulitis-affected area. After 15-20 minutes, wash off with water Use this remedy 3 to 4 times for a couple of weeks.
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4. Lemon Oil
Lemon essential oil is popular for its ability to cleanse toxins from any body part. For generations, people have been using lemon oil to purify the skin and stimulate lymph drainage. It may rejuvenate energy and work as a bug repellent as well. [16]
Lemon oil can be one of the most potent anti-microbial agents of all the natural ingredients.
Breathing in the scent of lemon essential oil may improve neurological activity. As a result, it will promote the breakdown of body fat. [17]
Lemon essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in the house. People use it as a teeth whitener, laundry freshener, cellulite cream, and face wash.
Ayurvedic medicine has used both lemons and lemon essential oil for generations. As a result, it has been a home remedy for a broad spectrum of health issues for at least 1,000 years, including cellulitis.
How to use lemon oil as a home remedy for cellulitis:
Mix 45 drops of lemon essential oil with 25 drops of tea tree essential oil. Put both oils in a clean spray bottle filled with water. Shake well. Then spray the mixture on the cellulitis-affected area. Leave it on for several hours. Use this treatment method 2 to 3 times a day for a couple of weeks.
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5. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is not as potent as tea tree oil. The patient with cellulitis can also use eucalyptus oil instead of tea tree oil if he doesn’t have tea tree oil. [18]
But the best way to use eucalyptus oil for healing cellulitis is by combining it with tea tree oil. [27] It will give the patient a more effective cellulitis treatment.
How to use eucalyptus oil as a natural cure for cellulitis:
Mix 2 drops of tea tree and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl. Soak a cotton ball in it. Rub the cotton ball soaked in the mixture into the affected area. Leave it on for at least 1 to 2 hours. Then, wash it off with regular water.
6. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood essential oil originates from the wood pieces of cedar wood trees. The oil is produced through the process of steam distillation.
Some major oil components include alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, cedrol, windrow, and thujone. It also contains a bunch of sesquiterpenes. All these components contribute a great deal to our health benefits.
Cellulitis natural remedies using cedarwood oil:
Add 2 drops of cedarwood oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Massage the mixture on the affected area. Leave it on for at least 1 to 2 hours. Then, wash it off with regular water. The patient with cellulitis has to do this twice daily, every morning and evening.
Symptoms of Cellulitis
Cellulitis generally affects the outside of the skin. It may also affect the underlying tissues of your skin. This may also spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream of the body. [5] It isn’t usually transmittable from one person to another person. [6]
The typical signs and symptoms of cellulitis that usually occur are:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- The area of skin which tends to expand
- Red Spots
- Pain
- Skin dimpling
- Warmth
Causes of Cellulitis
- Cellulitis happens when a bacteria gets in through a crack or break in the skin. [7]
- When a patient gets a more severe staphylococcus infection, it means staphylococcus aureus is increasing.
- Streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria will enter disrupted areas of the skin. Such as recent surgery area, cuts, an ulcer, puncture wounds, athlete’s foot, dermatitis, etc. [9]
- Animal bites can also cause cellulitis. These cellulitis bacteria can enter through areas of dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.
When to See a Doctor
Cellulitis symptoms usually heal with the help of essential oils. But if you see no improvement along with the following symptoms, you must see a doctor:
- Redness on the skin.
- Fever.
- Increase the temperature in the affected area.
- Tenderness and swelling.
- Drainage from the skin.
End Note
Essential oils may be beneficial for healing cellulitis.
These essential oils have potent anti-microbial, analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These medicinal compounds help soothe skin, promote quick healing and fight off infection.
You should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if cellulitis infection is severe.
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