Aromatherapy Oils for Pain Relief

Relieving pain using essential oils

Many people turn to essential oils for natural pain relief or to deal with common aches and pains.

Essential oils are known for their soothing properties and are commonly used to treat symptoms from headaches to chronic pain.

But what are the best essential oils for pain management? Lifestyle Packaging explores some of the most common products…

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are organic compounds found in plant matter that have been used for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years – particularly for pain relief.

Essential oils for pain relief

Here are some of the most popular essential oils used to deal with pain and how they can benefit:

• Arborvitae – A type of coniferous tree in the cypress family. Often sold as Thuja oil. Can be applied directly to the skin for joint and muscle pain and used to treat other skin ailments.

• Basil – Basil oil can be used to treat migraines and headaches, as well as sore muscles. As an aromatherapy oil, it helps to relieve stress and tension.

• Bergamot – Studies suggest bergamot oil can be used as an effective aromatherapy treatment for neuropathic pain.

• Cinnamon – Cinnamon oil has been shown to have several possible benefits in studies and boasts a range of antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties.

• Black pepper – A warming option for treating pain. It can be an effective choice for aching muscles and cramps. Mixed with other oils like grapeseed or sweet almond oil, it can provide additional relief.

• Clove – Clove oil is often used to soothe toothache and pain caused by dental problems. It has a numbing effect that makes it ideal for topical application. It’s also packed with eugenol – giving it effective aesthetic and antibacterial properties.

• Copaiba – Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the Copaiba tree. It has been used as a treatment for arthritis and is also used to soothe skin problems.

• Coriander – Can work as a pain killer essential oil by improving circulation and acting as an anti-inflammatory.

• Cypress – Cypress essential oil is effective at relieving muscle pain and cramps. It also helps to heal wounds and infections because of its strong antiseptic properties.

• Eucalyptus – Used for muscle and joint pain. One clinical review found it was a promising treatment for arthritis and other ailments.

• Juniper berry – Juniper berry oil is used to soothe muscle and joint pain. It is antirheumatic and antispasmodic – meaning it soothes muscles and prevents spasms – and may help limit neuropathic pain.

• Lemongrass – Another essential oil that can help to relieve muscle pain. It is also used for headaches, stomach problems, and other health issues that might cause discomfort.

• Lavender – lavender oil for pain works as the scent helps to reduce the intensity of migraine pain. It is also proven to be an effective aromatherapy oil for relaxation and can be used topically for pain relief, too.

• Ginger – often combined with lemon for sore throats, nausea, and other illnesses and symptoms. As an essential oil, it can be used to combat swelling and inflammation and reduce painful sensations.

• Helichrysum – Helichrysum oil can help with pain and inflammation. It has been used topically for muscle and joint inflammation, skin inflammation, and disinfecting wounds.

• Rosemary – Rosemary oil is used for arthritis pain and can help by numbing the nerves when applied topically. It can also be used as an aromatherapy oil to improve alertness, which is beneficial for those with chronic pain.

• Tea tree – Can be an effective topical treatment to relieve pain and disinfect sores and wounds thanks to its antibacterial and other medicinal properties.

• Turmeric – Boasts anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce joint pain, headaches and more. It’s also touted as an effective cancer treatment. Curcumin – a substance found in turmeric – has also been found to kill aggressive abnormal cells in certain cancers in preliminary testing.

• Wild orange – Wild orange oils can also offer anti-inflammatory help, which may relieve pain caused by headaches, muscle strain, and other problems.

• Wintergreen – Often used as an anti-inflammatory and topical pain reliever. It contains an active ingredient that’s closely related to aspirin and is used for headaches, sore throat, and other regional pains.

How to use essential oils to relieve pain

Essential oils are typically applied to the skin directly – they should never be ingested.

You can apply essential oils topically onto an area that’s giving you trouble – like a joint, sore or other painful areas – either by hand or using a rollerball bottle.

Before applying directly to the skin, essential oils are often mixed with carrier oils. This dilutes them, letting you apply them directly to the skin without irritation.

Popular carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil, almond or jojoba oil.

Choosing essential oil packaging

Essential oils can be packaged using different products that allow them to be applied or used in various ways.

For example, Glass dropper bottles are inert – they do not react with potent essential oils – while also protecting the oil from UV rays to ensure contents last longer. Dosage equipment like droppers and pipettes allow users to precisely measure and mix essential oils and other products to make topical treatments.

Rollette bottles and roller balls are ideal for topical application, with a choice between plastic or metal roller balls. The balls provide the dual benefit of replicating a soothing massage and providing an even spread of essential oils in the affected area.

PET bottles – like the PET Therapy bottle – are another option making the oils easier to post without fear of breakage.

Ultimately, the most effective essential oil packaging will depend on the product and its application. For more information, contact the Lifestyle Packaging team.