Best Essential Oils for Muscle Pain – Natural Muscle Pain Relief

Essential Oils for Muscle Pain

Everyone experiences muscle pain at some point in their life. The difficulty in treating muscle pain is that it can come from virtually any cause. While some muscle pain is caused by overuse, other pain may be caused by stress or a sedentary lifestyle. Whatever the cause may be, quick relief is often the end goal.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are a popular choice but can cause damage to the body with long-term use. As a result, many people search for natural muscle pain relief. Essential oils provide a safe way to treat sore, achy muscles. Several clinical studies have found that using essential oils for sore muscles can significantly reduce pain and may be as effective as over-the-counter medication in some cases.²

Essential oils combat pain in two ways. Some essential oils are best used topically with a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil.¹ When applied topically, the active compounds are absorbed through the skin and exert their effects on the affected area. Other oils are best used via inhalation, where the active compounds signal pain relief to the brain.

Read More: Essential Oils for Arthritis Pain and Essential Oils for General Aches and Pains

Best Essential Oil for Sore Muscles

While many essential oils possess pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be difficult to determine which is best. Based on the latest scientific research, the following are considered the best essential oils for pain relief and sore muscles.

1. Camphor Essential Oil
2. Cardamom Essential Oil
3. Clary Sage Essential Oil
4. Cypress Essential Oil
5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
6. Lavender Essential Oil
7. Lemongrass Essential Oil
8. Peppermint Essential Oil
9. Chamomile Essential Oil
10. Rosemary Essential Oil
11. Sage Essential Oil

Camphor Essential Oil for Muscle Pain

Camphor essential oil’s benefits include natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. Though it has become a popular remedy for congestion, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have made it a common ingredient in topical pain relief creams. It has a cooling sensation when applied topically and may help reduce bruising and swelling. Camphor essential oil can be diluted with water, then applied topically with a cloth.

Cardamom Essential Oil and Muscle Pain

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is an herb that has been important in traditional Ayurveda. Cardamom essential oil’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated in a study published by Pharmacology Research.

In the study, scientists injected inflamed tissue with a common anti-inflammatory drug, cardamom essential oil or a placebo solution. The tissue that received cardamom essential oil showed the least inflammation at the end of the study, noting that cardamom essential oil to be effective in reducing inflamed muscles.  We do not recommend injecting your muscles, but mixing some Cardamom with a carrier oil, and deeply massaging into sensitive areas may provide some relief.

Clary Sage Essential Oil for Muscle Pain Treatment

Clary sage essential oil’s properties are particularly useful for easing muscle tension and alleviating muscle cramps. In a 2012 study, clary sage essential oil was applied as a part of a therapeutic massage for women experiencing pain and muscle cramping due to menstruation. Women who received the aromatherapy massage noted a significant reduction in pain levels even 24 hours after application. Due to its impressive antispasmodic properties, clary sage is one of the best essential oils to relax muscles.

Cypress Essential Oil for Painful Muscles

Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) essential oil has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving qualities.^1,2 To use cypress essential oil for muscle pain, soak a clean cloth in a mixture of warm water and six drops of cypress essential oil. Apply the soaked cloth to areas with muscle pain for up to four hours.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil to Soothe Muscles

Eucalyptus essential oil’s therapeutic benefits stem from its powerful analgesic and astringent properties. While the eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus) has been used medicinally for many years, a clinical study published in 2013 investigated eucalyptus essential oil’s ability to reduce pain.

Patients who inhaled eucalyptus essential oil for 30 minutes a day, for three consecutive days, showed a decrease in pain compared to a control group. To use eucalyptus essential oil for pain relief, add a 2-4 drops to a diffuser and inhale for 30 minutes daily until the pain subsides.

Lavender Essential Oil for Painful Muscles

Two of lavender essential oil’s valuable qualities are its natural its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. The fragrance of lavender essential oil has also been reported to reduce tension and stress, two factors which can contribute to muscle pain.

In a recent clinical study, post-biopsy patients inhaled oxygen enhanced with lavender essential oil, as a part of their recovery. Patients in the experiment group reported better pain control than those who received regular oxygen. Its calming and pain reducing properties make it one of the best essential oils for muscle aches and pains. For a soothing, therapeutic bath, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to your warm bath water for widespread pain relief.

Lemongrass Essential Oil for Muscle Pain

The properties of lemongrass essential oil are particularly helpful in reducing swelling and inflammation when applied topically. With natural anti-inflammatory activity, lemongrass essential oil is a good addition to any natural pain relief remedy. To use topically, mix 2-3 drops of lemongrass essential oil with 1 Tbsp. of a carrier oil, such a coconut oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area and rub into the skin until fully absorbed.

Peppermint Essential Oil to Alleviate Muscle Pain

The peppermint (Mentha piperita) plant is best known for its refreshing flavor, but it is also a great essential oil for sore muscles. When applied topically, the soothing properties of peppermint essential oil can help alleviate muscle pain by reducing inflammation and drawing fresh blood to the area.

DIY Pain Relief Peppermint Recipe

To use peppermint essential oil for muscle pain, mix 2 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 Tsp. of a carrier oil and rub over the affected area of skin. When applied topically, peppermint essential oil has a cooling sensation. If redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner.

Chamomile Essential Oil for Pain Relief

One benefit of chamomile essential oil is its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It also said to have sedative and calming properties that help reduce stress. Thanks to these properties, chamomile essential oil is considered one of the best essential oils for muscle pain relief.

Muscle Relaxer Chamomile Recipe

For a natural essential oil muscle relaxer, add 6 drops of chamomile essential oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil. Apply the oil to sore muscles or joints to help reduce inflammation. If redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner.

Rosemary Essential Oil for Muscle Pain Relief

Rosemary essential oil’s compounds have been noted to help reduce swelling and pain when applied topically. Inhalation of rosemary essential oil also reduces perceived pain by signalling to the brain that pain has been alleviated.

Sage Essential Oil for Sore Muscles

Sage essential oil’s muscle relaxing properties make it one of the best essential oils for leg cramps. When used in a hot compress, sage essential oil may help relieve pain in sore muscles, cramps, and sprains.

To use sage essential oils for muscle aches, add 4 drops of sage essential oil to 2 cups of warm water in a bowl. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and apply the cloth to the sore muscle. Keep on the area until the cloth is room temperature. Repeat as necessary.