Essential oils for hand arthritis relief

Hand Arthritis Relief: Can Copaiba and Deep Blue Oils Offer Real Hope?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how a simple massage-like technique using essential oils may provide a natural approach to managing hand arthritis symptoms."

Arthritis in the hands can turn everyday tasks into painful challenges. Whether it's rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation, or osteoarthritis (OA), resulting from cartilage erosion, the discomfort and reduced mobility can significantly impact quality of life. While conventional treatments offer relief, many individuals seek complementary approaches to manage their symptoms more holistically.

Emerging research suggests that essential oils may offer a promising avenue for natural arthritis support. Certain oils possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, potentially reducing pain and improving joint function. But how can these oils be effectively incorporated into a self-care routine?

One intriguing study explored the AromaTouch Hand Technique (ATHT), a gentle, massage-like application of essential oils, and its effects on individuals with hand arthritis. Using a combination of Copaiba and Deep Blue oils, this technique showed potential in easing pain and improving hand mobility. Let's delve into the details of this research and explore how these oils might offer hope for those seeking natural arthritis relief.

Can Essential Oils Really Make a Difference in Hand Arthritis?

Essential oils for hand arthritis relief

The study, conducted by researchers at dōTERRA International and SouthTowne Orthopaedics, involved 36 participants diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or chronic inflammation in their hands. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving the ATHT with a 50/50 blend of Deep Blue and Copaiba essential oils, and the other receiving the ATHT with a fractionated coconut oil placebo. Both groups received the hand technique twice daily for five consecutive days.

Throughout the study, researchers carefully assessed several key indicators of hand health:

Maximum Flexion: The range of motion in finger and thumb joints.
Arthritis Hand Function Test: A measure of hand dexterity and strength in performing everyday tasks.
Pain Scores: Subjective ratings of hand pain intensity.

The results revealed a promising trend: participants treated with the essential oil preparation experienced significant improvements compared to the placebo group. These benefits included less time needed to complete dexterity tasks, a roughly 50% reduction in pain scores, increased finger strength, and a notable increase in the angle of maximum flexion in their joints.

A Natural Approach to Hand Arthritis Management?

While this study offers encouraging insights, it's important to remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle. The researchers themselves acknowledge the limitations of their study, including the relatively small sample size and reliance on self-reported pain scores. Further research with larger groups and objective measurements is needed to confirm these findings and fully understand the potential of Copaiba and Deep Blue oils for hand arthritis.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What are the main types of hand arthritis, and how do they differ?

The article discusses two primary types of hand arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). RA is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation. OA, on the other hand, results from the erosion of cartilage, the cushioning material in the joints. Both conditions cause pain and reduced mobility, but their underlying causes and mechanisms differ significantly. This distinction is crucial for understanding how various treatments, including the use of essential oils, may provide relief. Both conditions impact the quality of life.

Can you explain the AromaTouch Hand Technique (ATHT) and its role in the study involving Copaiba and Deep Blue oils?

The AromaTouch Hand Technique (ATHT) is a gentle, massage-like application method used in the study. It involved applying a 50/50 blend of Copaiba and Deep Blue oils to the hands of participants. The technique was administered twice daily for five days. The ATHT aims to facilitate the absorption of the essential oils, potentially allowing their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to take effect. It's important to note that the study used the ATHT alongside the specific essential oil blend and compared it to a placebo, showing how this technique may improve the overall benefits of using essential oils.

What specific benefits did participants experience when using the essential oil blend during the study?

Participants who received the AromaTouch Hand Technique (ATHT) with a 50/50 blend of Deep Blue and Copaiba essential oils reported several significant improvements. They experienced a roughly 50% reduction in pain scores, which reflects a decrease in the intensity of their hand pain. They also showed increased finger strength and an increase in the angle of maximum flexion in their joints, indicating improved range of motion. Additionally, participants completed dexterity tasks in less time compared to the placebo group, highlighting improved hand function.

How do Copaiba and Deep Blue oils work together to potentially relieve hand arthritis symptoms?

The article implies that Copaiba and Deep Blue oils, when used together, offer potential relief from hand arthritis symptoms. While the specific mechanisms are not fully detailed, the study suggests that they work synergistically. Deep Blue oil may contribute with its analgesic properties, potentially reducing pain. Copaiba, known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, may help to reduce joint inflammation, which is a core symptom of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The combination of both oils, when applied using the AromaTouch Hand Technique (ATHT), aims to provide both pain relief and reduce inflammation, leading to improved hand function.

What are the limitations of the study, and what further research is needed to fully understand the benefits of essential oils for hand arthritis?

The study, while promising, has some limitations. The researchers themselves noted that the sample size was relatively small, with only 36 participants. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported pain scores, which can be subjective. Further research is needed with larger groups of participants to confirm these findings and to obtain more objective measurements of hand health. Further studies could include exploring different ratios of Copaiba and Deep Blue oils, variations in the AromaTouch Hand Technique (ATHT), and comparing these results with other treatments. Such research would help clarify the optimal use of these essential oils for managing hand arthritis.