You may not think about essential oils as a source of comfort when you’re in pain, but these are some of the most soothing and natural pain relievers you can use. There are many different ways to use essential oils, and they have many benefits. One of the best is in combination with soothing lotions. This makes delivery easier so you feel better when you’re in pain fast.
When you choose the right essential oils, it makes a major difference. Thus, research scientists continue trying to understand exactly how they work. Their efforts to mimic nature are good, yet using the real thing is even better.
Essential oils work best when combined with other holistic methods, such as massage or aromatherapy. Let’s look at the top 12 essential oils for relieving pain. You’ll be surprised at how many are familiar in your kitchen.
1. Cinnamon Essential Oil for Taming Pain
Cinnamon is one of the most soothing essential oils. It helps to reduce inflammation and pain, and even has antibacterial properties in it. You can drink cinnamon tea to reduce bloating, digestive discomfort, and gas. You can also use cinnamon essential oil in a massage oil to soothe and relax muscles. It’s sweet, warm scent is sure to relax you.
There’s one caveat. Never use without diluting. Also, don’t use cinnamon oil right before going out into the sun. It can cause sunburn by activating UV sensitive cells in the epidermis.
2. Lavender Essential Oil for Reducing Discomfort
Lavender is one of the most common essential oils used to relieve pain and stress. Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties in it, which is why it’s so healing and soothing. You can add lavender essential oil to a bath, or you can inhale it to calm you down and help you sleep better.
You can also add some to a massage oil to help soothe sore muscles. It’s one of the most versatile oils out there, and one of the best essential oils for helping you feel better when you’re in pain.
3. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass is a very potent and strong oil, so you don’t need to add much to a recipe! Its claim to fame? Powerful antispasmodic properties, which help relax the muscles. It also has analgesic properties, which relieve pain.
Lemongrass oil is great for reducing swelling, which is helpful when you have chronic pain. You can add it to a bath, inhale it, or add it to a massage oil. It’s subtle, yet very potent fragrance is sure to soothe you.
4. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for Stopping Painful Spasms
Roman chamomile essential oil is very soothing and is one of the best essential oils for pain. This is another essential oil known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being an anti-spasmodic. (An anti-spasmodic is a substance that reduces spasms.)
It also has analgesic properties, which help reduce pain. It’s one of the best essential oils for sleep, and it even has properties that can help with digestion. You can add it to a bath, massage oil, or even inhale it. Its sweet, calming scent is sure to put your mind and body at ease.
5. Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Essential Oil for Pain Relief
Melaleuca essential oil, also known as tea tree oil, is one of the best essential oils for pain. It has potent anti-oxidants and anti-microbial properties, which help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria and viruses in the body.
It is a very powerful oil, so you only need a few drops. Use diluted, as it’s quite strong and can cause allergic reactions. You can add it to a massage oil, a bath, or even inhale it. It’s a very distinct, yet fresh scent is sure to calm you down and help you feel better when you’re in pain.
6. Camphor Essential Oil for Cooling Pain
Camphor essential oil is another anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic oil. It also has analgesic properties, which help relieve pain.
It’s a refreshing and cooling oil, which can be helpful when you are in pain and feeling a little overheated. It’s a nice, crisp scent, which on its own could make you feel better when you’re in pain.
7. Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Reducing Congestion
Eucalyptus is another potent anti-inflammatory oil that’s great for pain relief. (It’s a close relative to melaleuca.) People used this essential oil for pain before melaleuca became popular?
This is another EO you should use diluted, so add it to a massage oil or even inhale it. The scent is strong as well as the oil.
It helps with congestion as well, which can be useful when you have pain from stuffy sinuses. It’s a very cooling and refreshing oil that is sure to relax you.
8. Orange Essential Oil for Calming Frayed Nerves
Orange essential oil is extremely soothing and sweet smelling. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s good for the digestive system. Add to a bath or use in a massage oil.
It has properties that help calm down the nervous system, making it one of the best essential oils for pain. It’s a very uplifting and refreshing scent that is sure to make you feel better.
However, avoid going out in the sun when you use this oil. It makes your skin hypersensitive to UV rays. That’s not a good thing. We recommend using orange EO for pain relief at night.
9. Rosemary for Relieving Joint Pain
Rosemary is one of the most commonly used essential oils. Rosemary EO is steam distilled, so it retains all its properties. It has a robust, woodsy aroma. It is often used in herbal medicine because it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
This oil is great for relieving pain in the joints, especially related to arthritis. Apply topically, or add it to a hot compress. It is also good for reducing headaches and other types of pain. Those in the know do not recommend it for use during pregnancy, so be careful about that.
10. Basil for Quenching Pain from Inflammation
Basil is a very potent herb with medicinal properties. It is extremely rich in essential oils, and is what makes it so potent. It has a sweet, floral aroma, and it can be either be green or purple in color.
Most people know basil as a delicious cooking ingredient. Little do they know its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in aromatherapy, it soothes the sinuses and helps with headaches. Naturopaths often recommend sweet basil for people with high blood pressure as it helps reduce it. We’ve also used this essential oil for muscle cramps and joint pains.
Cautions:
- Don’t use Basil EO during pregnancy, as it might induce contractions. (Eating basil in rational amounts if fine.)
- Use cautiously if you have low blood pressure.
- Do not apply it directly on your skin as it is very strong, and it can cause irritation.
11. Ginger for Easing Female Cramps
Ginger is one of the most widely used herbs. Its roots produce a spicy juice from which distillers produce ginger essential oil. It has a warm, spicy aroma that is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes and desserts.
In addition to its aromatic properties, ginger offers anti-inflammatory properties. You’ll see it used to relieve joint pains, muscle spasms and headaches. Because of the analgesic properties, women use it as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps.
Cautions:
- Avoid use during pregnancy.
- Be cautious when giving to children.
- Consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure.
- Do not use if you are allergic to ginger.
Ginger is extremely strong, so you should dilute it before use. Otherwise, it won’t help you feel better when you’re in pain. It could cause other problems.
12. Rosewood for Joint Pain, Headaches and Spasms
Rosewood is an evergreen tree native to South America, known for its beautiful wood. Most people know it in furniture and other decorative items. However, the essential oil extracted from the wood has analgesic properties. You’ll see it used in massage oils and creams.
It is effective against joint pain, headaches and muscle spasms, so keep this EO around to help you feel better when you’re in pain.
Cautions:
- Don’t use rosewood EO during pregnancy.
- Don’t use with children younger than 6 years old.
- Avoid if you have high blood pressure.
- Dilute before using, as it is very strong.
Conclusion
These essential oils have analgesic properties that help fell better when you’re in pain and promote faster healing. They have the ability to penetrate the skin and reach the bloodstream fast. This is why we use essential oils in our products. These natural remedies for pains like arthritis or joint pain usually come with fewer side effects than NSAIDs.
At the same time, it’s important to note that not all essential oils are created equally. You want to make sure that you are using high-quality essential oils, not diluted oils.
Be careful about which essential oils you use. Do your research before applying them to your skin. If you do, the rewards may be better than you expect.
