Essential Oils for Muscle Cramps that Actually Work

If you are suffering from inflamed and sore muscle, essential oils is another supporting ways of reducing or lessen muscle pain. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, the essential oil can be defined as any class of volatile oils which give plants their own characteristic odours and used widely in perfumes, flavourings and aromatherapy. Essential oils are extracted compound of the plants, which taking together the scent and flavour of the plants. The essential oil extracted through distillation via steam or water and cold pressing and the oil are not meant to be consumed; it is used either inhaled or rubbed on the skin.

1. Lavender

essential oils

Lavender is one of the best essential oil for relieving muscle pain as the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in it effectively treating pain from muscle stress and tension. It also lessens the muscle spasm sourced from mental fatigue and anxiety.  The aromatherapy of the lavender oil gives a good effect both on psychological and physiological through the limbic system. It is a perfect use for overworked and strained body and you can use it directly on the skin without any mixing with a carrier oil as it will not cause any irritation or rash.

2. Chamomile

essential oils

Chamomile has two varieties; German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman   Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), contain with terpenoids and flavonoids compound which has the medicinal properties.Chamomile has been used for a variety of purposes such as healing the inflammation, muscle spasms, insomnia, ulcers rheumatic pain and hay fever. A study conducted in human volunteers showed that chamomile flavonoids compound and the essential oil pass through and penetrate deeper into the skin surface, which is the key of the usefulness of its anti-inflammatory agent.

3. Peppermint

essential oils

Peppermint is another great choice to relieve the muscle pain, acts as an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic for the sleeping problem. Peppermint essential oil can decrease the muscle spasms, relieve nausea, relax the muscle and reduce the pain, inflammation and tension. As peppermint also contains menthol compound, it also performs well with sore and achy muscles with its cooling effect. Research conducted in 2011 also suggests its role in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms which include the abdominal pain and bloating. It is a natural painkiller and a muscle relaxant.

4.Rosemary

essential oils

In the past, Rosemary was considered among the sacred plants by the Hebrews, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, used to ward off the evil spirits and protect against the curse and epidemic. Rosemary not only gives a nice kick to the dishes but the essential oil extracted from it have the analgesic properties and effectively ease pain and inflammation. Because of that fact, it is extensively used in treating muscle pains, headaches and arthritis. Besides as an anti-inflammatory agent, the essential oil also functions as an antibacterial, anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-infection and antioxidant.

5. Clove

essential oils

Clove has been used for over a hundred years as an anti-inflammatory agent and anti-microbial agent. Its warming effects on the body help with the tiredness and aching or sore muscle as well as reducing tension and pressure. Clove essential oil is a mild anti-neuralgic, which means it numbs the skin’s surface for a while when applied. It is recommended for those suffering from pain as it will numb the area and relieve the pain temporarily. Due to its high content of eugenol, it must be diluted with a carrier oil so that it doesn’t burn your skin.

There are more than 90 types of essential oils with its own strength to treat both physiological and psychological functions of the human being. Take as examples, thyme oil helps to balance the hormones while oregano, lemon and eucalyptus boost immunity and combat infections. Other types of essential oils can boost energy level, improve the digestion, improve brain function and relieve headaches.

Article courtesy of HelloDoktor.com.

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