Oils

Essential oils can play an important role in easing those muscular aches and pains from over-exertion in work or play. They have an almost immediate effect when used with massage or a bath. Use five to ten drops for a bath. Use five drops to one teaspoon of oil for massaging into the achy muscles. In the early acute stage you may find benefit in doubling the dosage of essential oil, and as the muscles improve dropping back to the recommended dosages.

Essential oils that can be used for their analgesic effects include chamomile, lavender, marjoram and rosemary. Oils that are relaxing are chamomile, clary sage, jasmine and marjoram.

Muscle spasms can be relieved with chamomile, clary sage, lavender, marjoram and rosemary. You may want to use hot compresses over the affected area to help relieve the spasms. Soak a cloth in hot water, wring it out and apply to the ailing area. Cover the hot wet cloth with a dry towel. When that begins to cool, have the next hot moist compress ready before removing the first. In acute attacks of pain renew the hot compress every few minutes, but most hot compresses can be left on from 30 minutes to two hours. Essential oils can be applied to the skin directly in a carrier oil, or six to ten drops can be added to the compress water.

Serious injury with swelling can be treated with the RICE method, rest, ice, compress and elevation. Using essential oils with the compress stage can help the healing process.

Essential oils can also be used to prepare the muscles for exertion. They will warm the muscles, increasing blood to them and preparing them for strenuous exercise. Oils for stimulation to use before athletics or dancing are black pepper, juniper and rosemary.

Massage oil recipes for sore muscles:

These are drops per ounce of carrier oil.

Heating:

• black pepper 2
• juniper 3
• lavender 4
• rosemary 4
• peppermint 3

Anti-inflammatory:

• arnica 1
• chamomile 4
• lavender 8
• marjoram 4