Foot pain can be caused by an injury to the ligament, muscles, bones, tendons; or diseases such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis or nerve damages in the feet and the surrounding areas. Such an injury may lead to inflammation and soreness. With increasing popularity of naturopathy over surgical procedures, the use of essential oils is seen as one of the best methods to heal foot pain.
There are a number of essential oils that possess excellent healing properties and are useful for foot pain. Essential oils from lavender, chamomile, birch and few others cut down the recovery time and also ensure foot care by reducing the risks of corns, calluses, and blisters. Moreover, the sweet aroma of the essential oils makes your foot pain treatment all the more enjoyable!
Sweet Birch Essential Oil (Betula lenta)
Several types of research have been conducted focusing on anti-inflammatory and anti-neuralgic properties in sweet birch. Essential oil obtained from Betula lenta or sweet birch contains organic compounds that increase blood circulation, removes toxins from the cells and relieve joint pain caused by arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and plantar fasciitis.
It also helps to flush out uric acid from the system which is often pivotal in treating gout. Gout is inflammatory arthritis in which urate crystals accumulation between the metatarsal and phalanges bones in the feet give rise to severe joint pain and inflammation. Sweet birch oil stimulates fluid circulation and gradually removes the crystals.
German Chamomile Essential Oil (Chamomilla recutita- Matricaria)
Chamomile is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-depressant in nature. According to research scholars from the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), German chamomile or Chamomilla recutita (Matricaria) has extended benefits when it comes to treating muscle inflammation and skin infections.
The age-old herb soothes the nerves and relaxes the muscles. Topical application of German chamomile essential oil effectively works on stiff joints. Therefore, if you are suffering from heel pain or ankle pain, we suggest you pour a few drops of chamomile essential oil mixed with a carrier oil, and gently massage on the affected area for instantaneous relief from foot pain, muscle spasms, and sprain.
Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula angustifolia)
Lavendula is a popular name in the field of naturopathy for its miraculous medicinal properties. The sweetly aromatic plant flowers are used for the extraction of essential oil. Lavender essential oil is highly recommended for any kind of muscle and joint pain. Application of lavender oil on feet relieves muscular tension and increases blood circulation.
The organic compounds in lavender essential oil penetrate the skin and ease swelling and rheumatic discomfort in the feet and heels incurred by an injury, whereas, the calming fragrance induces sleep. For best results, blend it with frankincense, clary sage and rosemary essential oils and mix with carrier oils like coconut oil before applying on your feet.
Cypress Essential Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
Mediterranean cypress or Cupressus sempervirens is a coniferous plant. Essential oil from cypress promotes good muscle health and eliminates stiffness, varicose veins, arthritis joint pain and aches. The prime constituents of cypress are antispasmodic, antimicrobial and diuretic.
Cypress essential oil can be used as home remedy for tarsal tunnel syndrome or posterior tibial neuralgia, which causes compression of the tibial nerve resulting in discomfort and pain in the foot. It also helps in muscle pull, cramps, fatigue and arthritic pain.
Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia serrata)
Frankincense is an aromatic plant resin which is in use from the ancient days for healing pain. Empirical research data indicate the extensive of frankincense to treat arthritis, posterior tibial neuralgia, and plantar fasciitis. The phytochemicals like boswellic acids and terpenes in frankincense essential oil possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Useful for both major and minor ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, Achilles tendonitis and heel spurs, frankincense essential oil works wonders when applied on foot. Regular use of frankincense oil helps to reduce soreness in the foot and soothes the nerves.
These are the top 5 essential oils for foot pain which are highly recommended for foot pain. Always remember to dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil before applying because pure essential oil may cause irritation and burning sensation and beware of the risk factors. Now that you know the best natural treatment for foot pain, heave a sigh of relief and begin your inexpensive yet effective aromatherapy for quick results.