There are many ways to soothe sore muscles, from massage therapy to hot and cold compression to Epsom salt baths. Some people use essential oils for sore muscles as a tried-and-tested remedy. These are concentrated oils extracted from plant parts such as bark, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. For thousands of years, people have used them to help with stress, relaxation, and other health concerns.
Essential oils offer a variety of benefits, but they are not without risks. It is beneficial to apply essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint oil for muscle soreness. Make sure you read the product label for safety information mentioned in the product's title before using essential oils.
What Are Essential Oils?
The oil extracted from the plant parts, such as roots, stems, flowers, bark, etc. is pretty potent. Steam distillation or cold pressing of plant parts are the two common methods for extracting essential oils. Essential oils are volatile and have a strong fragrance, which is effectively used in aromatherapy. Its invigorating scent is beneficial in relieving stress, tension, and anxiety. Essential oils exhibit antioxidants, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help treat various health conditions.
If you want a natural remedy for pain relief, essential oil can help. Essential oil for muscle pain is an effective remedy because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Also Read : How To Store Essential Oils
How Do Essential Oils For Muscle Pain Work?
We can use essential oils for massage, but we should dilute them with carrier oils. Essential oils are concentrated oils and, if used without proper dilution, can irritate your skin, causing skin irritation and inflammation. The natural oil such as olive oil, almond oil, grapeseed, or jojoba oils is commonly used as carrier oils. Experts recommend using essential oil for muscle pain relief as it has a soothing effect on the tensed muscles and helps relax the nerves, providing relief from inflammation and muscle pain.
Experts recommend using chamomile oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil for muscle soreness. By diluting the affected area with carrier oil, you can gently massage it for 5-10 minutes . You can add oil to bath salts and baking soda for pain relief. You can also add some essential oil to a hot or cold compress.
Also Read : Top 10 Effective Essential Oils For Pain Relief That Actually Work
Top 9 Essential Oils For Muscle Soreness
Numerous essential oils can relieve muscle soreness. Some essential oil work directly on sore areas to reduce inflammation, while others are known to induce relaxation and reduce tension. You can create your blend of essential oil or use a single essential oil for the desired effect on sore muscles. Essential oil, when diluted with a carrier oil, penetrates deep in the skin, relaxes your strained muscles, and reduces inflammation, thus alleviating muscle pain. Its enchanting fragrance can uplift your mood, providing relief from stress and tension. Let's have a look at some of the best essential oil for muscle pain:
1. Chamomile Oil
Another well-known essential oil for back pain is chamomile oil. It is known for its soothing properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic qualities, it may help to relieve muscle soreness and aches. Roman chamomile is best for relaxing muscles and has a soothing effect on strained joints and muscles. German chamomile may help with inflammation.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
The cooling effect of eucalyptus oil is similar to that of peppermint oil. It helps reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and other symptoms. Experts recommend topical application of diluted eucalyptus essential oil for sore muscles. Eucalyptus Oil alleviates pain in joints and muscles after surgery.
3. Peppermint Oil
The topical application of peppermint oil is known to provide a cooling sensation. This essential oil for muscle pain is also known to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.
Also Read : Side Effects Of Peppermint Oil That You Should Be Aware Of
4. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an essential ingredient in aromatherapy. This essential oil for back pain is very effective in relieving back pain and muscle ache. It has proven pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. As per a recent study, older adults suffering from low back pain were treated with acupressure using lavender oil. They experienced temporary relief from back pain. Its analgesic property makes it an effective pain reliever.
5. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary exhibits stimulating properties, which are very effective in treating sore muscles. Its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory property makes rosemary oil effective in treating muscle spasms and joint aches.
Experts say rosemary oil effectively reduces inflammation and muscle damage after exercise in women with delayed-onset muscle soreness.
6. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is known for its refreshing citrusy scent, which alleviates your mood, relieves stress, and makes you feel more energetic. It improves blood circulation, relieves muscle tension, and helps sore muscles.
7. Black Pepper Oil
Black pepper oil is known to be very effective in treating muscle spasms. Its detoxifying effect helps eliminate toxins from the body and helps improve blood circulation. This oil for muscle soreness is suitable for treating arthritis by reducing joint aches and pains.
8. Ginger Oil
The topical application of ginger oil helps in relieving muscle spasms and alleviates joint pain as it provides a warm sensation to the affected area.
9. Marjoram Oil
Marjoram oil is also known for its relaxing properties, which make it effective in treating muscle soreness. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties have proved to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain due to the exertion of muscles and joints.
How To Apply Essential Oil For Sore Muscles?
As long as essential oils are used according to directions, they are considered safe for topical use. If you are using it for the first time, it is always better to talk to your healthcare provider. Make sure to dilute essential oils with appropriate carrier oils before being applied to the skin. Dilution of essential oil is a crucial step, or it can cause allergic reactions on the skin.
Carrier oil, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil, is commonly used for diluting essential oils. Generally, essential oils are diluted at the rate of 2.5%, i.e., for every 1 oz of carrier oil, 10-12 drops of essential oil are added. You should always perform a patch test before applying the oil to the affected area. After 24 hours, if you do not notice any signs of allergic reaction on your skin, that means you are good to go.
You can directly apply the diluted essential oil to the affected area, add a few drops of essential oil to your bath water or add a few drops on a warm compress.
We can use essential oils to soothe sore muscles. However, the potent oils can cause skin irritation. It is vital to make sure you take safety precautions, such as checking with your doctor and diluting the oils before applying them to your skin.
ANVEYA BULGARIAN LAVENDER OIL, 100% PURE, 15ML
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