8 Best Essential Oils for Muscle Pain Relief and Recovery

It's true that most of us experience some kind of muscle pain that occurs across the various muscle contingencies, such as when we push ourselves too hard while exercising, sitting for too long at a desk, or simply by waking up with the headaches that characterize general muscle pain. Though it may sound simple, more and more people are opting for the all-natural remedy which actually works without side effects – a way which provides the greatest lasting pain relief.

This is where essential oils for muscle pain come into play.

The healing powers of these plants have been recognized for years, and for decades they've been helping individuals to ease their discomfort, decrease any inflammation, and help heal. And the best part? They are simple to use, possess an amazing aroma, and can transform your post-workout regimen into a spa treatment.

Let's analyze all of this that you ought to learn.

Why Essential Oils Work for Muscle Pain? 

First, let's learn why essential oils are so beneficial for pain.

Most of the best essential oils for muscle pain, in fact, feature compounds such as menthol, camphor, limonene and linalool which have been confirmed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving) or antispasmodic properties. If a carrier oil is used when these compounds are applied topically, they are absorbed into the tissue and begin to work.

They also help to keep the flow going to get rid of lactic acid accumulations, which is why your muscles get sore after exercising.

No, this is not aromatherapy hocus pocus. Well, it all has to do with. "real science".

Best Essential Oils for Muscle Pain Relief

Here's a selected list of the most effective oils on the market, easy to use and readily accessible.

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is likely the best known of the muscle relaxing essential oil treatments — and its a good reason. It is rich in menthol which produces a cooling effect in the body on the skin; it also has a natural anesthetic effect.

You can use diluted peppermint oil by rubbing it on the area where the pain is. This stops the pain signal from reaching the brain, thus making it less painful almost instantly. It is particularly suited for tension headaches, tight shoulders and post-workout node ones.

TIP: Add 4–5 drops to the coconut oil and rub on top of the affected area for quick results.

2. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender can also help to relieve sore muscles and is one of the more effective essential oils for sore muscles. It demonstrates good anti-inflammatory, good analgesic as well as helps in reducing stress and anxiety associated with chronic pain.

Lavender oil has been proven to effectively decrease pain during a massage. It is not harsh and will be effective when mixed with other oils for daily use.

3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

There's a reason why eucalyptus is used in numerous commercial muscle rubs: it's effective. It includes an ingredient with super-strong anti-inflammatory properties that promote circulation to painful areas, 1,8-cineole.

For areas of the body affected by pain such as the back, joints or all over the body, eucalyptus is a good choice of essential oils for body pain.

4. Rosemary Essential Oil

If it comes to muscle recovery then Rosemary oil is an understated gem. It enhances circulation, decreases inflammation and has natural antispasmodic properties, reducing muscle spasms and cramps.

It's especially fashionable among those involved in physical action or sporting activities. A few drops to your athletic massage will make a significant difference on how quickly you recover.

5. Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger has an overall warming action that is perfect for deep muslin and joint pain. Ginger is known to produce a warm action that reaches deeper tissues stimulating circulation whereas cooling spices such as peppermint have a cooling effect.

One of the best massage oils to alleviate pain, especially for stiff joints, arthritis-related aches or long-term lower back pain.

6. Marjoram Essential Oil

Most people have never heard of marjoram oil but it's time to find out. One of the most effective, however lesser known essential oils for muscle pain, especially with regards to muscle spasms, cramps and stiffness.

Marjoram is warming and calming to the muscles, and in traditional medicine it's remains have been used for centuries to treat overuse injuries and other rheumatic conditions.

7. Clove Essential Oil

Clove oil is made up of eugenol, a compound with powerful analgesics and anti-inflammatory properties, naturally existing. Though it is often known for its pain-relieving properties, such properties are not limited to toothaches.

When applied to a neutral carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil, clove oil can soothe and relieve any sore, aching muscles.

8. Black Pepper Essential Oil

This one is a "completely unexpected" number of people. When applied to the skin, black pepper essential oil has a warming effect and stimulates the skin and is wonderful for enhancing circulation and alleviating stiffness. It is very beneficial for warm ups before exercise or as a relaxation after a long, physical day.

How to Use Essential Oils for Muscle Pain? 

But knowing which oils to use, is a half battle accomplished. However, here's how they can be used effectively:

• Topical massage: Essential oils must be mixed with carrier oils, such as coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil before being used topically on the body. A general ratio is 2-3 percent of essential oil to carrier oil (5-6 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil). Oils used for body massage for muscle pain work best if applied with firm circular massage strokes directly on the painful area.
• Warm compress: Take a bowl of warm water and add 3-4 drops of your oil and dip a cloth, wriggle it out and lay it over the affected muscle for 10-15 minutes.
• Bath Soak: By combining a tablespoon of carrier oil (epsom salt) and 10–15 drops of essential oil. It is one of the most blissful methods of dealing with any overuse soreness throughout the body.
• Diffusion: This will not target muscles per se, but diffusing of lavender oil or peppermint oil can promote a relaxing environment that aids in pain perception and stress-reduction.

DIY Muscle Pain Relief Blend You Can Make at Home 

It's not necessary to purchase costly commercial massage oils with the purpose of easing pain when you can create your own massage oil at home. Here's an easy mix that's a great one to use:

Soothing Muscle Rub Blend:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (carrier)
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a little glass jar and use as required. Keep out of direct sunlight.

This mix has all three characteristics: cooling, anti-inflammatory and stimulating the circulation — and is one of the coldest essential oils for sore muscles that you can make yourself in less than five minutes.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Essential Oils 

Essential oils can be powerful and, therefore, can be used safely.

• Essential oils should not be used undiluted as noted. Use of a carrier oil is always recommended.
• Use patch test to determine suitability of new oil before using for any sensitive skin.
• Avoid using essential oils on broken or irritated skin.
• Avoid oils coming into contact with the mucous membranes and eyes.
• Pregnant, nursing, or taking medications; oragemaster's advice: Talk to your doctor before using therapeutic essential oils.
• Not all oils are child-friendly, so be sure to follow age-appropriate directions before using them.

Final Thoughts

There's a reason essential oils for muscle pain have stood the test of time. They are all effective and renowned natural remedies that have been used in other cultures throughout history, and still use them today for sports recovery.

Now from aching post workout muscles to chronic back pain, aching from long hours at work, or simply aching as a result of old age — there is an essential oil that can help. It's important to pick the right one (or the right mix) for your pain type and to use it right and consistently.

Begin with the basic fragrances — peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus — then ramp up from there. You're muscles will thank you!

FAQs

Q1. What's the top essential oil to relieve muscle pain? 

These are preferable: peppermint and eucalyptus. Peppermint helps to cool due to its numbing effect on pain and eucalyptus helps to reduce inflammation. Lavender, effective for chronic soreness and for tension which accompanies stress.

Q2. May use essential oils topical on sore muscles? 

No, always add to a carrier oil before applying; coconut or jojoba oil are great options to choose. Might irritate the skin on direct application. For safe and effective topical use, use a 2–3% dilution ratio.

Q3. How many times a day are essential oils allowed to be used for muscle pain? 

These may be used 2-3 times a day for an acute pain. Chronic conditions: One daily (usually safe). Observe skin reaction and take breaks when skin is irritated.

Q4. Are "muscle pain" essential oils safe to use during pregnancy? 

Not all oils are pregnancy-safe. Although though, Lavender is relatively less harmful, but it will be wise to check with your doctor before using any essential oil while in pregnancy or lactation.

Q5. Can essential oils really aid in muscle recovery for body after exercises? 

Yes. Rosemary, ginger, and peppermint oils are known to enhance the circulation of blood, decrease lactic acid accumulation, and relieve inflammation; all these factors contribute to quicker recovery of muscles after exercise.