14. Peppermint
Good for muscle pain and increasing blood circulation, reducing inflammation, peppermint also helps to manage chronic pain, such as arthritis and sciatica (17). Plus, peppermint essential oil is particularly effective for headaches and migraines. You can find a recipe for a topical essential oil blend for migraines here.
15. Rosemary
A very fragrant analgesic and anti-inflammatory, rosemary promotes blood circulation to speed healing. It’s a true essential oil for swelling and minor wounds. Although you can take it internally with the help of a carrier oil, it’s best to apply topically.
16. Helichrysum
Terrific for nerve pain, anti-inflammatory helichrysum removes toxins, promotes blood circulation, and provides stress relief, among other things. (18) combines with black pepper, birch, and clove essential oils for a homemade nerve salve.
How to Use Essential Oils
To use any of these essential oils for inflammation, mix four drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. It’s okay to mix and match oils based on their particular effects and how your body reacts to them—just keep the proportions the same. Natural medicine sources (like essential oils) work synergistically to compound efficacy. (19)
Here are a few options:
Avocado oil promotes the absorption of other nutrients and contains antioxidants. It’s known to effectively treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. (20)
Castor oil is a superior anti-inflammatory agent that stimulates the lymphatic system, a major component of the immune system. As chronic inflammation is a by-product of an immune system that’s in trouble, castor oil helps heal from the outside in and inside out.
Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and moisturizing.
Jojoba’s chemical make-up is very similar to what human skin produces and so is readily absorbed, taking with it the added nutrition of the essential oils. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well. (21)
Extra-virgin olive oil contains antioxidants and has the ability to protect skin from carcinogens and reduce inflammation. (22, 23)
Almonds contain antioxidants, vitamin E, and magnesium—all necessary nutrients for the skin. Magnesium deficiency, especially, can lead to inflammation. Almond oil also boosts your immune system, protects against liver damage, and inflammation. (24)
You can reap the benefits of essential oils via aromatherapy using a diffuser.
The use of essential oils for inflammation and pain is superior to prescribed and over-the-counter drugs in every way. Use the right oil(s) for your particular type of pain and your pain will be a thing of the past. Other than the potential for an allergic reaction, as with any plant—you can expect no adverse side effects. You’ll smell nice, too.