Summertime has many of us trying new activities and sudden mishaps can be minor to serious.   If you are suffering with common body aches and pains from strenuous activities, why not try using some beneficial essential oils.  Why essential oils?  They are not only analgesic, but helpful in reducing inflammation, bruising, stimulating circulation and helping to ease many common aches and pains.

What essential oils are good to have on hand in case of an emergency for reducing inflammation and aches and pains? 

Essential Oils for the Musculoskeletal System

Anise, Sweet Basil, Black Pepper, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, German Chamomile, Ginger, Helichrysum, Juniper, Marjoram-Sweet, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.

Lavender – good for general pain relief, reduces inflammation, minor burns, and sunburn, just to name a few.
Helichrysum italicum – can be applied directly to a sprained ankle or sports injury.  Dramatically lessens swelling and extremely beneficial for bruising.
German Chamomile – soothes and cools an injured area while reducing redness and inflammation.
Basil, Black Pepper, Clove, Ginger, Nutmeg, Rosemary –   all circulatory stimulants, and warming oils beneficial in topical products and therapeutic  baths.
Cypress – venous blood decongestant.
Eucalyptus –  good relief of muscular aches and pains and neuralgia.
Marjoram, Sweet – good for muscle spasms , sprains,  and tired or stiff muscles.
Peppermint – wonderful for reducing pain and inflammation, while being refreshing and uplifting.  Useful for headaches while soothing tensions.
Thyme – recommended for rheumatic pain and arthritis, as well as sports injuries.  Recommended for fixed pain or of a cramping nature.

Below are some tried and true essential oil recipes for aches and pains:

Wilted Warrior Muscle Strain Remedy

(Good for tired, overworked muscles)

●  4 drops Basil  ●  3 drops Clove  ●  4 drops Eucalyptus  ●  6 drops Lavender
●  3 drops Marjoram, Sweet  ●  4 drops Rosemary.  

Mix essential oils and add to 1 oz. Grapeseed or Sweet Almond Oil.  Slowly massage into aching muscles and strained areas.

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch – Joint Soother

(Good for tired, overworked muscles)

●  3 drops Black Pepper  ●  4 drops German Chamomile  ●  2 drops Ginger
●  6 drops Lavender  ●  3 drops Marjoram  ●  2 drops Thyme.

Mix essential oils and add to 1 oz. Grapeseed or Sweet Almond Oil.  Massage gently into inflamed areas.

Bruise Protector

(Relief for bruising, swelling and inflammation)

●  10 drops  Helichrysum italicum  ●  5 drops  German Chamomile.

Combine essential oils and add to 1 oz. Grapeseed or Sweet Almond Oil.  Apply immediately to injury.   Note:  Due to Helichrysum’s gentle nature on the skin, it can be applied directly to inflamed area.

Grouch Fixer – Hot Bath Relief

(Good for strains, and sore and stiff muscles)

●  6 drops  Rosemary  ●  5 drops  Juniper  ●  3 drops Lavender  ●  2 cups Epsom Salts.

Combine all ingredients and add to hot bath water once tub has filled.  Relax in bath for 20-25 minutes.

’til next time