Using Essential Oils for Pain Relief

The best essential oils for pain relief depends on the type of pain and the result you want. The following list shows potential effects of various essential oils:

For a numbing effect:

• Clove
• Frankincense
• German chamomile
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Lemongrass

To reduce swelling:

• German chamomile 
• Geranium
• Helichrysum
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Myrrh
• Rose
• Tea tree

For a heating effect:

• Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)
  
• Bay rum (pimento)
• Black pepper
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Ginger
• Peppermint
• Thyme

To relax and sedate:

• Clary sage
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Lemon eucalyptus
• Lemon verbena
• Marjoram
• Melissa
• Myrtle
• Petitgrain
• Roman chamomile

Source: Essential Oils & Aromatherapy for Dummies

Other essential oils with pain-relieving qualities include anise, coriander, eucalyptus, niaouli, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, and wintergreen.

Blend your chosen essential oils with an aromatherapy carrier oil. Rub a little of the blend into the painful area. Generally, use 3 to 5 drops essential oil in 1 teaspoon carrier oil, though that may vary depending on the strength of the essential oil and your sensitivity to it. Spot test a blend before using it on a large area.

Click here for studies about essential oils for pain.

Aromatherapy Blends for Pain Relief

Muscle Pain Relief 1

• 30 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops marjoram essential oil
• 5 frankincense ginger essential oil
• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) carrier oil

Blend ingredients. Rub onto painful areas. Do not use for full-body massage.

Source: Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

Muscle Pain Relief 2

• 9 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 5 drops juniper essential oil
• 5 drops marjoram essential oil
• 4 drops roman or german chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops vitamin E oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

Blend oils in a small glass bottle. Use the blend 2 to 3 times a day, as needed.

Source: Essential Oils for Emotional Wellbeing

Arthritis, Back Pain, and General Pain Relief

Blend the following ingredients in a small bottle:

• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  
• 6 drops wintergreen essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

Massage a little of the blend into the affected area as needed.

Source: Healing with Aromatherapy

Back Pain Relief

Use either of these blends for back massage.

• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
• 10 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

or

• 10 drops ginger essential oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops black pepper essential oil
• 3 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

Source: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Back Pain Relief Bath

Blend the following oils:

• 2 drops geranium or lavender essential oil
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil
• 1 drop eucalyptus or cypress essential oil
• 1 drop ginger or nutmeg essential oil
• 1 teaspoon carrier oil

Run a warm bath. Stir in the blend. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

Adapted from The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

Stock Essential Oil Pain Relief Recipe

To a 5-ml dark-color dropper bottle, add:

• 30 drops german chamomile essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 20 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 20 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
• 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Cap the bottle and shake to blend. Let sit eight hours before using.

Diffuse a few drops of the blend, make an aromatherapy inhaler, or make a massage oil by adding 15 to 30 drops of the blend to one ounce (2 tablespoons) carrier oil.

Source: The Essential Oils Complete Reference Guide

Other Ways to Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief

After-exercise stiffness:

Add up to 5 drops of one of these essential oils (diluted in 1 teaspoon carrier oil) to a warm/hot bath: eucalyptus, german chamomile, juniper, lemongrass, or marjoram.

Sprains, strains, and swollen joints:

Add up to 8 drops of essential oil to 4 teaspoons of carrier oil. Gently massage the blend around and above the injury. Use german or roman chamomile, cypress, frankincense, juniper, lavender, marjoram, or rosemary. Another option is to make a cold compress using 4 drops of essential oil, and apply the compress to the affected area.

Also see these articles for more about using essential oils for specific types of pain:

• Arthritis relief
• Gout pain relief
  
• Menstrual cramp relief
• Migraine relief
• Nerve pain relief
• Tension headache relief

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