The beginning of a New Year always marks a time of focused personal improvement whether that be through healthier diet choices or getting our bodies moving. And, while it may be great getting back in the gym, what’s not so great is the almost inevitable muscle soreness that comes with it when you dive in too vigorously.

So, for all of us dealing with delayed onset muscle soreness, torn tendons or ligaments, and exercise-induced inflammation in general, it’s good to know which EOs are the best essential oils for sore muscles and overall pain relief!

Essential Oils for Sore Muscles

I know it can feel overwhelming when choosing the best essential oil for a specific need. There are just so many options nowadays!

So, to make things simple, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite EOs for reducing pain, inflammation, and post-workout muscle soreness.

You can simply scan the list below and see what you have on hand and pick and choose from there.

You can then create a roll-on or massage oil blend by following my maximum dilutions recommendations and the appropriate amount of drops you can use for specific carrier oil amounts (highly recommended!).

You can check these helpful articles out here:

1. The Maximum Dilution of 400+ Essential Oils

2. Essential Oil Conversions and Dilutions

I’ve also shared my top two pain relieving recipes at the end of this post.

So, without further ado, let’s get into the oils!

My Favorite Essential Oils for Sore Muscles and Pain

I’ve listed these oils in no particular order as far as effectiveness goes. Just have a look below to see what you have on hand.

No matter which oil/oils you choose, they’re going to help alleviate all types of muscle soreness when applied topically.

Balsam Fir

Balsam fir essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant which is why it is often found in popular synergy blends and the homemade essential oil painkiller dubbed “morphine bomb”. It’s just amazing for keeping injury associated swelling to a minimum and for allowing healthy blood flow to circulate through sore muscles, preventing lactic acid from getting trapped and causing DOMS.

Balsam fir’s ability to help reduce pain and discomfort associated with sciatica, scoliosis, and lumbago is another reason this essential oil has gained such tremendous popularity in recent years.

Its scent is grounding, stimulating, and clarifying and can be used to help you stay focused on your workout – which may help prevent injury, to begin with!

Basil

Basil essential oil is known to be especially relaxing when used topically on smooth muscles. Its ability to eliminate muscle spasming, cramping, inflammation and general discomfort is what gives basil a particular leg up over other essential oils.

I have used basil EO’s muscle relaxant properties for muscle tension and tightness with great results and can be used for both striated and smooth muscles.

Its scent is clarifying and helps eliminate mental fatigue.

Birch

In my opinion, birch is one of the BEST essential oils for pain – especially anything to do with neuralgia or nerve pain. And, the tiniest amount goes a looong way! I almost never need more than 1-2 drops in any formulation because it’s such a powerful essential oil.

Birch essential oil is known to be analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory.

Popular indications for use include arthritis, rheumatism, inflammation, muscular pain, tendonitis, and cramps.

It is important to be careful where you source birch essential oil as it is often adulterated!

Its scent is uplifting, purifying, and stimulating and is somewhat similar to wintergreen.

Helichrysum

Helichrysum essential oil is one of the best tissue and nerve regenerators. It’s a powerful analgesic and antispasmodic and increases healthy circulation to injured tissues.

One of my favorite uses for it though is for any type of acute pain whether that be stubbing your toe, bumping your head, or intense sciatica or muscle soreness.

Helichrysum essential oil is considered to be a must have oil for athletes and yogis as it helps keep muscles comfortable and limber after strenuous activity.

It’s also excellent for reducing scar tissue.

Marjoram

Marjoram essential oil is another powerhouse when it comes to relieving muscle pain of any kind.

It dilates blood vessels, increases circulation, reduces inflammation, soothes muscles and nerves, and relieves body and joint pain.

Marjoram is also an excellent antispasmodic.

I have used marjoram for soothing sore and aching muscles, regenerate damaged tissues, and for relieving muscle spasms, sprains, strains, bruises, and headaches.

Peppermint

Peppermint is probably one of the best and most easily accessible essential oils for sore muscles you can buy!

Its highly-regarded properties for soothing muscle spasms (particularly headaches) is one of the main reasons peppermint has retained its popularity throughout the centuries – it works!

Peppermint essential oil is known to be anti-inflammatory and pain relieving which is why it has an affinity for treating rheumatism and arthritis, headaches, scoliosis, lumbago, general back problems, and post-workout muscle soreness.

It has an affinity for opening the breath and relaxing an overworked body and mind.

Spruce

Spruce essential oil, just like balsam fir, is known for its ability to sooth spasming muscles, muscle soreness, and various types of nerve pain.

It’s highly anti-inflammatory and is an excellent essential oil to use for aching joints. When applied topically, spruce essential oil enhances muscle function and flexibility and provides pain relief after strenuous activity.

Its scent promotes mental clarity and is known to reduce stress.

Wintergreen

Wintergreen essential oil is another amazing analgesic. Just like birch essential oil, wintergreen contains high amounts of methyl salicylate, the constituent known for its pain-relieving abilities.

The deep cooling sensation of wintergreen is another reason it’s a popular ingredient in sore muscle formulations.

It is known to be anticoagulant, antispasmodic, highly anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anesthetic, and vasodilating.

Be wary of where you source wintergreen as it is often adulterated!

Essential Oil Recipes for Sore Muscles

Muscle Recovery Blend (5ml synergistic blend)

• One empty 5ml essential oil bottle
• 30 drops balsam fir essential oil
• 20 drops basil essential oil
• 20 drops marjoram essential oil
• 16 drops spruce essential oil
• 8 drops wintergreen essential oil
• 2 drops birch essential oil

Add each essential oil to the empty 5ml essential oil bottle, cap closed, and roll between the palms to mix. Allow the blend to synergize for at least a week before use in order to allow the essential oils to meld with one another.

To Use

For a 10ml roll-on, add 2-6 drops of muscle recovery blend. Fill to the shoulder with a carrier oil, then apply to areas of muscle soreness as needed.

*** 2 drops is a 1% dilution, 4 drops is a 2% dilution, 6 drops is a 3% dilution

1oz Muscle Recovery Blend Massage Oil

• One empty 1oz dropper bottle
• 6-18 drops of muscle recovery blend
• Carrier oil of choice (like sweet almond oil)

***6 drops is a 1% dilution, 12 drops is a 2% dilution, 18 drops is a 3% dilution

Apply this massage oil to sore muscles and work it into the skin. Allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes before dressing. Use as needed.

Pain-Relieving Blend (5ml synergistic blend)

• One empty 5ml essential oil bottle
• 30 drops balsam fir essential oil
• 30 drops basil essential oil
• 20 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 8 drops marjoram essential oil
• 2 drops birch essential oil

To Use

For a 10ml roll-on, add 2-6 drops of the pain-relieving blend. Fill to the shoulder with a carrier oil, then apply to areas of muscle soreness as needed.

*** 2 drops is a 1% dilution, 4 drops is a 2% dilution, 6 drops is a 3% dilution

1oz Pain-Relieving Blend Massage Oil

• One empty 1oz dropper bottle
• 6-18 drops of the pain-relieving blend
• Carrier oil of choice (like sweet almond oil)

***6 drops is a 1% dilution, 12 drops is a 2% dilution, 18 drops is a 3% dilution

What have been your favorite essential oils for sore muscles? Please share in the comments below!

You may also enjoy reading:

Essential Oils for Pain Relief
Essential Oils for Sciatica
Deep Relief Dupe Recipe
20 Ways to Reduce Post-Workout Muscle Soreness, Aches, and Pains