Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is a band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to the bone. While the tissues that make up the tendons are tough, rigorous, and prolonged, but continuous activity can cause inflammation or tear in the tendon. Using essential oils for tendonitis helps in healing it.
Performing exercise or playing a sport without proper conditioning and warm-up, bad posture, medical disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, are some reasons that cause tendonitis.
People over the age of 40 are more prone to tendonitis because tendons lose their elasticity and become more prone to injury and inflammation.
The following are ten essential oils to treat tendonitis at home.
Wintergreen essential oil contains methyl salicylate, which contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds that help with tendonitis(1). Wintergreen essential oil is often used to treat joint and muscle pain.
Mix wintergreen essential oil with a carrier oil with the essential oil forming only 2-3%. Use as much as needed to cover the area, once or twice a day.
[Read: Relieve Shoulder Pain Naturally]
Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory and pain killing characteristics that help provide relief from pain and reduces swelling caused by tendonitis.
As much as needed to cover the affected area, applied once or twice a day.
Sweet Marjoram essential oil acts as a painkiller and numbs the ache or pain caused by tendonitis providing quick relief. It also helps with the stiffness of the muscles under the tendon. It is one of the best essential oils for Achilles tendonitis.
As much as needed to cover the affected area, applied once or twice a day.
[Read: Essential Oils for Bursitis]
Lavender(2) is a popular essential oil used to relieve joint and muscle pain. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds and has pain-relieving effects, which provide relief from tendonitis.
As much as needed to cover the affected area, applied once or twice a day.
Peppermint contains menthol which provides a cooling and soothing effect to provide relief from pain and stiffness caused by tendonitis.
As much as needed to cover the affected area, applied once or twice a day.
[Read: Essential Oils for Rheumatoid Arthritis]
Clary Sage contains anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce the swelling caused by tendonitis and provides relief from pain.
As much as needed to cover the affected area, applied once or twice a day.
Helichrysum essential oil is popularly used to provide relief from joint pain. It contains sesquiterpene hydrocarbons that are anti-inflammatory in nature. It helps reduce stress and tension in the joints and muscles, providing relief from tendonitis.
Equal parts of helichrysum essential oil with a carrier oil. As much as needed to cover the affected area, applied once or twice a day.
[Read: Essential Oils for Joint Pain]
The anti-inflammatory properties of rose geranium essential oil help reduce swelling and pain caused by tendonitis. It is often used as a remedy for joint pains like arthritis.
1-2 drops of rose geranium essential oil mixed with 8-9 drops of carrier oil. Use as much as is needed to cover the affected area.
Lemongrass essential oil is used to provide relief from joint pains like rheumatism and arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain caused by tendonitis.
Mix lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil and massage the affected area.
Mix 12 drops of lemongrass essential oil to one teaspoon of carrier oils, like coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. Use as much as needed to cover the affected area.
[Read: Essential Oils for Treating Knee Pain]
Frankincense essential oil contains Limonene that acts as an anti-inflammatory compound and Borneol that has anaesthetic, sedative, and antispasmodic effects. These compounds provide relief from joint and muscle pain, which is why it helps with tendonitis.
Equal parts of frankincense essential oil and a carrier oil. Use as much as needed to cover the affected area.
Tendonitis heals on its own with external stimulants like a massage. Applying essential oils while massaging is a great way to get the health benefits of these oils to help heal tendonitis faster. Tendonitis needs adequate rest to heal.
Avoid using the injured part for activity, weight lifting or sports. Use a sling or support to prevent movement. With enough rest and stimulation, you will be rid of tendonitis.
[ Read: Supplements for Tendonitis ]
Tendonitis is a condition that is caused due to the inflammation of the tendon and providing adequate rest will relieve and heal it. If there is severe pain and redness, you may have a tear that will need further treatment. Visit a doctor for such cases.
With adequate rest, tendonitis should heal within 4-6 weeks.
If the prescribed home remedies do not help in relieving pain even after 4 weeks, if you have redness in the affected area, if you have unbearable pain, or if you have a high fever, you need to see a doctor as the tendonitis might be severe or you may have a tear in the tendon or muscle.