By Elizibeth Rose
Essentials oils are very potent and powerful. Therefore, generally, you should never apply them directly to the skin and they should always be diluted in a carrier oil.
In general, you should use up to 4 drops of essential oils for every tablespoon of carrier oil. You can mix different essential oils together as long as you keep to these proportions.
You should not use essential oils on pregnant women and young children unless directed otherwise by a certified aromatherapist or another medical professional.
How to Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief
There are many essential oils that provide relief from pain and inflammation. Some essential oils act as analgesics, which mean that they relieve pain. Other essential oils reduce inflammation and are excellent for treating pain associated with rheumatic and arthritic conditions. Many essential oils also help to relax muscles and calm the nerves under the skin. While you can use any of the above mentioned essential oils for pain relief on their own, it is also beneficial to blend some of them together for an even greater effect.
To make massage oil to apply essential oils for topical pain relief, you can dilute them in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil or castor oil. Here are the benefits of using some of these carrier oils for pain and inflammation relief:
•Coconut oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can help to reduce pain and skin inflammation.29 It also helps the healing properties of essential oils to penetrate the skin deeper.
•Jojoba oil is very close to sebum – the oily substance produced by the skin to protect it. Jojoba oil also helps to combat inflammation and keep your skin healthy. Studies have shown that jojoba oil also helps the skin to absorb topical drugs.
•Extra virgin olive oil helps to reduce pain and inflammatory responses in the skin.
•Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties. A study into the effect of ricinoleic acid in inflammation also discovered that it has properties similar to those found in capsaicin – a known natural pain relief remedy. Capsaicin reduces pain by decreasing a chemical in the body which sends pain signals to the brain.
More Ways to Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief and Inflammation
For headache – Blend 4 drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of a carrier oil and apply a small amount of the mixture to the temples and massage gently. Make sure to stay away from the eyes. Headache can also be relieved by inhaling the oil: sprinkle a few drops of the oil onto a cloth or tissue, or use an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.
For sinus pain – Inhaling essential oils is a very simple way of alleviating sinus pain. Boil some water, pour it in a large bowl and add a few drops of the chosen essential oils. Put a towel over your head and lean over the steamy bowl to inhale the fragrance-full vapors. Do this for about 10 minutes, after which you can reheat the water and repeat.
Bath soak – Good to soothe tired, aching muscles, relieve arthritis and rheumatism. Put a few drops of essential oil in a hot bath (you can also add 2-3 cups of Epsom salt to enhance the effect). It’s a good idea to mix the essential oil drops in a small amount of carrier oil first and then add to the bath.
Massage oil for larger areas – Use about 10-12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil and massage this oil blend into any painful body part.
Hot or cold compress – To make hot compress to relieve sore muscles or joint pain take about a pint of hot water, as warm as you can comfortably tolerate, and add a few drops of your selected essential oil to it. Soak a small towel and squeeze the excess water. Then place it over the painful area. Some people find that alternating between hot and cold compress helps to alleviate their pain. A cold compress is made exactly the same as the hot compress, but ice or refrigerated water is used instead of the hot water, and the compress is replaced when it has heated up to body temperature.
Do NOT take essential oils while pregnant or nursing. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For any health or dietary matter, always consult your physician. This information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Never disregard or delay in seeking medical advice when available. These statements about extracts have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
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