If you’ve been going hard at your workouts, then you might be experiencing muscle pain, tension, and soreness. Luckily, there are a number of oils that you can apply topically to help provide you with much needed relief. Below are 6 essential oils for sore muscles.
1. Eucalyptus
Originally native to Australia, the eucalyptus tree has been long revered for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Its leaves can be ground up and mixed with ointments, to help provide relief for mild respiratory ailments.
Apart from that, eucalyptus oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin and muscles. This makes it ideal for soreness and fatigued.
2. Cypress
Have you ever experienced muscle spasms? Muscle spasms can feel like a slight, subtle twitch or a painful cramp. Basically, your muscles repeatedly contract for several minutes at a time—and even throughout an entire day!
There are many causes of muscle spasms. but some are overexercise, muscle overuse, and dehydration. Make sure to rest and drink a lot of water after a workout.
You can also use cypress oil to help soothe muscle spasms, as it’s known as a natural antispasmodic. Mix it with your favorite pain relief cream and massage onto sore and twitchy areas.
3. Clary Sage
Clary sage smells vibrant and earthy, and can also help promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Having tight and tense muscles can make it hard for your body to soften and relax, especially when it’s time for bed.
The solution? Mix a drop or two of clary sage oil in your favorite soothing balm, then massage any sore areas for a minute each. You can also add three to five drops into your diffuser. You’ll wake up feeling relaxed and renewed!
Clary sage oil also helps provide relief for menstrual cramps and other symptoms associated with PMS. Feel free to massage it onto your low belly when it’s your time of the month.
4. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is mostly celebrated for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, especially since you can use it to treat cuts, wounds, and acne. But did you know that tea tree oil can be used for sore muscles?
Tea tree oil targets all sorts of inflammation, including sore muscles. Try adding 10 to 30 drops of tea tree oil in your bath, and soak your body in the tub for several minutes.
You can also add a cup of Epsom salt for added pain relief! Your muscles will thank you later!
5. Black Pepper
If eucalyptus is cooling, then black pepper is spicy. If black pepper can help add heat and flavor to any meal, then you can bet the black pepper oil can give your body some much-needed warmth!
It has a warm and musky aroma, and can help unwind tight, knotted, and sore areas of your body. You can also blend it with other oils, such as lavender or clary sage, for maximum benefits.
Black pepper oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and can provide relief for patients with arthritis and rheumatism.
6. Clove
The flower buds of the clove tree are sweet, aromatic, and are filled with medicinal properties. Clove oil can help stabilize blood sugar levels, and are teeming with antioxidants.
It also serves as a natural painkiller, and can help soothe, relax, and eliminate pain from tired, overworked muscles. Add one to two drops of clove oil onto your cold or hot pack, and apply onto affected area.
These essential oils for sore muscles can improve your overall wellbeing. Make sure you use them properly, like infusing them with carrier oils, ointments, and creams. Finally, don’t forget to work with your medical professional and do check with your provider if muscle soreness persists longer than normal.
