Muscle and joint pain associated with sprains and strains can be very frustrating indeed, especially when striving to maintain an active lifestyle. Certain essential oils from specific companies have been approved by Health Canada as Natural Health Products (NHP’s) for use to help with relief of pain associated with sprains, strains and rheumatoid arthritis.
Essential oils can be used one at a time or combined into blends. They can be mixed with a carrier oil and massaged directly onto muscles and joints, or mixed with Epsom or other salts (Himalayan, or Dead Sea) and added to a warm bath. They can be diffused, or added to a poultice and placed on affected area. You can even benefit from smelling them directly out of the bottle!
The list of oils approved for use on muscle and joint pain include the following: Angelica, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Celery Seed, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus Globulus, Fennel, Ginger, Helichrysum, Laurus Nobilis, Lavender, lemongrass, Lime, Marjoram, Nutmed, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Vetiver, and the blends Deep Relief and Aromaease. With a list this long it could be a challenge to know which one is the best option, but the amazing thing about essential oils is that their individual chemical compositions provide different effects. Some oils have a calming, relaxing effect, while others can be energizing, refreshing, or uplifting.
Knowing a little bit about each oil can help you chose the best option. If, for example, you are looking for something to add to a bath to help relieve muscle pain, as well as relax you before bed, oils with calming properties are best. Some examples would be Marjoram, lavender, helichrysum, Angelica, Clary Sage or Laurus Nobilis. If you are looking for joint pain relief prior to heading out for a walk or other exercise, opting for more uplifting and energizing oils like Rosemary, Pine, Eucalyptus Globulus, Lemongrass, Black Pepper or Peppermint might be a better suit. Premade blends are a fantastic option, as they take the guess work out of what to combine! Deep Relief and Aromaease are two examples of blends specifically formulated to help relieve muscle and joint pain. You can simply add a roller ball onto the end of the bottle and roll them directly onto the areas that need it!
Recipes:
Pre-event Sports Rub:
2 Tbsp coconut oil, 3 drops each: Peppermint, Lime, Black Pepper. Combine together and rub on calves, legs, shoulders and chest prior to your workout.
Post-event massage oil:
2 Tbsp oil (fractioned coconut, olive, apricot kernel, avocado), 3 drops each: Eucalyptus Globulus, Marjoram, and Pine. Massage into tired achy muscles or add to bath water and soak.
Ankle Sprain Wrap:
To a cool wet cloth, add 2 drops each Helichrysum, Lavender and Lemongrass. Wrap around ankle and rest with ankle supported for 10 minutes. (can be used on knee, wrist or hand as well.)
Having natural options for muscle and joint pain provides peace of mind, just be sure the essential oils you choose are not topped up with synthetic additives and preservatives. Look for high quality oils from reputable suppliers. Reputable suppliers back the purity of their essential oils with a guarantee. They scrutinize every step of the process, from seed selection, to cultivation, gentle distillation and rigorous testing to be certain that the oils they bottle are the purest possible, nothing added, nothing removed.
Disclaimer: Author is not a doctor. Any oils discussed are specific to Young Living Essential Oils, and the information is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please speak with your doctor or health care professional before starting to use essential oils, and learn how to use them safely. Please do your research before choosing any essential oil.
Denise Mackinnon, Independent Distributor for Young Living Essential Oils.
Distributor number 2122587
Dee.YLOils@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SimpleHealthIdeas/
