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Essential Oils for Sore Muscles

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Sore muscles can happen to anybody, especially after workouts or hectic days. This condition can derail the rest of your day after morning exercises, and it can also prevent you from having a good night’s sleep after a restless day. Most over-the-counter drugs might not do the trick. 

The use of essential oils is certainly one of the best approaches to muscle soreness. From peppermint oil to cypress oil, several essential oils are useful for this purpose. They include; 

  • Peppermint Oil 
  • Marjoram Oil 
  • Helichrysum Oil
  • Eucalyptus Oil 
  • Lavender Oil 
  • Yarrow Oil 
  • Rosemary Oil 
  • Chamomile Oil 
  • Sandalwood Oil 
  • Cypress Oil 
  • Clove Oil 
  • Black Pepper Oil 
  • Juniper Oil 
  • Arnica Oil 
  • Lemon Grass Oil 

This guide provides all you need to know about sore muscles, including causes and symptoms. You will also find a list of some of the most effective essential oils for sore muscles and how to use them. Besides these, it offers valuable answers to various frequently asked questions about essential oils for sore muscles. 

So, if you search for a natural and easy way to deal with sore muscles, you just hit your best shot. Let’s roll. 

Causes of Sore Muscles 

Sore muscles are undesirable. This condition causes pain and discomfort in body muscles. The good news is that one can easily identify the cause of sore muscles. 

You can take a cue from affected areas of prior activities. Some of the common causes of sore muscles include; 

  • Muscle tension in various body parts. 
  • Overusing or stressing body muscles during multiple activities. 
  • Muscle injuring during any physical exercise.
  • Lack of warm-ups and cool-downs before strenuous activities.
  • Stress 
  • Dehydration 
  • Poor nutrients 
  • Lack of sleep 
  • Infection and diseases 
  • Hereditary conditions (rare cases) 

Symptoms of Sore Muscles 

The symptoms of sore muscles are apparent. You can easily tell from the type of pain it brings. Common symptoms of sore muscles include;

  • Discomfort in body muscles 
  • Stiffness and reduced sensitivity in the affected area 
  • Fever 
  • Difficulty in breathing 
  • Dizziness 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Weakness in the affected area 
  • General body weakness 

15 Essential Oils for Sore Muscles 

Sore muscles are uncomfortable, and most people often seek fast relief. The use of essential oils is one of the most effective ways of dealing with this condition. 

There are several types of essential oils. But not all of them are useful for combating sore muscles. Below is a highlight of the top 15 essential oils that work for muscle soreness. 

1. Peppermint Oil 

Peppermint oil is one of the most effective essential oils for sore muscles. It has a cooling effect on achy muscles due to the presence of methanol. This property makes it useful for relieving tension, treating pain, and mitigating swelling.

Besides, this essential oil has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties. 

2. Marjoram Oil 

Marjoram oil is another valuable option that works for tension, pain, and swelling. It can also relieve muscle spasms and form a good mix of peppermint oil and Helichrysum oil. 

3. Helichrysum Oil

This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also one of the best options for addressing sore muscles that come with pain. It also reduces muscle spasms and offers a desirable soothing effect. 

4. Eucalyptus Oil 

Eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular types of essential oil. It is notable for its cooling and soothing effects on muscles and other body parts. It gets rid of pain and mitigates the occurrence of inflammation. 

You can use eucalyptus oil alone or in combination with other essential oils. 

5. Lavender Oil 

Do you need something to help you relax better? Eucalyptus oil is one of your best bets. It will also prevent muscle pains and swelling. It can keep your body calm and improve your sleep. 

Lavender oil forms a great combination with eucalyptus oil or yarrow oil. 

6. Yarrow Oil 

The primary purpose of yarrow oil is to reduce pain and inflammation. It is less common than most other essential oils, but it is as effective as others. You can use yarrow oil alone or lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, and other essential oils. 

7. Rosemary Oil 

Rosemary oil makes it easy to combat muscle soreness. It offers an easy way out for pains and inflammation. It also offers analgesic properties and a soothing effect. This essential oil works effectively alone and also forms a good recipe element with other oils. 

8. Chamomile Oil 

This essential oil is one of the most versatile basic options. It is suitable for various purposes, including the treatment of sore muscles. There are two types of Chamomile oils; German Chamomile oil and Roman Chamomile oil. 

Both types are suitable for managing sore muscles. It is effective for the reduction of spasm and soothing muscle tension. This oil is also capable of eliminating pain mitigate inflammation. Chamomile oil is effective and versatile. So, it works best when you use it alone. 

9. Sandalwood Oil 

Sandalwood oil is also less common than most other types. It is a perfect consideration when you want to ease tension and swelling. It provides soothing and calming effects on the affected muscle areas. 

Besides, sandalwood essential oil is suitable for alleviating muscle spasms. It will also help you to deal with all problems associated with muscle tension and inflammation. 

10. Cypress Oil 

Cypress oil is another impressive shot when you are dealing with muscle tension and swelling. It is also capable of eliminating muscle spasms and other common symptoms of sore muscles. It works well alone, as well as in combination with other suitable essential oils. 

11. Clove Oil 

This essential oil is suitable when you need something calming and relaxing. It helps you to deal with pains attached to sore muscles. Cypress oil is also capable of relaxing muscle spasms. It is also useful for mild inflation and mitigating further complications. 

12. Black Pepper Oil 

Black pepper oil is suitable when you are dealing with only one symptom; pain. This oil helps to eliminate pain by warming up the body. But it also offers a side benefit of helping you to get rid of other discomforts. 

13. Juniper Oil 

Juniper oil is also helpful for alleviating pain. Besides, it eases muscle tension and mitigates the risk of inflammation. This oil also helps to get rid of muscle spasms. 

14. Arnica Oil 

Are you dealing with intense swelling with your sore muscle? Consider using arnica oil alone or together with other compatible essential oils. It is effective for relieving inflammation and swelling. 

Also, arnica oil soothes the skin and makes it easy for other works to perform other functions. This essential oil is one of the best options when your sore muscle includes bruising. 

15. Lemon Grass Oil 

Lemongrass oil has a similar effect as arnica oil. It is effective and offers fast relief for swelling and inflammation. It works best when you use it together with other suitable essential oils. 

How To Use Essential Oils For Sore Muscle 

It is one thing to know suitable essential oils for sore muscles. The real deal is learning how to apply the oil appropriately for effective results. There are several ways to use essential oils. 

These methods are effective regardless if you are using a single oil or a combination of two or more. Using the oils is not rocket science. It requires simple but decisive steps. 

All you need is to get suitable essential oils of high quality and use any of the methods below;

1. Use as Massage Oils 

Essential oils will work well as massage oils. You don’t have to go for a professional massage session, and you can carry out the process alone at your convenience. All you need to do is apply the oil to your palm and rub it gently on the affected area. 

This method allows the deep penetration of the oil; hence, boosting its effect. So, you can trust this method when you need to relieve pain, tension, and swelling. It is also helpful for losing muscle knots and quick tension release. 

Note that it is best to dilute the essential before application to limit skin irritation and other potential side effects. 

2. Use it In Warm or Cold Bath

One of the most passive ways of using essential oils for sore muscles is by adding them to bathing water. This method is suitable for getting deep relaxation. It is also helpful for soothing and loosening stiff muscles. 

It is vital to note that adding essential oils to water does not mean dilution. Dilution of essential oils is with carrier oils, not water. 

So, it is best to add 10 to 12 drops of suitable essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil before adding it to your bathing water. Calming and relaxing music during the bath can be helpful too. 

3. Add Essential Oils to Hot or Cold Compress 

One of the oldest remedies for sore muscles is cold or warm compress. But you can boost the effect of this remedy by adding suitable essential oils. It is one of your best shots for getting rid of swelling, pain, and inflammation. 

Fill your bucket with cold or warm water and add appropriately diluted essential oils. Immerse your towel in this bucket until it gets fully soaked. Squeeze out excess water before pressing it against affected areas. 

You can leave the towel in the area for about 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process about three times until you feel an obvious relief. If you are using a warm compress, you can rewarm in the microwave. 

4. Use Essential Oils as Roll-On 

Some essential oils are packaged as roll-on gloss, perhaps to avoid mess and make it handier. But it offers another suitable method of using essential oils for sore muscle. You can either buy oils packaged in roll-on bottles or buy an empty bottle and fill it up with the right oil. 

The application of this method is as simple as you apply a regular roll on your body. The difference is that you are rolling it over affected areas. You can use it multiple times in a day until you feel easy. 

Potential Side Effects or Risks of Essential Oils 

Essential oil is a natural remedy for various health conditions. But it can pose some potential risks when not used appropriately. 

  • Not all essential oils are suitable for ingestion. So, ingesting them might be toxic and poisonous. 
  • Using undiluted essential oils can lead to skin irritations and other side effects. 

All you need is to ensure only topical application of essential oils and avoid ingestion by all possible means. Also, dilute the oil properly with suitable carrier oils before topical application. 

Note that it is best to seek professional medical advice if the symptoms persist. Consider this option as well before using these oils if you have underlying health complications. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Oils for Sore Muscles

There is so much to learn about using essential oils for sore muscles. Here are some frequently asked questions for further clarification.

Can I get rid of sore muscles overnight? 

Of course, some fast action essential oils will help you get rid of sore muscles overnight. But this action is subject to the cause of the sore muscles. 

Does proper nutrition help with sore muscles? 

Yes, maintaining a proper diet and eating healthy will help you prevent and eliminate most symptoms of sore muscles. 

Can I use essential oil for arthritis? 

Yes, essential oils are helpful for many muscles, bone, and joint conditions, including arthritis. But it shouldn’t replace professional medical treatment and advice. 

A Final Word From Wellness Nova

Sore muscles are uncomfortable conditions that can happen to anyone. Almost everyone has experienced sore muscles at one point or the other. There are several remedies for this condition, but one of the best natural remedies is essential oils. 

Besides the fact that these oils are easy to use, they are also fast and effective. Also, they are less expensive and come with negligible side effects. The list above helps you with some of the best essential oils to consider for this process. It also offers suitable methods for effective applications. 

Feel free to explore! 

Article by:

Wellness Nova Team

Our detailed review has been contributed to by multiple members of the Wellness Nova Review Team to ensure the best research and highest standard of quality. Have a good or a bad experience with one of the products? Please let us know, we love the feedback!

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