Best Essential oils for pain relief have been used for centuries to help with a variety of discomforts—from muscle aches and headaches to chronic pain and even emotional stress. The good news is that these oils are not only powerful but also gentle enough to help people of all ages, from kids to grandparents.
In today’s post we’ll dive together, into the best essential oils to:
- Relieve pain
- How to use them
- How they work.
- The pros and cons, so you know exactly what to expect when you try them.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Choose the Best Essential Oils For Pain Relief
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural scent and healing properties of plants. They’re used for everything from making your home smell nice to healing your body and mind.
When it comes to pain, essential oils have been shown to have powerful, quick relief effects—whether you’re dealing with aching muscles, joint pain, or even headaches.
Sidenote:
If you are in menopause, or busy “transitioning” you will find that most of the above pains are part of the menopause journey! Lucky us!
I got a bit side-tracked, but did you know that essential oils are an amazing natural alternative to prescription pain medications. They’re gentle, easy to use, and have fewer side effects. Plus, they offer the bonus of improving your overall well-being—calming your mind, reducing stress, and even boosting your mood. I prefer a more natural way of using essential oils for health benefits.
How does essential oils work
Essential oils work by interacting with your body’s limbic system (the part of your brain that deals with emotions, memory, and processing of smells), which is why they can be so effective in reducing pain and making you feel better. They can help calm your nervous system, reduce inflammation, and soothe muscles.
When you breathe in (sniff-sniff) essential oils, the aromatic molecules travel through your nose to the olfactory receptors, located in the nasal cavity. These little receptors (tiny super hero ) send signals (knock-knock) to the olfactory bulb, which is connected to the limbic system. This system include other structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. So, depending on what you are sniffing, your limbic system will trigger different responses. (having a feel-good party)
It is almost like your nose is giving your brain a hug! Cool right!
Types of Pain and Common Essential Oils For Each Condition
Let’s break down the different kinds of pain you might experience and which essential oils can help:-
Joint Pain and Arthritis
Joint pain can make it hard to move around, but essential oils can help ease that stiffness.
- EucalyptusOils (great for soothing inflammation)
- Lavender(known for its calming effect)
- Ginger(which helps with circulation)
- Peppermint(cooling and soothing)
These oils work by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the affected area, helping you feel more comfortable.
Back Pain
Back pain can be debilitating, whether it’s due to poor posture, strain, or injury. These oils can help alleviate discomfort.
- Peppermint: (A powerful pain reliever, peppermint oil’s cooling effect helps reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles).
- Lavender: (Not only calms pain but also promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension in the back).
- Eucalyptus: (Reduces pain and swelling, making it great for back injuries or soreness).
- Marjoram: (Known for its muscle-relaxing qualities, this oil can be particularly useful for back pain caused by tight muscles or spasms).
Chronic Pain and Muscle Pain
Chronic pain is long-lasting, and muscle pain can come from overuse or injury. To ease these pains, try:
- Peppermint(which cools and relaxes muscles)
- Wintergreen(known for its anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Rosemary(helps improve circulation)
- Marjoram(relaxes tight muscles)
These oils help to reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility. They’re great after a long workout (unless you are me, sitting all the time in front of my computer) that leads to a stressful day.
Spasms and Cramps (Including Menstrual Cramps)
We’ve all experienced that sudden muscle cramp, and they can be pretty uncomfortable! For cramps—especially menstrual cramps:
- Clary Sage(relieves tension and promotes hormonal balance)
- Lavender(calms the body)
- Roman Chamomile(soothes muscles)
- Ylang Ylang(relieves stress) are your go-to oils.
They work by relaxing the muscles and helping to balance hormones, making them great for cramps, especially those during your period.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is pain that comes from nerve damage or irritation, and it can be tricky to manage. Oils like:
- Frankincense(promotes healing)
- Helichrysum(supports nerve health)
- Lavender(calms the nervous system)
These oils work by promoting healing in the nerves and reducing inflammation.
Tension Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines can be so overwhelming! Essential oils like:
- Peppermint(which provides a cool sensation to relieve tension)
- Lavender(which helps calm the nervous system)
- Eucalyptus(which opens the airways)
- Rosemary(which reduces tension)
These oils ease the tightness around your head, promote relaxation, and can help to clear your mind.
Pain in Older People
As we all age, (menopause girl like me) pain can become more frequent, especially in the joints and muscles:
- Ginger(stimulates circulation)
- Lavender(reduces pain and inflammation)
- Frankincense(supports joint health)
- Turmeric(anti-inflammatory)
These oils are gentle oils that can be used safely by older adults to ease pain without the side effects of medication.
Muscle Soreness from Exercise (Post-Workout Pain)
When you exercise or play sports, your muscles can feel sore or stiff afterward. Some essential oils help reduce this soreness and make your muscles feel better.
- Peppermint Oil (This oil has a cooling effect that can help ease muscle pain and tightness. It also promotes better blood flow, which helps muscles recover faster)
- Lavender Oil (Lavender is relaxing and can help ease muscle soreness by calming both your muscles and mind. It’s great for helping you relax after a long day of activity).
- Eucalyptus Oil (Known for its cooling properties, eucalyptus can help reduce swelling and relieve pain in sore muscles)
- Ginger Oil (Ginger is warming and stimulating, helping to improve blood circulation in sore muscles, and easing pain and stiffness).
High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
Did you know that essential oils can even help with heart health? Oils like:
- Lavender(reduces stress)
- Bergamot(supports the cardiovascular system)
- Marjoram(balances blood pressure)
These oils can help you manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They work by calming the mind and improving circulation, which helps to reduce stress and support your heart.
Anti-inflammatory effect
These essential oils are all powerful natural remedies for inflammation and can be used individually or in combination to address various inflammatory conditions.
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Frankincense
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Rosemary
- Tea Tree
- Helichrysum
- Chamomile Oil
Always remember to dilute essential oils properly before applying them to the skin, and if you have any concerns, consult a healthcare professional.
It’s always a smart move to weigh thepros and consof essential oils, especially when it comes to pain relief. After all, you want to make sure you’re getting the benefits without any unexpected side effects!
So, take a minute to check out the risks and precautions, and make sure you’re using them the right way—because pain relief should be a feel-good experience, not a headache!
Other type of oils that are not essential oils, but that can help you too.
Risk & Precautions
Pros:
- Natural and chemical-free—no synthetic ingredients.
- Can be used on the go (a drop here and there can be a quick fix!).
- They have additional benefits like stress reduction, mood improvement, and relaxation.
Cons:
- Undiluted essential oils need to be diluted properly to avoid skin irritation.
- Not all essential oil products are safe for everyone—some may not be suitable for children or pregnant women.
- Results can vary; essential oils might not work for everyone.
Take note:
Always do apatch testbefore using a new oil to avoid any allergic reactions. Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any irritation.
Some oils, likePeppermint, can be too strong for young children, so use them with caution.
Pregnant or nursing womenshould consult a doctor before using essential oils.
Never ingest essential oilsunless advised by a professional.
How to create your own lotion with essential oils to ease your pain.
Using essential oils as a topical application, it needs to be diluted with a carrier oil. This can be purchased ready made, or mixed at home.
5 Minutes
Step 1
Mix 6 drops of your selected oil
with 6 teaspoons of your carrier oil
you have purchased.
For example: Jojoba or Olive Oil.
Step 2
Important step: Do a patch test with
the diluted oil on small area
of your skin and wait for at least 24 hours
to see if any allergy or irritation develops.
Step 3
If no reaction occurs during the patch test,
apply the mixture on the pain area.
Remember to never apply the oil
on your face as it can get
into your eyes or mouth.
Using essential oils for various types of pain relief is a safe, natural, and effective option for managing pain and can be a great addition. Whether you’re dealing with sore muscles, chronic pain, or headaches, there’s an essential oil that can help. Remember, every person is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. It’s always a good idea to experiment and see what works best for you.
Have you tried any essential oils for pain relief? Share your experiences and tips with me in the comments below. If you’re new to essential oils, give one of these remedies a try and see how it works for you! 🌿
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