Using Essential Oils For Pain Relief

Your choice of essential oils for pain relief will depend on the nature of your pain. The following list shows the 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
• 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: 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.

Click here for studies about essential oils for pain.

Aromatherapy Blends For Pain Relief

For arthritis, back pain, and general muscle pain:

• 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.

Source: Healing with Aromatherapy

The book also suggests the following blend to reduce heat and inflammation:

• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar

Soak the affected area for 20 minutes (you can use a compress).

Click here for essential oils for arthritis pain.

Other Ways To Use Aromatherapy For Pain

After-exercise stiffness:

Add up to 5 drops of one of these essential oils 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 and 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 this article on essential oils for nerve pain.

Click here for recommended essential oils.

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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