Essential oils have healing properties similar to common prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs to Relieve Sore Muscles. They contain high amounts of antioxidants which help remove inflammatory wastes from your body. Benefits of using essential oils to relieve sore muscles include reducing and eliminating spasms, anti-inflammatory properties and relieves pain. The pain relief properties of essential oils are able to work faster than swallowing over-the-counter pain relief medications. Rather than waiting for the medication to dissolve in the body, essential oils can be placed directly over the ailment and absorbed into the body through the skin.
Not only do essential oils help relieve pain and soreness, they have many other medicinal properties. For example, lavender works as an analgesic, helping to relieve the soreness in your muscles but it also helps relieve stress. There are more than 50 different types of essential oils that help relieve sore muscles. Each one offers its own unique grouping of uses.
Essential Oils for Sore Muscles
1. Basil oil
Basil essential oil is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help relieve the pain from muscle spasms and even a charley horse. Regular use of basil will also help tone your muscles. Dilute the basil essential oil with vegetable oil. Use one part basil oil and one part vegetable oil. Apply two to four drops of mix directly onto the sore muscle. Rub into muscle until absorbed by the body. The dilution mix can also be placed in a oil burner to complement the healing properties by being diffused into the air.
2. Wintergreen
When you think of over-the-counter pain creams you probably immediately think of the peppermint smell released from the cream. That is because many use a form of mint, including wintergreen. This essential oil has cooling aroma and cortisone-like effects help relieve sore muscles. Wintergreen contains the same properties as aspirin and one ounce is equivalent to taking 171 aspirin tablets. Dilute the wintergreen essential oil with vegetable oil. Mix together one part wintergreen with four parts vegetable oil. Apply several drops directly to the sore muscle. The wintergreen mix can also be directly inhaled or diffused into the air to complement direct application of the oil.
3. Cypress
Cypress essential oil has been used for centuries to relieve pain from menstrual problems. The oil is used to help detox the lymphatic system, decrease water retention and relax muscles. Dilute the cypress essential oil with vegetable oil. Mix together equal parts of the both. Apply several drops directly to the affected area. Cypress can also be diffused into the air to help increase the affects of application.
4. White Fir
You may think Christmas is back when you put the white fir essential oil to work relieving your sore muscles. White fir has been used by Native Americans for many generations because it helps reduce swelling of the muscles and in the joints. It has also been used to sooth various cases of rheumatic pain. Mix equal parts of the white fir essential oil with vegetable oil. Apply several drops on the affected area, use in a diffuser or directly inhale.
5. Relaxing Blend
Multiple oils used together can help optimize pain relief from sore muscles. Separately, each oil contains properties that help reduce inflammation and pain. Together, they take care of all ailments related to muscle cramps and tenderness.
Mix two drops of each of the following oils together:
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is a powerful pain reliever and muscle relaxant, and it also has properties that help you get rid of muscle and joint pain and relieve muscle tension.
Spruce oil
It can be used to reduce muscle tension, as it works to calm and relax the muscles, by massaging the place of pain using oil.
Black Pepper oil
Black pepper oil contributes to reducing the pain that affects the muscles, as it removes muscle cramps, by promoting and stimulating blood circulation when massaging the affected areas, and it is widely used in muscle treatment products.
Hyssop oil
Hyssop oil relaxes muscles, stimulates blood circulation, and prevents cramps and spasms
Dilute the oil mixture with equal parts of vegetable oil. Apply several drops directly to the sore muscle or site if injury. Peppermint feels cool on the skin and helps block pain. Spruce, black pepper and hyssop help reduce inflammation and are anti-spasmodic.
The next time you feel some aches and pains, put away the bottle of aspirin. Get out your essential oils and take advantage of all of the natural healing properties each one has.