Essential Oils for Sore Muscles and Inflammation Support
As we age, we often look for ways to help the body find relief from tired, sore muscles. Inflammation is one of the reasons our muscles become tired and sore. Inflammation can happen when you spend too much time working in the yard or when you overdo it at the gym. For those days, a combination of these essential oils for sore muscles can be very soothing!
Essential Oils Commonly Used for Sore Muscles
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens): This oil is high in methyl salicylate. This relieves muscular skeletal pain. Methyl salicylate is known to increase blood flow to an area by dilating the capillaries. This can also increase the warmth in an area. They say methyl salicylate acts similarly to aspirin, offering analgesic properties when applied topically.
White Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora): This oil contains limonene. This is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Historically, this oil has been used for muscular aches and pains and rheumatism.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary contains camphor and a-pinene. Both are known for their analgesic and anti-rheumatic benefits.
Cajeput (Melaleuca cajuputi): Cajeput contains a high amount of 1,8-cineole. This is known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic benefits. It is highly effective for reducing pain and discomfort.
Fir (Abies sibirica): Fir contains bornyl acetate and promotes relaxation and reduces inflammation. It also helps with congestion.
Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllata): Clove contains a high content of eugenol. Eugenol is used by dentists to help with inflammation.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium): Helichrysum is one of my favorite oils and holds lots of benefits. It promotes the regeneration of skin cells, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic benefits. It is great for helping to deter bruising, which makes it great to add for topical applications.
Juniper (Juniperus communis): Juniper is another oil high in a-pinene, offering analgesic and anti-rheumatic benefits to this blend as well as promoting circulation.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Known for its menthol properties. Offering analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits as well as its cooling properties. Its benefits are similar to applying ice to an area because it is so cool.
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri): Frankincense is such a wonderful oil, offering many benefits. For this blend, I am sure they took into account its high content of a-pinene.
Creating a Blend of Essential Oils for Sore Muscles and Inflammation
You may have heard this before: the 3-2-1 blending method. You add 3 parts of a top note, 2 parts of a middle note, and 1 part of a base note.
Top notes are scents you usually smell immediately, and they include your citrus and mint oils – wintergreen and peppermint.
Middle notes create the body of the blend, and their scent, although strong sometimes, is usually noticed after the top note. These include white camphor, rosemary, cajeput, fir, and clove bud.
Base notes create the longer-lasting, deep aroma and include helichrysum and frankincense.
Here is a simple DIY recipe using these oils:
- 3 drops peppermint
- 2 drops rosemary
- 1 drop helichrysum or frankincense
Select an oil from each category, or use my essential oils for sore muscles blend above, and add them using proper dilution rates to create a personalized blend. To create a blend using a 2-ounce lotion or oil base, add 24 drops (12-8-4). If you are creating a roll-on using an oil in a 10ml applicator, use (3-2-1). Check our dilution rates guide.
Remember to follow suggested safety practices when using essential oils. Some essential oil blends, especially when using peppermint or white camphor, can be too strong for children, if you are pregnant or nursing. You may also want to use caution if you have epilepsy or high blood pressure. If you have a medical concern, please consult with your own medical professional.
Ready to get started? Shop for high-quality oils at Aromatics International, they offer a great blend, “Forget-Me-Knot”. You can also explore our companion articles on Essential Oil Safety Tips, Essential Oil Properties, and Carrier Oils.
For more natural approaches to pain and inflammation, explore The Healthy Habits Challenge or browse our chronic pain articles.
References:
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Brisbane: International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2003. Print.
“Essential Oils, Body Butters, Carriers, Hydrosols.” Aromatherapy Pure, Organic Essential Oils | Aromatics International. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov 2016.
Pressimone, Jennifer. Holistic Aromatherapy Comprehensive Guide, JennScents, Inc: 2015. Print.