Muscle pain occurs mostly due to overexertion. The tissues get inflamed and begin to pain and burn until it becomes unbearable. The painful sensation is usually localized or spread across a few muscles of the body. The strain on the muscles causes the nerves to become taut and painful. Essential oils for muscle pain have been in use since ancient times for the natural and effective alleviation of pain and inflammation of the muscles. Their rich content of antioxidants and biologically activated compounds contained in essential oils make them highly beneficial for providing almost instantaneous relief from muscle pains and cramps.
Causes
There can be a hundred different causes of muscle pain. The most common causes of muscle pain are as follows
- Overexertion of muscles and consequent fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Fever
- Dystonia
- Claudication
- Dermatomyositis
- Hypothyroidism
- Inflammatory diseases
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Minor injuries
- Muscular tension
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Lyme disease
- Diabetes and more
Symptoms
- Immense pain in the muscles
- Tautness of muscles
- Tenderness of muscles
- Swelling and redness of the affected area
- Fever and painful discomfort of the body
- Insomnia
- The stiffness of the affected region
Types of Muscle Pain
- Muscle cramps
- Myalgia
- Back muscle pain
- Hand cramps
- Leg cramps
- Vague muscle ache
- Musculoskeletal aches
[Also Read: Relieve Muscle Pain With Natural Remedies]
Essential Oils
Chemical painkillers might provide you with quick relief, but they come with risks of gastric ulcers and intestinal corrosion. These painkillers contain chemicals that suppress the pain but do not heal the source of it.
They only provide temporary relief and the pain returns once their effects subside. It is, for this reason, it is recommended to make use of essential oils for muscle pain to make the treatment of muscle pain more localized and cure the illness most effectively.
Massaging with essential oils help in the improvement of blood circulation and provide immediate relief from muscle aches(1) and spasms. They can also cure inflammation and alleviate the pain quickly.
[Read: Sore Muscles Treatment at Home]
What are the essential oils that are good for muscle pain?
Enlisted below are ten amazing essential oils that are highly beneficial for the cure of muscle cramps, aches, and pains
- Peppermint essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Magnesium oil
- Castor essential oil
- Chinese oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Chamomile essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Juniper essential oil
Ways to use Essential Oils for Muscle Pain
So what essential oils are good for muscle pain? Elucidated below is a list of 10 incredibly useful essential oils for muscle pain that is known for their healing and powerful antioxidant nature. Follow through with any of the essential oils for muscle pain home remedies enlisted below to cure the muscle pain in no time.
1. Fibromyalgia Muscle Pain
The anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of peppermint essential oil make it highly useful for the natural treatment of muscle aches and cramps. It is one of the best natural remedies for fibromyalgia muscle pain. The potent analgesic nature of peppermint essential oil can heal the pain of muscles quickly and effectively.
How to use?
- Mix a teaspoon of peppermint oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil
- Massage the painful muscles
- You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a hot bath and soak yourself in it
- Make use of the essential oil as a cold compress for the affected muscles
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is a fabulous solvent that gets well absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin. It is one of the best home remedies for deep muscle pain and joint pain. This essential oil is especially beneficial for muscle cramps and aches that occur due to overexertion, strains, and sprains. Its application heals the pain from within and it is a powerhouse of antioxidants cures the oxidative damage and inflammation of muscles.
How to use?
- Prepare an oil mix by adding a teaspoon of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of jojoba oil
- Apply the oil mixture to the aching muscles with gentle massaging
[Read: Treatments for Muscular Dystrophy]
3. Magnesium Oil
Magnesium essential oil is rich in magnesium chloride that is an incredible muscle relaxant and is especially useful for chronic muscle pain and weakness.
It relaxers the cramped muscles and calms the taut nerves thereby healing the pain most effectively. It is highly beneficial for all kinds of aches and pains especially that which affects the muscles because of its powerful analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing nature.
How to use?
- Fill a spray bottle with magnesium oil
- Spray it to the aching area for immediate relief from the pain
[Read: Essential Oils for Neuropathy]
4. Castor oil
Castor oil(2) is extraordinarily beneficial for the alleviation of muscle pains, joint pain, back muscle pain and stiffness. Its content of ricinoleic acid is profoundly useful in the reduction of suffering and the cure of inflammation of joints and muscles. It is highly beneficial for the natural treatment of arthritis.
How to use?
- Soak a clean handkerchief in a dish of warm castor oil
- Wrap the painful joints and muscles with the warm and oily cloth for practical and immediate relief
[Read: Essential Oils for Back Pain]
5. Chinese Oil
The Chinese herbal oil is an incredible concoction of exotic ingredients that are naturally analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic and antioxidant. It is incredibly useful for the treatment of muscle and joint pain and relief from deep muscle pain.
The primary constituents of Chinese oil for muscle pain include menthol, ginseng, camphor, angelica, witch hazel, lavender essential oil, aloe vera, wintergreen oil, peppermint and other herbs and oils that help to provide relief from muscle pain and joint aches.
How to use?
- Massage the aching muscles and joints with Chinese oil for immediate and effective relief
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the best home remedies amongst other essential oils for muscle pain for providing relief from fibromyalgia pain.
The anti-inflammatory action of the eucalyptus essential oil cures the swelling and redness of muscles. Its anti-spasmodic nature cools the sore area, and its natural analgesic nature alleviates the pain most effectively.
How to use?
- Inhale the eucalyptus essential oil with a diffuser
- Prepare an oil mix by adding a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil
- Apply the oil mixture to the painful muscles with gentle massaging
[Read: 20 Eucalyptus Oil Benefits]
7. Lemongrass Oil
It is an ancient home remedy for curing muscle pain and aching joints and is one of the best for chronic muscle pain. Packed with vitamins, nutrients and essential minerals, it nourishes the skin when applied and helps in healing the pain from deep within. Its anti-inflammatory action treats the inflammation, and its potent analgesic properties alleviate the muscular tension and anxiety.
How to use?
- Mix a teaspoon of lemongrass essential oil with a tablespoon of neem oil
- Massage the painful muscles
- You can also add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a hot bath
- Make use of the essential oil as a cold compress for the affected muscles
8. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile essential oil is known for its incredible anti-inflammatory properties and is one of the best natural remedies for muscle and joint pain.
Topical application of the oil, when mixed with a carrier oil, can decrease the inflammation, alleviate the pain and diminish the swelling and redness of the painful area. Its sedative nature reduces the nervous tension and eases the pain by relaxing the muscles and nerves.
How to use?
- Prepare an oil mix by adding a teaspoon of chamomile essential oil to a tablespoon of olive oil
- Apply the oil mixture to the aching muscles with gentle massaging
9. Rosemary Oil
The oil extracted from the rosemary herb can decrease the inflammation, alleviate the pain and diminish the swelling and redness of the painful area of muscles. It is one of the best natural remedies for muscle pain and weakness.
How to use?
- Blend a teaspoon of rosemary essential oil with a tablespoon of avocado oil
- Massage the soreness away with the oil mixture for effective alleviation of pain and instant relief
10. Juniper Oil
The healing action of juniper essential oil lies in the improvement of blood flow, relief from cramping of muscles and joints pain alleviation of soreness of muscles and the effective cure of inflammation. It is anti-rheumatic and can flush out toxins from the tissues that inflict oxidative stress. Its anti-spasmodic properties cure muscle spasms(3) and aid in the relaxation of nerves as compared to their essential oils for muscle pain.
How to use?
- Blend a teaspoon of juniper essential oil with a tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil
- Massage it on the muscles that are inflicted by pain
- You can wash off the oil with warm water after some time
Side Effects
Topical application of essential oils for muscle pain can cause skin irritation, allergies, and inflammation. It may also cause distress in the functioning of the intestines and digestion.
Risks
The use of essential oils for muscle pain for a natural treatment might be risky for people with sensitive skin. It can also be dangerous for patients with respiratory disorders.
Precautions
Consult a medical professional before using essential oils for the cure of muscle aches and strains. Do a slight patch test before proceeding with a massage with the essential oil. Store the oil away from sunlight and in a dark glass vial.
Other Home Remedies for the Natural Cure of Muscle Pain
Effectively cure the muscle pain with the natural ways along with the administration of the home remedies enlisted below
- An ice pack is an easy and quick home remedy for muscle pain.
- Apply warm turmeric powder, and water paste to the painful muscles for relief.
- Soak the muscles in a hot bath of dilute apple cider vinegar for relief.
- Massaging with warm and raw mustard oil is highly effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Exercise Help With Muscle Pain?
Exercise is highly beneficial for the almost permanent cure for muscle pain and joint aches.
2. Can Swimming Help With Soreness of Muscles?
Swimming in cold water is exceedingly useful for driving out muscle aches and joint troubles.
Essential oils are beneficial to every extent. They heal the pain naturally without leaving any side effects or damaging the intestines, unlike painkiller drugs. Switch to a healthier way of relieving your body off the triggering pain and that too with the soothing aromatherapy of these essential oils.
