Essential oils have been found to help reduce various forms of pain and inflammation. There are many useful essential oils that can help relieve different types of pain. Therefore, even if you are sensitive to one or more of them, there are several different options that you can try. At times, essential oils are overhyped as a catch all solution; this is not the case and it is always advisable to seek professional medical attention and advice if your pain is severe or chronic. Nevertheless, the usefulness of essential oils for pain has been proven in various studies, the University of Minnesota has conducted multiple studies that have found essential oils to “show positive effects for a variety of health concerns including infections, pain, anxiety, depression, tumors, premenstrual syndrome, nausea, and many others”.
A quick way to get started with using essential oils for pain is to buy a nice kit of assorted essential oils. This kit gives you everything you need and tackles most of the pain issues that we go over in this guide:
In this guide we will go over:
- Essential oils for specific types of pain
- The common essential oils used for pain relief
- How to apply oil properly
If you are looking for pain relief with the help of essential oils for a specific area on your body, we have prepared additional guides that discuss that in more detail.
Contents
Pain From Injuries
- Essential Oils for Sprains
- Essential Oils for Bruises
- Essential Oils for Shoulder Pain
- Essential Oils for Herniated Disks
- Essential Oils for Whiplash
- Essential Oils for Tendinitis
- Essential oils for Bursitis
- Essential oils for Meniscus
Pain Specific To Women
Pain From Headaches
Pain From Illness
Digestive Pain
Nerve Pain
Foot Pain
General Pain
- Essential Oils for Neck Pain
- Essential Oils for Chest Pain
- Essential Oils for Chronic Pain
- Essential Oils for Bone Pain
- Essential Oils for Tooth Pain
Essential Oils for Muscle Aches/Pains
For topical application, add a few drops(2-3) of Marjoram oil & Lavender oil to 1 tbs of a carrier oil (e.g coconut essential oil) Massage 1-2 drops over the area of concern as needed or several times a day. This blend relieves muscular spasms resulting from overexertion of muscles in hands and legs.
Essential Oils for Muscle Tension/Relaxation
Add few drops of lavender oil, Chamomile oil and peppermint oil in a tablespoon of castor oil or coconut oil and massage 1-2 drops over the area of concern as needed or several times a day. This essential oil blend works as a highly effective muscle relaxant.
Essential oils for Sore Calf Muscles
Marjoram essential oil diluted with olive oil and massaged into the affected area, it relieves muscular spasms resulting from overexertion of muscles in hands and legs. rosemary oils can also be applied topically to reduce joint pains and muscle soreness.
Essential Oils for Arthritis
Rosemary essential oil is particularly useful in treating rheumatism. Juniper berry oil or Cayenne essential oil mixed with a light carrier oil like coconut oil can be used topically to relieve arthritic and rheumatic pain and neuralgia. Helichrysum oil is also a staple in anti-rheumatic medications. It can relieve deep nerve pain and provide quick relief from painful conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.
Ginger is a culinary herb used as spices in vegetables. In Ayurveda, it is considered as a medicinal herb with immense therapeutic properties. It is also used in Chinese System of Medicine. Due to its anti-inflammatory property it is effective against joint pains. The essential oil is extracted from rhizome of ginger (Zingiber offincinale). Massaging ginger oil (after diluting it with a carrier oil) on the affected area heals the cells and reduces pain. Ginger oil has zingiberene that acts as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Scientific studies have also confirmed that ginger has anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties, anti-ulcer activities, etc and thus can be used against all kinds of arthritis.
Essential Oils for Back Pain
To Use Essential Oils for back pain, add lavender oil (10 drops), marjoram oil (6 drops), rosemary oil (8 drops) and peppermint essential oil (9 drops). blend together with jojoba oil as the carrier oil. Add several drops into the area of pain, and apply a hot or cold compress.
Essential oils for Joint Pain
Helichrysum and peppermint essential oils – dilute 3 -5 drops of oils in 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as olive, coconut or jojoba). massage gently to the pain spot followed with a hot or cold compress, heating pad or ice pack.
Essential oils for Fibromyalgia
Use ginger essential oil diluted with a carrier oil for pain. Turmeric
is very good for inflammation – take it through adding it to meals or through pills. Massage 1-2 drops of essential oils for pain into the area of concern or the soles of the feet daily or as desired.
Essential Oils for General Inflammation
This blend of oils is just the right thing for inflammation:
- Chamomile oil
to reduce inflammation and pain
- Lavender essential oil
- Marjoram essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
Dilute with a carrier oil like coconut essential oil. Massage 1-2 drops over the area, moving with the lymphatic system (toward the heart). Also, consider an oil like Spearmint essential oil. Making anti-inflammatory foods the mainstay of our diet and supplements like theracurmin and omega 3 can also help reduce inflammation of all kind.
How To Use Essential Oils For Pain Relief
The best way to use essential oils for pain is to put them in massage oils. Pure essential oils are highly potent and concentrated, so they should be diluted with carrier oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil or castor oil, avocado, sweet almond, apricot kernel, sesame oil.
Before direct application on the skin. you can do a skin patch test to check its effects on your skin. Rub your diluted oil onto the inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any irritation or discomfort within 24 hours, the oil should be safe for you to use.
To blend your essential oils into a synergy, You only need to use a few drops of essential oil. The dosage varies, but the standard practice is to add 4 to 10 drops of essential oil to every tablespoon of your carrier oil. You can mix different essential oils together as long as you keep to these proportions. Be sure to only use the purest grade of carrier oils since they have therapeutic properties of their own and enhance the action of the essential oils.
Essential oils, whether they are purchased as pure oil and prepared at home or in therapeutic products are particularly useful in the management of chronic pain as in the case of arthritis and sciatica. Essential oils have been proven to be a great addition to any pain management program. They can help with reducing the need to take prescription pain medications.
This also helps with increasing the relaxing and pain relieving effects of a massage therapy using essential oils or bath salts, or pain relief lotions and creams.
Lavender and peppermint essential oils are very popular pain relievers for general use but they are not the only oils for pain. Some of the Best 7 Essential Oils For Pain Relief are provided in the following list, along with their most important uses.
The Most Common Essential Oils For Pain
Lavender Essential oil is one of the most popular and well-known essential oils for pain relief. It is antimicrobial, pain relieving and relaxing in nature. When you inhale the vapors, either from the bottle directly, or diffused in the air via using a diffuser
These both will reduce your level of pain you feel. It also can help with easing the pain felt from migraine headaches, neck pain or tension by either placing oil on your temples or inhaling the vapors.
Being a mild essential oil, one or two drops can be applied undiluted on the neck and forehead for quicker results. You can also use this excellent sleep aid in a diffuser in the bedroom or add it to bath water before going to bed for instant pain relief.
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender in a bath can be very helpful for joint and muscle pain as well as stress. It can help you sleep better when used at bedtime. It can also help to ease body pain, stress, and ache.1
There have been studies that show pain levels can be increased by poor sleep. Improving the amount and quality of sleep helps you reduce those pain levels. (When you combine chamomile and lavender there is increased benefits for pain relief, stress reduction, and sleep).
A chamomile and lavender bath soak can help reduce pain, relax you and relieve stress. So you should get a bottle of pure lavender oil and add some to your bath water.
2. Clary Sage
Clary sage is added to massage oils, it can be very useful for relieving cramping, muscle aches, and muscle spasms. However, only small amounts should be used. You should never use clary sage with alcohol or on a night before you are planning to have a glass of wine or cocktails since it can be dangerous and leads to increased effects from the intake of alcoholic drink.
It is quite effective when used with chamomile for menstrual and PMS problems. Inhaling Clary Sage has been proven to have the ability to soothe nervous tension, lighten the mood, and create a sense of euphoria but it should not be taken internally. This oil should be used sparingly and cautiously.
3. Juniper
There are many uses for juniper essential oil. However, the ones that are most relevant when it comes to pain relief are the anti-rheumatic and anti-spasmodic properties. Juniper, when applied in a lotion or cream, helps with reducing muscle spasms and joint and muscle pains and aches that are associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, dysmenorrhea2 and other similar ailments.
Juniper strengthens the nerves as well. With regular use, it can be helpful as well for neuropathic pain. Juniper has stimulant properties as well. Therefore, you should use it early in your day. If you use it before bedtime it can interfere with you being able to get to sleep properly.
4. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil are similar to those of juniper. When used topically it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. You can use it as a lotion or cream massaged into areas that are painful or as a bath oil or salt in the bath. It’s recommended for treating nerve pain, sprains, strains and muscular pains and aches.
In addition, it works well when combined with other types of essential oils like lavender. However, it should be used carefully since it can be toxic when used in large amounts.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is a very effective remedy for headaches in addition to joint and muscle ache and pain. It can be used as well for enhancing memory, concentration and mental alertness. It also has an antidepressant effect. A study conducted in 2015 found that “the use of rosemary in the management of pain and indicate a therapeutic potential of rosemary essential oil in combination with analgesic drugs”.3
Rosemary blends well with clary sage, peppermint, chamomile, and lavender. However, breastfeeding or pregnant women should not use it.
6. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is very useful for migraines and headaches.4 The antispasmodic properties of peppermint essential oil make it a great natural remedy to treat arthritis and intestinal problems. Because of its soothing and numbing characteristics it is one of the most popular essential oils for pain.
Amongst its many uses, Peppermint essential oil is known to help relax and ease tension muscular aches and spasms. It relaxes muscles in the lower back, reduces tension headaches and pain due to fibromyalgia.
For headaches, you can blend 4 peppermint oil drops with a tablespoon of jojoba oil, olive oil or some other carrier oil. A small amount of the blend can be applied to the temples and gently massaged in. this is a very effective remedy.
Make sure you stay far away from the eyes. If you add a couple of lavender drops or a drop or two of rosemary oil to peppermint oil. it can enhance the effect that it has to relieve pain.
7. Yarrow Essential Oil
Extracted from the yarrow plant, yarrow essential oil is a very potent pain reliever. It is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and contains salicylic acid which is behind the analgesic effect of aspirin. The oil can also be used topically on inflamed joints to increase movement and reduce symptoms of arthritis and rheumatic pain.
8. Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil is one of the earliest essential oils to be used medicinally, It gives a burning sensation when applied on the skin in the undiluted form. It is very useful for treating toothache. A few drops of clove oil can be mixed with a cup of warm water and used as a throat gargle to get relief from throat pain. Clove oil mixed with jojoba oil or olive oil can be massaged into the affected area to get relief from muscle, joint pain, and soreness.
9. Clove Essential Oil
Chamomile is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent. It can be used for TMJ, neuralgia, lower back and muscular pain, headaches as well as stress and PMS that can cause digestive problems. When blended with lavender, it can be quite effective, although it also works well with many other essential oils for pain in blends.
Chamomile has a therapeutic, calming effect on the skin, mind, and body. It soothes body systems and promotes a healthy inflammatory response from the body.
Cautions and warnings
The medicinal properties of many essential oils for pain overlap, so if you are allergic to some essential oils, it shouldn’t keep you from trying others., some acting as soothing muscle and nerve relaxants while others have an invigorating action on the mind and body.
The potency of essential oils for pain should not be underestimated. It should be used with great caution. Take care to dilute essential oils when appropriate and perform a skin patch test before applying the oil to your skin.
Talk to your doctor or certified aromatherapist before use if you:
- are pregnant
- are nursing
- have an existing medical condition
- wish to use essential oils on children or older adults
Potential side effects of using essential oils include:
- skin irritation
- skin inflammation
- sun sensitivity
- allergic reaction
Pins
There are lots of natural ways to relive your joint pain, it’s important to pick the right method. I really like going online and seeing all the options I have. Taking with a doctor about the right oil or cream for you skin will help you to make the best decision possible. You deserve to get back to the life you want to live, getting the right treatment will help you get there faster.
I have been using essential oils for my sciatica for 7 weeks now – although I still have pain, it is so much more manageble! I use castor oil as the carrier oil, about 2 tablespoons. I add 10 drops each peppermint, genarium, ginger, lavender, eucoluptus oils. For the first time in ages I no longer wake up in the miggle of the night with unbearable pain. Essential oils are the only method I will ever use to combat my pain!
I have tried variations of your combination, but never altogether, and never with Castor Oil as the carrier oil…dont know why really as it makes total sense knowing some of the properties of CO. Have just mixed some of your remedy and used it on a leg pain that wasn’t responding to any aural pain killers. My pain has literally just drifted away for the first time in two days! Thank you so much for sharing..x
Thanks for such an awesome feedback!
can you use vit E oil as a carrier oil?
Yes, It can be used as a carrier oil, It mixes well some other essential oil but it is not as versatile as coconut oil and the major essential oils.
Can I mixed above 7 oil and use it for pain relief?
Hi,
The above information is incorrect. You can blend the essential oils together in a carrier oil, this is called a synergy. I am a certified aromatherapist since 1997 and find that a synergy offers more impact than a single oil.
Of course, the information above is correct and consistent with my experience and that of many others that testify to the efficacy of this post, Blending essential oils is not within the scoop of this article! i will likely update it asap. It is best to mix only essential oils that blend well and works for the same specific types of pains!
What oils would you suggest to blend for joint pain and fibromyalgia
Dilute 3 -5 drops of helichrysum and peppermint oils in 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as olive, coconut or jojoba).massage gently to the pain spot.
My essential oil availlable on hand are peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, orange, lemon,tea tree oil and thyme. I have a problem in the spine detected through MRI & is taking regularly gabapentin. But i did blend some oil for my pain. Can you please help me a good blend for my pain using my available EO? My carrier oil available are coconut oil, castor oil, almond oil and EVO. Appreciate your attention regarding my condition. Thx in advance.
Yes, you can mix some of the essential oils together or with a carrier oils to get the benefit of their combined action but Unless an expert practitioner in herbal remedies and essential oils can formulate a mixture that suits your needs, making your own by trial and error is the best bet.
From my experience and that of many others that testify to the efficacy of this post, It is best to mix only essential oils that blend well and works for the same specific types of pains!
What’s good for sore calf muscle i run a lot.
Marjoram essential oil diluted with olive oil and massaged into the affected area, it relieves muscular spasms resulting from overexertion of muscles in hands and legs. rosemary oils can also be applied topically to reduce joint pains and muscle soreness.
Above 7 oils which is the best oil for lumber pain?
Chamomile oil.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Peppermint essential oil
I would like to know if there are essential oils to alleviate restless leg syndrom.
Lavender is a perfect essential oil for restless leg syndrome because of its analgesic, antispasmodic and cooling properties, plus it is good for treating insomnia.
Add all ingredients together. Add 3 drops to a warm bath or apply topically to your legs 1-2 times a day.
To help relieve insomnia:
4 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops sweet orange essential oil
Which is the best mix to alleviate old broken jaw injury (50 years ago) with gum abscess pain? (Also headache pain as well)
Use a few drops of Marjoram oil or clove essential oils to relieve the pain
but Incase of a serious chronic pain like above, it is best to seek medical treatment!
The best mix for what type of pain exactly? you can refer to the Suggested Uses of Essential Oils for Pain section in the post to see exact recommended uses for the different type of pain relief. thanks
for the back pain which oil is best separately ?
Eucalyptus essential oil and Rosemary oil are highly effective!
Massage several drops of chamomile and peppermint oil daily.
Chamomile essential oil is very effective in treating lower back pain in adults,
Peppermint essential oil relaxes muscles in the lower back, reduces tension headaches and pain due to fibromyalgia
My mom has arthritis/rheumatic. Should I just use one in a lotion or is there actually a couple you would recommend that works wonders together??? Please help. Plus, my mom doesn’t really believe in this and I’m just starting. I want to prove that essential oils work. There’s a long story and if it wasn’t for me finding out about peppermint for HEADACHES. I’d still have them 24/7.
Thanks Lisa for reaching out, Rosemary essential oil is particularly useful in treating rheumatism.
Juniper berry oil or Cayenne essential oil mixed with a light carrier oil like coconut oil can be used topically to relieve arthritic and rheumatic pain and neuralgia. You might also want to consider visiting a chiropractor to see what he/she can suggest. Go to the best chiropractor you can find with a lot of experience and recommendations.
Is there a combination that is especially good for bursitis (in my hip)? It’s very debilitating…thank you very much!
Hip bursitis can be mitigated using Anti-inflammatories oil like Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Ginger, Lavender and Swelling reducers like Chamomile, Geranium, Helichrysum, Lavender.
For topical application, add a few drops(2-3) of essential oil to 1 tbs of a carrier oil (e.g coconut essential oil) then apply using a gentle massage therapy.
Please remember to:
Use only pure essential aromatherapy oils.
Keep the oils away from the eyes.
Do not apply oils to open wounds or cuts.
Thank you so very much for your kind reply! I will try this.
Blessings to you and all the help you provide to many!
I have extreme RA, diagnosed in1991. I’m just getting into essential oils and want to know a good solid combination of oils that I can use to help the pain from RA and Fibromyalgia. I am a nurse and on my feet quit slot . Thanks for any help u can offer.
Helichrysum essential oil is highly effective for pain relief{RA and Fibromyalgia} I would probably try helichrysum and peppermint – dilute 3 -5 drops of oils in 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as olive, coconut or jojoba). Massage this mixture on the pain spot.
how about the oils for hip spur and plantar ficticia
Hi Peggy, I don’t have a personal knowledge about this condition (I’m not a doctor), but I’ve found one reference that suggested using a blend of Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove, and Peppermint with a carrier oil. As you can see, it’s hard to find a formula that works for everybody, but I would include in the blend Helichrysum, Wintergreen, and peppermint. Essential oils are not a magic solution for all painful conditions but it worth a try.
Which oils would be best for treating fibromyalgia? Need to be able to relieve the muscle pain and to be able to sleep at night. Thanks in advance!
Use ginger essential oil diluted with a carrier oil for pain. Turmeric is very good for inflammation – take it through adding it to meals or through pills. But you should see a chiropractor soon.
Hi….I’m looking for a EO receipe for my Mom who has bone pain from her Chemo….can you direct me?
Cyndi
Clary Sage
Frankincense
Lavender
Lemongrass
Myrrh
Peppermint and Spearmint
Thyme
New research is showing that frankincense essential oil can target cancer cells and that natural treatments for cancer using frankincense oil is quite effective.
My husband has chronic pain in his lower back from having his L4 and L5 fused. What oils can help soothe the constant pain he has?
1. Dietary Change
I recommended switching his diet to paleo foods, Making anti-inflammatory foods the mainstay of his diet is a must for getting rid of any ongoing discomfort!
2. Supplements
Along with changing his diet, I recommend a product called Theracurmin which is made from turmeric and contains curcumin which is the most potent of the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. This branded supplement is basically formulated in such a way that it is better absorbed into the body in order to reduce inflammation. Add to that multivitamin and Omega 3’s in his diet.
Essential oils
3. The constant Back pain can be mitigated using Anti-inflammatory oils. A blend of Wintergreen, Helichrysum, and Peppermint with a carrier oil has been proven to be effective for this type of pain. Aroma Touch Massage Blend is also a good alternative.The three oils mentioned with a carrier oil should be applied directly, massaging it gently to where his spine was aching and within 20 minutes he would find relief.
I hope He feels better soon.
Could you please suggest the most productive EO too mix into a Castor oil pack for shoulder inflammation and pain.
Thank you , Lisa.
My dad has severe pain and can hardly walk from rheumatoid arthritis. He also takes blood thinner, heart pills, an insulin. What would be the best recipe for him.
The top essential oils for arthritis are ginger, turmeric, frankincense, myrrh and orange essential oils. It’s best he consults a professional chiropractor for a specific blend because of the cardiovascular conditions noted above
I had aTKA 8 days ago. I have chosen to this completely opioid free. I am doing well, but have a lot of pain at night. It has progressed from my knee even down my shin and calf at times. What oils would you suggest? Also I have quite severe bruising and the inflammation is still very severe. What oils would you suggest for this?