Using Essential Oils for Muscle Pain Relief

Let's look at ways to use essential oils for muscle pain relief: aromatherapy blends to relieve muscle cramps, blends for sore muscles, and four muscle rub recipes similar to Tiger Balm.

Essential Oils for Muscle Cramps

If you tend to get muscle cramps during exercise, Healing With Aromatherapy recommends massaging some of the following blend into your muscles before you exercise:

• 7 drops black pepper essential oil
• 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops juniper essential oil
• 2 tablespoons arnica oil (Note: Buy one that does not already contain essential oils)

To relieve muscle cramps, Aromatherapy for Dummies suggests this blend:

• 8 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops marjoram essential oil
• 6 drops German chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 tablespoons carrier oil (an oil infused with St. John's wort or arnica works best)

Another essential oil blend for muscle cramps from Massage & Aromatherapy:

• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops marjoram essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 drop sandalwood essential oil
• 3 tablespoons almond oil

Massage blend briskly into affected muscles.

Another blend of essential oils for muscles from Aromahead:

• 9 drops bergamot essential oil
• 4 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
• 2 tablespoons unscented cream or jojoba oil

Massage some into the cramped area.

To use essential oils for leg cramps, try this muscle cramp blend:

• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
  
• 4 drops marjoram essential oil
  
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

To relieve sore muscles or pain after the initial cramping, Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art suggests this massage blend: 

• 30 drops lavender essential oil
  
• 10 drops marjoram essential oil
  
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
  
• 4 tablespoons carrier oil

Muscle cramps are often caused by mineral deficiency or imbalance. Are you getting enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium and not too much salt in your diet? If you tend to be tense, consider getting regular massage therapy or use other relaxation techniques.

Essential Oils for Sore Muscles

Use these blends of essential oils for muscle pain to massage sore/inflamed muscles.

Sore Muscle Roll-on

• 2 tablespoons carrier oil
• 6 drops peppermint essential oil
• 6 drops plai essential oil
• 6 drops german chamomile essential oil
• one-ounce rollerball bottle

Combine the carrier oil and essential oils in the bottle. Insert the rollerball, cap the bottle, and shake gently.

Adapted from Cheryl Murphy, NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®, "The Zingiberaceae Plant Family," NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Autumn 2018.3, p. 23.

Eucalyptus Muscle Rub

• 2 tablespoons carrier oil
• 14 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil
• 7 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil

Combine all ingredients in glass container. Close container and shake well. Apply to muscular aches and pains as needed.

Adapted from Jade Shutes, "Essential Oil Monograph: Eucalyptus globulus," NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Spring 2013.1, p. 11.

Sore Muscle Blend

• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops marjoram essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

Source: The Essential Oils Complete Reference Guide

Sore Muscle Relief

• 15 drops marjoram essential oil
• 15 drops juniper essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops black pepper essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

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

Rubs With Essential Oils for Muscle Pain Relief

Although you can buy rubs containing essentials oils for muscle pain, another option is to make your own muscle balm at home using essential oils. Here are four DIY balms.

Caution: Some of these rubs contain strong essential oils that might irritate the skin of some people. Spot test before using on a large area. These rubs are intended for specific pain and not for full-body massage.

1. Shea Butter Muscle Rub

• 4 tablespoons beeswax
• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 4 tablespoons almond or olive oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 12 drops niaouli essential oil
• 12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 15 drops cajeput essential oil
• 5 drops blue chamomile essential oil
  

1. Melt beeswax, shea butter, and almond oil in a double boiler.
2. Remove mixture  from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Stir in the essential oils.
4. Pour mixture into a clean glass container and let set.
5. Place lid on container. Store in cool, dark place. Use as needed.
   

Source: Pronounce Skin Care

2. Cayenne Muscle Pain Relief

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
  

1. Melt oil and beeswax in a double-boiler over low heat, stirring until well combined.
2. Remove mixture from heat.
3. Stir in the cayenne pepper and essential oils.
4. Pour mixture into small glass or metal containers to cool. Store covered in a cool, dark place. Use as needed.
   

Source: Dr. Axe’s Essential Oil DIY Guide

3. Ginger-Black Pepper Muscle Balm

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 20 drops black pepper essential oil
• 20 drops clove essential oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops ginger essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil

1. Place olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax in a double boiler on low heat.
2. Stir the mixture until it melts. Remove from heat.
3. Pour the mixture into a glass container.
4. Quickly stir in the essential oils.
5. Let the balm cool and thicken.
6. Place a lid on the container. Store in a cool, dark place.
   

Source: Practically Functional

4. Emu Oil Muscle Pain Relief Rub

• 1 tablespoon emu oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 drops clove essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops vetiver essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops wintergreen essential oil

1. Melt beeswax with emu and olive oils in a double boiler over low heat, stirring until combined.
2. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in the essential oils, one a time.
4. Pour into glass container.
   
5. Cover and let cool. Use as needed.
   

Source: The Homesteading Hippy

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