Essential Oils for Pain Relief
Struggling with persistent, chronic pain and looking for a natural remedy? Whether your muscles & joints never stop aching or you’ve been recently injured, essential oils have a wide range of healing benefits that can help treat & alleviate your pain. We’ll explore the science behind how they work, which ones are best for you, and how to use them to heal your pain. Dive in to discover your natural path to pain relief.
Why Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief & Management?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, capturing the essence of their source's aroma and therapeutic properties. They offer natural, effective pain relief, thanks to their inherent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. For many who experience chronic pain, migraines, or muscle aches, essential oils provide an appealing alternative to traditional medications. Their ability to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation can make them a potent tool in your pain management arsenal.
10 Best Oils for Chronic & Acute Pain Relief
1. Lavender
Why it Works
Lavender oil is arguably one of best EOs for pain relief, given its versatility. It can be used to relieve discomfort associated with headaches, muscle tension, joint pain, arthritis, and even minor bug bites. And though stress & anxiety may not be considered physical pain, they can worsen your pain. Fortunately, lavender oil can decrease the severity of both of these, further controlling your pain levels.
How to Use
The “best” application method will depend on the type of pain you’re experiencing. For muscle & joint pain, mix 1-2 drops of lavender oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil, then massage onto the affected area. For headaches, anxiety, and stress, add 3-5 drops to your diffuser, as well as water, then release for 30 minutes while you inhale the healing scents. Or for quick relief, you can take a few deep breaths directly from the bottle.
2. Peppermint
Why it Works
Peppermint oil is a potent EO for pain relief & management due to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and cooling properties. It’s been shown to reduce pain caused by headaches, muscle spasms, myofascial & fibromyalgia, and visceral pain like IBS. And when inhaled or used topically, the cooling sensation offers instant relief. Similar to lavender, peppermint oil is also a natural stress & anxiety-aid, a necessary component of general pain relief.
How to Use
The two most effective methods for using peppermint oil are topical and inhalation. For external, physical pain, mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and gently massage onto the problem area. For headaches, visceral pain, and stress & anxiety, add 3-5 drops to a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle for aromatherapeutic relief.
3. Eucalyptus
Why it Works
Eucalyptus oil stands out as a natural pain reliever because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It’s been used to ease joint & muscle pain, alleviate headaches, and reduce discomfort from respiratory conditions like sinusitis and bronchitis. A clinical trial concluded that it was effective in decreasing pain & blood pressure after a medical procedure. And again, like many of the other oils, it’s an effective anti-anxiety & stress agent.
How to Use
For headaches, sinus infections, and congestion, add 3-5 drops of eucalyptus oil to your diffuser, then passively inhale the healing effects. If you don’t have an infuser, you can also prepare a steaming pot of water, then add a few drops of oil before inhaling the released steam. For joint & muscle pain, combine with 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and massage into your skin, directly over the painful area.
4. Rosemary
Why it Works
Rosemary oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it an effective pain reliever for sore muscles and joints. It can also naturally alleviate headaches and migraines, an organic alternative to over-the-counter medication. A 2020 study found that rosemary is a “worthy source for curing inflammation, analgesic, anti-anxiety,” reinforcing the long-held beliefs & holistic uses of this powerful oil.
How to Use
To get the most out of rosemary oil, we recommend either aromatherapy or topical application. Add 3-5 drops to your diffuser to create a relaxing, pain-free aura in your home. For sore muscles & joints, mix 1-2 drops with 1 tsp of carrier oil, then rub onto the area that hurts the most.
5. German Chamomile
Why it Works
A strong anti-inflammatory & antispasmodic oil, German chamomile is effective at reducing pain associated with muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, digestive pain, and joint inflammation. It’s also been shown to be one of the few oils that are safe for pregnant women, reducing the severity of pain after a C-section. Furthermore, when applied topically or inhaled, it also acts as a stress & anxiety-management agent, further reducing your physical & mental pain.
How to Use
To relieve pain with your German chamomile oil, add 3-5 drops to a diffuser, then inhale the soothing aroma. Or, prepare a topical mixture with a carrier oil and massage directly onto your stomach & joints to create localised relief.
6. Frankincense
Why it Works
Frankincense is a powerful anti-inflammatory & immune-boosting oil, helping reduce inflammation caused by chronic pain & acute injury, as well as aiding your body’s response to pain. It’s also an effective remedy for headaches & migraines, especially those caused by stress. Many describe the feelings after inhalation as tranquil & peaceful, which are far removed from pain.
How to Use
Diffusion & topical application are by far the most effective methods to maximise frankincense’s analgesic properties. For bone, joint, and muscle pain, blend 1-2 drops of frankincense with a carrier oil, then massage gently into the pain area. To inhale, add a few drops to your diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle to relieve headaches, reduce stress, and manage internal pain.
7. Clary Sage
Why it Works
Clary sage is a strong antispasmodic & anti-inflammatory oil, meaning it’s great at reducing pain from muscle tension, stomach cramps, and even symptoms of IBS. It’s one of the most effective for pregnant women, being one of the two most effective oils (out of 10) in reducing childbirth pain, according to a study that analysed 8000+ women.
How to Use
For stomach & gut relief, apply topically by mixing 1-2 drops with a carrier oil, then rubbing directly onto your stomach. For sustained relief, add a few drops of clary sage oil to your diffuser, then set a 30-60 minute timer to enable the antispasmodic & anti-inflammatory properties to kick in slowly.
8. Bergamot
Why it Works
Bergamot is another dynamic pain-relieving oil, largely because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When inhaled, it can significantly mitigate discomfort from headaches, fevers, muscle tension, and nerve pain, making it an effective solution for conditions like neuralgia and fibromyalgia. A 2021 study displayed some of these pain-relieving effects when it was used to help protect chemotherapy patients from neuropathic pain.
How to Use
It should be no surprise that the most efficient ways to use bergamot oil are via topical application & traditional aromatherapy. Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil, then apply to your muscles and sensitive nerve areas for localised relief. To inhale, add 3-5 drops to a diffuser to ease headaches and associated stress, caused by chronic discomfort.
9. Marjoram
Why it Works
A powerful anti-inflammatory and mild sedative, marjoram essential oil is the go-to choice for strong pain relief. Use it to mitigate pain from muscle strains, sprains, cramps, and arthritis. And if any of these injuries are causing you to lose sleep, it will also help relax & induce comfortable sleep.
How to Use
Given its powerful nature, especially for acute injuries, marjoram oil works best when applied as a topical mixture. Mix with a carrier oil and gently rub into your skin to avoid causing more discomfort. And before bed, add a few drops to your diffuser or diffuser sticks to sleep peacefully & comfortably throughout the entire night.
10. Lemongrass
Why it Works
And last, but certainly not least, we have lemongrass. This EO owes its pain-relieving qualities to its range of anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It’s proven to be an efficient reliever of headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and even conditions like arthritis. It’s also a natural stress reliever, great for managing psychogenic pain.
How to Use
For effective pain relief with lemongrass oil, the topical application and diffusion methods prove most effective. Blend 1-2 drops of oil with a carrier oil, then massage into the skin or scalp to provide immediate soothing effects. This process harnesses the anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass oil directly. Alternatively, infuse your surroundings by adding 3-5 drops of oil to a diffuser, promoting a holistic approach to pain management and reducing stress. Both methods offer a natural way to alleviate discomfort and create a soothing environment.
Now, you're equipped to experiment with these natural remedies in your journey towards pain management. Choose an essential oil that’s suited for your needs, whether it’s chronic or acute, then test which application methods work best for you. You may even find that a blend of essential oils is the most effective way to heal & manage your pain.
