Aromatherapy for Pain

Here are some ways to use essential oils at home to help ease your aches and pains in muscles or joints. Use only pure, high-quality oils. Ask your massage therapist for more information about sources to obtain quality oils.

Essential oils for aches and pains

Roman chamomile

Birch

Atlas cedarwood

Rosemary

Eucalyptus

Peppermint

The last two can be irritating, so always dilute them in a “base” oil before using. Base oils include almond, walnut, and grapeseed, but any good quality vegetable oil works fine.

Ways to use your oils

Self-massage. To blend a nice massage oil, add about 10 drops of essential oil to an ounce of base oil or lotion. Try this blend: 2 drops chamomile, 2 drops birch, 2 drops rosemary, and 4 drops lavender added to one ounce base oil. Massage into sore or cramped muscles after a bath.

Baths. Add 10 drops each of eucalyptus and Atlas cedarwood to a tub of warm water, and soak. Add the oils after your bath is drawn and swish well before entering water.

Compresses. Soak a clean towel in a sink of very warm water to which 5-10 drops of a blend of the above essential oils has been added. Wring out and apply it to your sore body part. Resoak when the towel cools and use for a total time of 20-30 minutes.

Rubdowns. To avoid soreness from exercise, give yourself a brisk rub down after a workout. Mix 10 drops of a blend of black pepper, rosemary, and eucalyptus to an ounce of base oil. Rub your limbs quickly and thoroughly. It’s advisable not to oil your body before vigorous exercise, because the oil can interfere with your ability to sweat.

Resources:
Renowned aromatherapist Francoise Rapp has e-books, a newsletter and other information: http://www.selfgrowth.com/print/538140
Aromatherapist and teacher Jeanne Rose is the author of The Aromatherapy Book: Applications and Inhalations (North Atlantic Books, 1995) and offers home-study courses.

*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.