The pain of sore, aching muscles can be alleviated with the use of aromatherapy oils. Some can be particularly useful in treating injuries. Others can be added to a bath or mixed together to make a massage oil, which can soothe you and help you relax. Consult a doctor before using aromatherapy for a medical condition.
Effective Aromatherapy Oils
Arnica oil is a great herbal remedy to use after a sports injury and can have dramatic results for reducing muscle damage. Cayenne contains a chemical called salicin, which has a similar effect as aspirin for relieving pain. Cayenne-infused oil is particularly good at relieving muscle pain without irritating the skin. Other oils with aspirin-like pain relieving qualities are birch, meadowsweet and black haw. Rosemary and eucalyptus oil help relieve the pain of aching muscles, and peppermint oil reduces pain and inflammation.
How to Use the Oils
Aromatherapy oils can be applied to just the sore areas or can be added to a hot bath. Pouring half an ounce of blended aromatherapy oils to a bath and soaking for 30 minutes will help relieve sore muscles and joint pain. Oils can also be massaged into your whole body. When applying oils to your body, you should always massage towards your heart and apply the oil in smooth upward strokes. Mixing the oils with chamomile or sandalwood gives a soothing scent to the oil, helping you relax.
Mixing Aromatherapy Oils
Some aromatherapy oils are mixed with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or olive oil and some are undiluted. Undiluted oils can irritate the skin so carrier oils have to be mixed with them before use. To make massage oil, add a carrier oil and the essential oil that you want to blend it with into a bottle and shake the bottle well until the oils are mixed.
Recipes
A blend of ginger, cinnamon, cajuput and chamomile is a soothing massage oil for sore muscles, and mixing lavender, rosemary, sandalwood and geranium can relieve muscular back pain. Marjoram, eucalyptus, cajuput and black pepper blended together and warmed up is an effective rubbing oil for sore joints, and a mix of peppermint, thyme, lavender and marjoram can be added to a bath to relieve aches and pains. Carrier oils should always be added to these recipes to stop skin irritation. Experiment with different aromatherapy oils to find which blend will work best for you.
References
- Birch Hill Happenings; Aromatherapy Recipes using Essential Oils for Aches and Pain, including Muscle Pain; Penny Keay; 2005-2007
- Annie's Remedy; Pain Relief: Natural Herbs For Sore Muscles, Aches & Pains; 2005-2008
- Herb Health Guide; 30 Fantastic Oil Fragrances; Peter and Jenny Tylee; 2005-2011
- Alternative Medicine Zone; Aromatherapy Oils Gives Relief To Sore Muscles And Soothe Every Nerve; 2011
- Aromatherapy Gossip; Aromatherapy Facts and Information; Pamela J Leavey; 1999-2009
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