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 sore muscles have been in use since ancient times. Their rich content of antioxidants and biologically activated compounds make them highly beneficial for providing almost instantaneous relief from muscle pains and cramps.
Essential Oils
Chemical painkillers might provide you with quick relief, but they come with risks of gastric ulcers and intestinal corrosion. These pain-killers 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(1).
For this reason, it is recommended to make use of essential oils to make the treatment of muscle pain more localized and cure the illness most effectively. Enlisted below are 10 amazing essential oils that are highly beneficial for the cure of muscle cramps, aches, and pains.
Elucidated below is a list of 10 incredibly useful essential oils that are known for their healing and powerful antioxidant nature. Follow through with any of the essential oils for sore muscles to cure the pain in no time.
[Also Read: Home Remedies for Sore Muscles]
1. Peppermint Oil
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(2).
How to use?
- Mix a teaspoon of peppermint oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil and massage the sore muscles
- You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a hot bath or make use of it as a cold compress for the affected muscles
- The potent analgesic nature of peppermint essential oil can heal the pain of muscles quickly and effectively
2. Magnesium Oil
This essential oil is rich in magnesium chloride that is an incredible muscle relaxant. It relaxes 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. It even helps to relieve sore jaw muscles. It is because of its powerful analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing nature.
How to use?
- Fill a spray bottle with magnesium oil
- Spray it to the sore area for immediate relief from the pain
[Also Read: Epsom Salt Benefits for Sore Muscles]
3. Castor Oil
Wondering how to get rid of muscle pain with castor oil? Castor oil is extraordinarily beneficial for the alleviation of muscle pains, joint aches, 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 and sore thigh muscles.
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
4. Coconut Oil
An excellent old massage with coconut oil is all you need to get rid of the muscle aches and pains. It helps in the establishment of blood circulation in the muscles which in turn helps in easing the pain felt in joints and muscles. It also helps to relieve sore back muscles.
How to use?
- To prepare the rub mixture – Add a teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper to a tablespoon of warm coconut oil
- Mix well to form a paste
- Smear this paste on the muscles with gentle rubbing
- Rinse it off after about 20 minutes
- Do this twice in a day for the pain to dissipate
5. Tea tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is a fabulous solvent that gets well absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin. This property makes it one of the best natural remedies for the treatment of sore muscles(5). This essential oil is especially beneficial for muscle cramps and aches that occur due to overexertion, strains, and sprains. Sore neck muscles are a common outcome of such stress.
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 sore muscles with gentle massaging
- The oil will heal the pain from within and is a powerhouse of antioxidants
- It cures the oxidative damage and inflammation of tissues
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is highly beneficial amongst all the essential oils for sore muscles(3). The anti-inflammatory action of the eucalyptus essential oil cures the swelling and redness of tissues. Its antispasmodic nature cools the painful area, and its natural analgesic nature alleviates the pain most effectively. Its inhalation also helps to relieve sore muscles and headaches.
How to use?
- Inhale the eucalyptus essential oil with a diffuser
- Prepare an oil mix by adding a teaspoon of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil
- Apply the oil mixture to the sore muscles with gentle massaging
- The soreness will heal in no time
[Also Read: Heat or Cold Therapy For Sore Muscles]
7. Lemongrass Essential Oil
It is an ancient home remedy for sore muscles and joints. Vitamins, nutrients, and essential minerals form the composition of lemongrass oil. The oil nourishes the skin when applied and helps in healing the pain from deep within.
How to use?
- Mix a teaspoon of lemongrass essential oil with a tablespoon of neem oil
- Massage the sore muscles
- You can also add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a hot bath
- Make use of it as a cold compress for the affected muscles
- Its anti-inflammatory action heals the inflammation, and its potent analgesic properties alleviate the muscular tension and pain
8. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil is known for its incredible anti-inflammatory properties. 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. It is a very beneficial treatment for sore chest muscles. It’s 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 sore muscles with gentle massaging
9. Rosemary Essential Oil
It is one of the most beneficial natural remedies. 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 sore muscles.
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 Essential Oil
The healing action of juniper essential oil lies in the improvement of blood flow, relief from cramping of muscles, alleviation of soreness of muscles and the effective cure of inflammation. It is antirheumatic and can flush out toxins from the tissues that inflict oxidative stress. Its antispasmodic properties cure muscle spasms and aids in the relaxation of nerves. It is one of the most beneficial essential oils for sore muscles.
How to use?
- Blend a teaspoon of juniper essential oil with a tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil
- Massage the soreness away with the oil mixture for effective alleviation of pain and instant relief
Other Essential Oils for Sore Muscles:
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Yarrow Essential Oil
- Marjoram Essential Oil
- Ginger Essential Oil
Side Effects
Some of the side effects of topical application of essential oils for sore muscles include skin allergic reactions, irritation, dermatitis, the stiffness of the surface, decolorization of skin and more. If you notice any of these skin reactions, quit using the oils immediately. If the pain in the muscles and joints persists beyond a few days, then visit a physician without delay.
FAQs
1. Can Exercise Help with Muscle Pain?
Exercise is highly beneficial for a permanent cure for muscle pain and joint aches.
2. Can Swimming Help with Soreness of Muscles?
Swimming in cold water is significantly useful for driving out muscle aches and joint troubles.
Essential oils for sore muscles are incredibly beneficial and highly effective. They heal the pain naturally without leaving any side effects or damaging the intestines, unlike pain-killer drugs. It not only helps to relieve the pain but also enhances your health with the soothing aromatherapy for your mind and body.
