To treat pain, the role of plants in our health no longer needs to be proven. In fact, essential oils are on the rise due to their multiple benefits, especially as a natural pain reliever with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
So, if you’re looking for an alternative to medicine, here’s a list of essential oils to use at home.
Why and how to use essential oils for pain relief?
Pain, whether temporary (acute) or long-lasting (chronic), is an unpleasant, unbearable sensation.
Certain essential oils can be great enhancers if certain medicines precisely target it, providing relief to the user. However, be sure to respect the conditions of employment.
Precautions for use
Note that essential oils and fragrances are composed of 100% active ingredients and have high therapeutic power. It is recommended to follow the advice of an expert before using any essential oils, paying attention to the dosage and duration.
On children and pregnant women, essential oils should never be used without consulting a health professional. Likewise, avoid applying essential oils to mucous membranes and avoid sun exposure as much as possible (especially citrus oils and those containing furocoumarins).
Finally, for best results, you can dilute a few drops in vegetable oil or cream before massaging the affected area.
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Calms Inflammation
Eucalyptus essential oil, rich in citronellal, is often used to repel biting insects. That’s not its main advantage. Experiments in mice have shown that eucalyptus exerts analgesic effects mainly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Thus, citronellal inhibits inflammatory mediators and relieves the resulting sensation of heat. Therefore, this oil has a calming effect and relieves joint and muscle pain. It will also have the following properties:
antibacterial;
Antioxidants;
Mucolytics;
Which treats ENT infections
Diluted in vegetable oil, you will apply it by massaging the affected area.
Peppermint Essential Oil: A Natural Pain Relief for Migraines
Peppermint essential oil is refreshing and narcotic: particularly interesting pain-relieving properties. In fact, menthol is what gives peppermint essential oil its powerful pain-relieving powers.
Recommended for temples (at hairline) or above forehead and behind neck.
Peppermint essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under the age of 6, and people with high blood pressure.
Clove essential oil for toothache relief
Do you have a toothache? Use clove essential oil! When diluted with water, it can be made into a narcotic mouthwash. It is ideal for the relief of cavities, abscesses, mouth sores, gingivitis or toothache.
Clove essential oil can relieve joint and muscle pain in addition to the calming effect imparted by eugenol.
After diluting in vegetable oil, you can apply it by massaging the injured area.
Clove essential oil can also be taken orally in case of various infections (parasites, viruses, bacteria).
Wintergreen essential oil, more powerful than aspirin?
did you know ?
A pharmacist from Grasse in the south of France showed that 1ml of wintergreen was more effective than 1.4g of aspirin.
In fact, wintergreen essential oil is 90 percent methyl salicylate, which is converted to salicylic acid when absorbed orally or applied to the skin. This is the same major active metabolite of the drug aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
Therefore, it is recommended to use wintergreen essential oil in case of joint and muscle pain. It is effective in alleviating various diseases such as:
pain;
contracture;
tendonitis;
cramp.
