One common natural method for pain relief is the use of essential oils. Let’s look at a few of the most popular options, along with how to apply this treatment.
Worldwide burden of chronic pain
One in every 10 people across the planet suffer from some form of chronic pain: 729 million men, women, and children. In some nations, chronic pain is even more common, affecting a quarter of the population.
The use of essential oils
Patients suffering from chronic pain want to find natural and effective ways to treat the pain in their muscles and joints that don’t result in drowsiness or other side effects. Essential oils are one way to meet that need.
Note that some essential oils are unsafe during pregnancy or when certain health conditions are present, so discuss this issue with your doctor before proceeding.
Four top choices
Some essential oils that can be used for pain relief include:
Lavender – Lavender is grown worldwide, but the highest quality oils come from Bulgaria, England, France, Tasmania, and Yugoslavia, notes Shellie Enteen in Massage Today. “Lavender has a long list of applications for skin,” she says. “[B]ecause of its anti-inflammatory and cell regenerating properties, it is one of the only essential oils that can be applied neat, or undiluted, to the skin.” Lavender Vera is known for its especially high potency.
Chamomile – This oil is particularly helpful in reducing inflammation. It is often used to treat the spasms and pain of PMS.
Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus is anti-inflammatory and used by many people to treat nerve and muscle pain. Be careful how much you apply, though.
Wintergreen – This less popular oil is actually one of the best choices for relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis, neuropathy, migraine, or PMS, explains alternative medicine author Jenny Hills. “This essential oil is created by steam distilling the leaves, and it contains a very high percentage of methyl salicylate,” she says. “This oil has pain-relieving properties similar to aspirin (salicylate is the principal component of aspirin).”
Applying essential oils
You can use oils individually or mix them. You generally don’t want to put an essential oil on your skin until you have diluted it with a carrier oil – such as almond, jojoba, or olive. There are a number of ways to apply essential oils, but one of the most common is through a bath soak. Simply draw a warm bath, and add a few drops of essential oil that’s blended with a carrier oil.
Recovery from chronic pain
Are you suffering from chronic pain? Essential oils are just one form of treatment. At Advanced Wellness & Rehab, our goal and mission is to help you experience a pain free life again. See our new patient offer.
