Essential Oils
Using Essential Oils on a daily basis is one of the most empowering and safest ways to manage everyday stress and provide natural ache, soreness and discomfort support.
A great number of people experience aches and pains due to the change in weather and cooler temperatures and the hustle and bustle of the holidays can add additional stress and tension in the body.
Many people reach into the medicine cabinet to soothe daily stress, relieve aches and pains, reduce muscle tension and joint discomfort.
Essential oils are natural products derived from plants, most of which possess cleansing, purifying, balancing giving properties.
Thanks to the potency and efficiency of essential oils you can enjoy many benefits without added chemical content and side effects.
I use essential oils regularly to manage stress, soothe minor aches, and relieve muscular discomfort.
The following essential oils are my top 5 essential oils for soothing minor aches, discomfort and reduce muscle tension and tightness.
You can apply oils
- directly to pressure points,
- massage topically with a base oil, and
- Take internally (in some cases) with water or in a veggie capsule.
It’s important to read and follow the application and ingestion methods of the essential oils you choose to use. Keep in mind that you need to dilute oils when dealing with sensitive skin, children and elderly.
Top 5 Essential Oils For Aches, Soreness & Discomfort
1- Wintergreen
Wintergreen and birch tree are the only plants that contain natural methyl salicylate, the main ingredient in aspirin.
Native Americans use wintergreen as a general tonic for aches. It naturally reduces irritation and soothes muscles aches. Its calming properties make wintergreen a perfect solution for those sore, tired and achy areas in the body.
Note: Wintergreen is one of the strongest essential oils. Dilute with a carrier oils for those with sensitive skin, children and elderly. Topical and aromatic use only.
2- Ginger
Ginger has incredible health-promoting properties and it’s commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ginger root’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make ginger a helpful tool for aches, discomfort, and soreness. In addition, Ginger offers fantastic digestive support and helps to reduce inflammation in the body.
Ginger heating properties are great to help reduce stiffness and muscle tension. When massaged onto the skin, it has that slight burning sensation similar to the intense burning feeling when you eat a spicy pepper.
When using ginger essential oil combine it with a carrier oil and apply topically. You can also mix 1-2 drops in warm water first thing in the morning or take 2-3 drops in a veggie capsule.
3- Frankincense
Frankincense resin has been used for thousands of years for a variety of health-giving properties and it’s well known for its calming properties making it a natural option to relieve muscle, joint and tendon discomfort.
Additionally, Frankincense is
- a fantastic natural brain tonic
- used in the beauty industry for its anti-aging properties.
- calming and grounding helping reduce feelings of stress and tension.
You can massage this oil topically with or without carrier oil, take 2-3 drops internally in a veggie capsule, and combine with your skin care products.
4- Clove
This essential oil has soothing properties commonly used to relieve toothaches and added to dental products.
Clove essential oil has great immune boosting properties making it a perfect oil to boost the immune system. Especially during the change of seasons.
Clove has stimulating and warming properties that can improve circulation and boost metabolism.
When applying Clove oil topically, make sure to dilute it with carrier oil since this essential oil is very hot. You can dab Clove oil on your gums for dental health. Dab around an achy tooth to reduce discomfort while you wait for your next dentist appointment. Rubbing clove oil on abdomen can help with bowel movement as well.
5- Marjoram
Marjoram it’s known as “winter sweet” or “joy of the mountains ” Marjoram was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness and has been used in culinary dishes for centuries. This essential oil has strong sedative properties and is excellent in reducing stiffness, muscle spasms, aches and soreness. It helps relax tight muscles, dissolve tension and is fantastic for emotional stress and discomfort.
Take it with you when you’re going to get a massage. Have your massage therapist apply several drops to your back for a calming experience and it can be applied topically with or without dilution.
Marjoram can be taken internally in a veggie capsule or add 1 drop to your salad dressings or culinary dishes.
In addition, adding Frankincense or Marjoram to your bath can be very calming.
My personal favorite way to use this oil is to create a massaging oil blend.
Massage—Blend 10 drops of essential oil or you can combine 2-3 oils with one ounce of carrier oil, and use on any part of the body where you are suffering with pain. Store the mixture in a glass container. You can use plastic container that has a #1, #2 or #7 on the bottom.
Keep in mind that “hot” oils such as clove and wintergreen may cause skin sensitivity. Apply with care in sensitive areas.
Pure and Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils
It’s important to make sure that any essential oils you choose are 100% pure and for therapeutic use.
Read the label especially if taking oils internally. Look for oils that say supplement or dietary use ONLY on the label.
Many labels read 100% pure but they are synthetic or may only contain a small percentage of the oil. Meaning that the remaining percentage is made of fillers or with oil made with inferior parts of the plant.
After years of research and oil use I recommend a specific brand. Learn more here.
Check with your doctor first, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. While most oils are safe for children, I recommend consulting with your physician first and diluting them before using.
