There has been a growing interest in natural remedies for muscle relaxation. Many people have opted for essential oils for muscle relaxation instead of prescription medication. This could be because their body can’t handle those forms of treatment anymore. Maybe they may have become allergic to various medicines. However, many essential oils have been proven to help with muscle inflammation, pain, and swelling. If you’ve been thinking about switching to them, let’s examine five of the best essential oils for reducing your muscle inflammation and pain naturally.
How Essential Oils Could Help Relieve Muscle Inflammation and Pain
Essential oils have quite a bit of benefits when it comes to soothing muscle pain. These oils usually come with anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce inflammation at the cellular level. They also come with analgesic properties to help soothe painful muscles. Essential oils could also be effective in promoting circulation and reducing muscle stiffness. People usually like to try these remedies when they become tired or have serious problems with over-the-counter prescription medications. Essential oils are considered more natural forms of treatment and many people have used them for insomnia, arthritis, stress, and other health problems. When used safely, essential oils could be very effective in easing muscle inflammation and pain.
Top 5 Essential Oils for Reducing Muscle Inflammation and Pain Naturally
When looking for the best essential oils for reducing muscle inflammation and pain naturally, you have to look for some with the right properties. Be sure to look for oils that can treat muscle aches, pain, tension, and swelling. If you’re just struggling with one symptom, you can find certain essential oils that can only treat tension or muscle aches. But when trying to find effective natural treatments for muscle inflammation and pain, here are five of the best ones you must add to your evening bath or gym bag.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is commonly used in teas, but when used in essential oils, it has plenty of pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and even antidepressant properties. There’s even one review that suggests that chamomile oil could help improve joint function and osteoarthritis symptoms.
Peppermint Oil
With its minty, menthol, and cooling sensation, peppermint oil is another essential oil that has been proven to be effective for muscle inflammation and pain. Its menthol content may help numb pain when applied to your skin. Besides easing muscle aches and joint pain, peppermint oil has been also good for digestive problems.
Lavender Oil
Lavender is usually a plant that is effective in helping you to sleep better. Some studies do indicate it as being beneficial in treating insomnia. However, lavender essential oil could also be great for relieving pain and inflammation. In a small 2004 study from Complementary Therapies in Medicine, older adults with lower back pain received acupressure with lavender oil. After eight sessions, the participants in the study experienced short-term pain relief after using the essential oil.
Eucalyptus Oil
Like peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil creates a cooling sensation when applied topically. This could also cause pain and inflammation in your muscles to be relieved. Eucalyptus oil could also reduce swelling. One study even shows that this oil has been found to be effective in relieving pain for adults who experienced knee replacement surgery.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary is a common herb used in cooking. But when it becomes an essential oil, there’s some evidence that supports it being effective for alleviating muscle inflammation and pain. In addition to this, rosemary oil could also be great in improving circulation and easing muscle stiffness. A small-scale study shows that rosemary oil reduced exercise-induced muscle soreness in formerly inactive people.
Different Proper Ways to Use Essential Oils
When deciding on essential oils for muscle pain, it’s important to understand the various proper ways to use them. Not every essential oil is safe to put directly on your skin. Some may require you to add in your bath water. Lavender oil is commonly used for aromatherapy fans, where you’re relaxing tight muscles by inhaling the aromatic plant. Some essential oils are best or safe to use with warm compresses. Whichever one you decide to use, please follow the instructions for using it appropriately and safely.
Safety Tips When Using Essential Oils for Muscle Relaxation
This brings me to the next vital topic- safety tips to keep in mind when using essential oils or in some cases, combining them. Because a lot of essential oils are potent, it’s important to use them safely. If you don’t do this, they could potentially irritate your skin. Some essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Try using at least 6 teaspoons of carrier oil for every 15 drops of an essential oil of your choice.
It’s also important to test an essential oil before using it. Consider doing a small patch test on your skin. It’s important to do this before applying it fully on your skin to avoid any allergic reactions. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid inhaling essential oils or applying them topically.
Why You Must Use Essential Oils for Relieving Muscle Inflammation and Pain
However, even though some of them have their safety risks, most essential oils are very effective in easing muscle inflammation and pain. If you can’t use medications and prefer natural treatments, they could be a great form of natural remedies for muscle relaxation. Essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus oil could create a cooling sensation your sore muscles need. Just be sure to be careful before using these oils and you could be on your way to reducing muscle inflammation and pain naturally.
Do you use essential oils for muscle relaxation? What do you think are the best essential oils for reducing muscle inflammation and pain naturally? Share your thoughts about this natural form of treatment in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next person you know who likes essential oils.
