Aches and pains plague us all at one time or another and essential oils are the perfect ally to employ no matter what type of pain it is. Simply applying some diluted oils on location can greatly reduce discomfort and even totally eliminate pain if used consistently – even for chronic aches and pains.
This quick usage guide will go over some of the best essential oils for pain and how to use them.
Essential Oils for Aches and Pains
The essential oils below are known for there ability to reduce pain and discomfort and work best when applied topically in a bit of carrier oil. They can be used as massage oils for sore muscles and joints, physical tension, or simply dabbed on location for quick relief.
Keep in mind that pain-relieving essential oils are potent and powerful and need to be diluted! You can check out my dilutions guide here for more information.
The Best Essential Oils for Aches and Pains
– Balsam fir (good for deep tissue pain and inflammation)
– Birch (one of the best natural painkillers – works well for joint, bone, and soft tissue pain, highly recommend!)
– Cedarwood
– Clove (especially good for oral pain, use highly diluted)
– Cypress
– Elemi (great for painful blemishes)
– Fir
– Frankincense
– Ginger
– Helichrysum (one of my personal favorites for all type of pain)
– Juniper
– Lavender (great for pain associated with sunburn)
– Lemongrass (especially good for ligaments)
– Marjoram
– Nutmeg (use very very little and with caution)
– Oregano
– Peppermint (great for tension headaches)
– Roman chamomile
– Rosemary cineol
– Sage lavender
– Sandalwood
– Spruce (great for torn muscles)
– Thyme
– Valerian (mix with vetiver to create a powerful painkiller that can be used for all types of pain)
– Vetiver
– Wintergreen
Essential Oil Recipes for Aches and Pains
Recommended Blend for Bone Pain
– 1 drop birch
– 1 drop juniper (can sub spruce)
– 1 drop wintergreen
– 2 drops peppermint
Mix into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply over the affected area 2-3 times daily.
Recommended Blend for Chronic Pain
– 1 drop birch (add ONE extra drop for extra strength, but no more than that)
– 1 drop cypress
– 1 drop fir
– 1 drop ginger
– 1 drop helichrysum
Mix into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to the affected area 2-3 times daily. A hot or cold compress may be helpful here.
Recommended Blend for General Aches and Pains
– 1 drop balsam fir
– 1 drop birch
– 1 drop ginger
– 1 drop marjoram
– 1 drop Roman chamomile
Mix into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply over the affected area 2-3 times daily.
Recommended Blend for Growing Pains
– 1 drop birch
– 3 drops cypress
Mix into 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and massage into the affected area before bed.
Recommended Blend for Joint Pain
– 1 drop balsam fir
– 1 drop birch (can sub wintergreen)
– 1 drop Roman chamomile
– 1 drop spruce
Mix into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to affected joints 2-3 times daily.
I also recommend applying a good capsaicin cream/balm to help ease pain and discomfort.
Recommended Blend for Muscle and Soft Tissue Pain
– 1 drop balsam fir
– 1 drop birch
– 1 drop ginger
– 1 drop lemongrass
– 1 drop marjoram
– 1 drop peppermint
– 1 drop Roman chamomile
Mic into 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and apply over the affected area 2-3 times daily.
What have been your favorite essential oils to use for aches and pains? Please share in the comments!
You may also enjoy reading:
Essential Oil Quick Usage Guide
Essential Oil Quick Usage Guide – Abdominal Pain
Essential Oils for Pain Relief
The Best Essential Oils for Sore Throat Pain
Herbs for Back Pain Relief
20 Ways to Reduce Post Workout Muscles Soreness, Aches, and Pains
Soothing Joint and Muscle Ointment
How many drops in carrier oil if you just want to use Helichrysum on it’s own and which type do you recommend for chronic pain? Also I can only see the ‘A’ list for the quick guide..how do I see the rest?
Thanks!
I would do about 3 drops in 1 tsp of carrier oil and see how that feels. If your skin seems fine, you can up it by 1-2 more drops.
What can i substitute for Birch?
Wintergreen! 🙂
I need something for restless legs. Not exactly a pain.
I try birch and lavender. Helps some.
have any other good E.O. tricks?
Thank you so much for sharing with us what you have learned.
Joan Bundt
Hi Joan!
Have you by chance tried the supplement called Natural Calm? It works for me every time! Also, check out this post 🙂