Evidence of the earliest uses of essential oils has dated back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptian culture held cleanliness and body care to such a high degree that it transcended economic status. Body oil was applied daily by almost all Egyptians as a form of moisturizing and protecting the skin.
Pharaohs were even known to be buried with jars of essential oils.
The Egyptian culture became well-known for essential oils and pain relief for many ailments and let’s not forget the famed Cleopatra, who was noticed for her beauty using these oils.
Due to my passion of using essential oils and the aches and pains that I’ve experienced over the years, I felt compelled to research how essential oils can help with pain relief so you can be your best “YOU”.
Ancient Medicine Still Used Today
Did you know that essential oils were mentioned in the Bible over 300 times? I just found this so fascinating that they were used in biblical times and here we are today still enjoying their many healing properties. These properties have been the foundation of medicinal treatment for thousands of years but have fallen by the wayside in the era of modern medicine.
While essential oils and other natural remedies cannot replace your entire medicine cabinet, they can replace some of the over counter medications. So, which essential oils are best to use for pain and other symptoms?
The Most Dependable Essential Oil Treatments
It’s important if you are going to use essential oils for medicinal purposes that the bottle says essential oils, not labeled as a perfume or fragrance. The perfumes and fragrances are often synthetic and they have little or no health benefits. You should always look for a product that is 100% pure essential oil. Some of the most dependable essential oil treatments include:
Peppermint – used for head tension, general pain relief and muscle pain
Frankincense – used for inflammation
Peppermint, Marjoram, Lemongrass, Cypress and Copaiba – used for joint pain and function
Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang and Frankincense – used for relaxation
Peppermint, Grapefruit, Lemon and Rosemary – used for energy
Oregano, Eucalyptus, Lemon and Myrrh – used for immune system support and defense against bacterial, viral and fungal infections
When it comes to the location of treatment, you should apply the oils directly or near the painful area. The dosage will vary for each individual based on size, age and overall health status. It is recommended that you do a skin patch test to make sure you are not sensitive to the oil and do not use if you have any reactions.
Joint and Muscle Pain Relief
Here are a few of my favorite recipes for joint and muscle pain. I hope these work for you and they become one of your favorites.
Homemade Tiger Balm
1/4 ounce Beeswax
3/4 ounce Saint John’s Wort Oil
60 drops Cornmint EO
60 drops White Camphor EO
40 drops Cajeput EO
35 drops Peppermint EO
30 drops Clove EO
30 drops Cassia Eo
1 Glass Jar
Gently melt the Beeswax and the Saint John’s Wort Oil in a double boiler. (You can use a small Pyrex measuring glass inside a pot that holds the water; the Beeswax and Saint John’s Wort Oil would be inside the Pyrex glass and the boiling water in the pot. This works well if you don’t have a double boiler on hand) Once melted, let it cool slightly and add the essential oils. Put it in a jar.
*EO referenced above = Essential Oils.
When ready to use: Apply to the area of pain to absorb into the skin. This is really great for relief of minor aches and pains, from arthritis, muscle strains and backaches.
Instant Muscle Relief Balm
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Grated Beeswax
2 tsp Cayenne Powder
2 tsp Turmeric Powder
10 drops Peppermint EO
8 drops Lavender EO
1 Glass Jar
Gently melt the Beeswax and Coconut Oil in a double boiler. Add the Cayenne Powder and Turmeric. Let it cool slightly and add the essential oils. Mix through and put in a jar.
When ready to use: Apply a small amount to the area of pain to absorb into the skin. (It is always recommended doing a skin patch test first to make sure your have no reactions or sensitivity to it)
Natural Pain Relief Salve
Homemade salves can be simple and effective to treat sore muscles. It’s always nice to have a go-to treatment for those everyday aches and pains. I tend to suffer from lower back pain which can really stop me in my tracks, especially when I’m doing a lot of lifting or bending. I find the best way to help with my sore back is making this fabulous herbal pain salve. I hope you try it, especially if you suffer from back pain.
Herbal Relief Salve
1/2 Beeswax
2 ounces Coconut Oil
10 drops Eucalyptus EO
10 drops Peppermint EO
5 drops Clove EO
1 Glass Jar
Gently melt the Beeswax and Coconut Oil in a double boiler. Let it cool slightly and add the EO’s. Put in jar.
When ready to use: Apply to the area of pain to absorb into the skin
Essential Oils For Chronic Pain
Peppermint is one of my favorite essential oils because it is so widely used in making blends. Peppermint has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, so it is a great oil for reducing chronic pain. Lavender oil is another favorite of mine for its multiple uses but its well-known for its sedative properties that work to induce relaxation. If you have chronic pain, it can be super helpful to incorporate foods, herbs and essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties into your daily routine. Instead of just applying an oil, try a massage of a bath soak to ease pain.
Massage: Blend 10 drops of essential oil with one ounce of carrier oil and use on any part of the body where you are suffering from pain. Keep in mind that “hot” oils such as Clove or Peppermint can bring strong sensations to the skin so apply with care in sensitive areas.
Bath Soak: Add two cups of Epsom salt along with 10-20 drops of essential oil to your bath. This treatment is wonderful for muscle pain and joint stiffness as well as digestive discomfort.
Conclusion
Aches and pains affect everyone differently. Adding essential oils for pain relief into your daily routine may help reduce symptoms of pain and inflammation. Before starting an essential oil therapy, you should always consult with a doctor or healthcare professional to avoid any negative interactions with medications. Please note that the recipes above are not meant for children.
From ancient medicine to today, essential oils have shown their effectiveness historically, in providing insights on how they were used for healing in the past and how they can benefit our lives today.
Essential oils are no fad. They are widely used around the world today, more commonly used in other countries than the United States, however a recent article stated essential oils are now being used by the Mayo Clinic with essential oil packets being given to patients to ease their discomforts.
Are you new to essential oils? Click here for individual oils and blends meant for specific moods
They’re a great way to get started and are 100% natural, vegan-friendly, and sustainable.
Whatever ailment life brings your way, look to nature, it just might have the cure for whatever “pains” you.
If you have any questions about pain relief using essential oils or any recipes you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Please share with us in the comment section below.
