Top Essential Oils to Relief Pain and Inflammation

1. Roman Chamomile – is well known for its effective anti-inflammatory properties. Helps to relieve muscle pain and spasms, low back pain, headaches and pain caused by PMS.

2. marjoram – has sedative properties. Helps to relieve muscle pain and spasms, stiffness, rheumatism, osteoarthritis and migraine.

3. Lavender – this is probably the most famous essential oil for pain relief and relaxation. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and sedative properties and it helps to relieve muscle tension and spasms, joint pain and headache. Lavender is also one of my top 5 essential oils for allergy relief.

4. Eucalyptus – has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Good for muscle pain and nerve pain. Use in small quantities.

5. Peppermint – good for muscle and joint pain, headache and nerve pain.

6. Rosemary – has analgesic and antispasmodic properties. Good for relieving back pain, muscle and joint pain and headaches.

7. Thyme – antispasmodic, good for joint and muscle pain as well as backache.

8. Clary sage – has calming and soothing properties, as well as anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps to ease muscle tension, spasms and PMS pain. Use in small quantities.

9. Sandalwood – relieves muscle spasms. One of sandalwood’s most important uses is to sedate the nervous system, so it helps to reduce nerve pain.

10. Juniper Berry – has antispasmodic properties. Relieves nerve pain, joint and muscle aches and spasms. Also read my article on how to make juniper berry ointment for joint, muscle and arthritis pain relief.

11. Ginger – can ease back pain and improves mobility. Can be used to treat arthritic and rheumatic pain, muscle pain and sprains.

12. Frankincense – has anti-inflammatory properties and also acts as a mild sedative. It’s also used to alleviate stress and relieve pain.

13. Wintergreen – this is not a well known essential oil, but it’s very effective to treat painful conditions including headache, nerve pain, arthritis and menstrual cramps. This essential oil is created by steam distilling the leaves, and it contains a very high percentage of methyl salicylate. This oil has pain-relieving properties similar to aspirin (salicylate is the principal component of aspirin).

Cypress Oil: 50+ Uses and Benefits

Derived from the branches of the tall evergreen tree, Cypress essential oil has a fresh, clean aroma that’s energizing and refreshing. Cypress is frequently used in spas and by massage therapists for its ability to soothe tight, tense muscles, and promote circulation. 

Cypress can be diffused or inhaled directly to assist with clear breathing and healthy respiratory function. It can be used as a throat gargle for theme same benefits, but should not be swallowed or taken internally. 

Cypress contains monoterpenes, making it beneficial for oils skin conditions and to stimulate localized blood flow. It has a grounding, yet stimulating effect on emotions, making it a popular oil to diffuse during times of transition or loss.

Aromatic Description:

Clean, fresh, woody, herbaceous

Primary Benefits:

• - Assists with clear breathing
• - Promotes healthy circulation
• - Soothes tight, tense muscles
• - Supports localized blood flow
• - Beneficial for oils skin conditions
• 
  

Uses:

- Diffuse, inhale, or gargle at the first signs of throat discomfort.

- Rub on chest with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to support healthy breathing.

- Apply to tight, sore muscles or use with a carrier oil for massage.

- Mix together Cypress and Grapefruit essential oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil and rub on problem areas to help give skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.

- Add one or two drops to toner to help reduce oily skin conditions.

According to Modern Essentials, the typical properties of cypress include:

• Antibacterial
• Anti-infectious
• Antimicrobial
• Antispectic
• Astringent
• Decongestant (Lymphatic and Prostate)
• Deodorant
• Diuretic
• Mucolytic
• Refreshing
• Relaxing
• Vasoconstricting

To purchase, click HERE

Suggested and Possible Uses of Cypress Oil

The following are potential uses found in or on Modern Essentials, Aromatic Science, PubMed.gov, as well as through anecdotal experience and other resources. Use them to inspire your own ideas, experiment, and see what works for you.

Aneurysm
Consider applying 1-2 drops of cypress oil over the forehead and back of the neck 1-2 times a day.

Arthritis
Massage 2-3 drops into the area of concern. Consider layering with White Fir and Frankincense.

Bacterial Infections
Massage 2-3 drops into the area of concern or into the reflex points of the feet.

Bone Spurs
Massage 2-3 drops into the area of concern twice a day.

Bunions
Massage several drops of cypress oil into the feet at least once daily.

Bursitis
Massage several drops into the area of concern 1-2 times a day or as needed.

Capillary Wall Strength
Add cypress oil to a massage or massage into the areas of concern and over the reflex point of the feet.

Carpal Tunnel
Massage several drops into the hands, wrists, and forearms, moving toward the heart. Try this daily.

Catarrh
Apply 1 drop over the nose and sinuses, avoiding the eyes or mucus membranes.

Circulation
Massage into the arms and legs, moving toward the heart. Massage 1-2 drops over the heart.

Concussion
Apply 1-2 drops over the back of the neck and into the reflex points of the feet.

Connective Tissues
Massage several drops into the areas of concern.

Control Issues (you know who you are!)
Diffuse aromatically or inhale directly from the bottle. Use when processing through issues around trust and fear.

Diarrhea
Massage 2-3 drops into the abdomen in a counterclockwise direction.

Dysmenorrhea
Apply 2 diluted drops to the lower abdomen with a heating pad or hot compress.

Edema
Gently massage into the area of concern in upward strokes toward the heart.

Emotional Purging
Apply 1-2 drops on the big toe or arches of the feet daily. Use with meditation, journaling, or counseling.

Endometriosis
Massage over the lower abdomen and apply a hot compress or heating pad for pain.

Fear
Place 1-2 drops in the palms of your hands, rub together, and cup over the nose and mouth for up to 30 seconds or more as desired.

Flexibility (Physical or Nonphysical)
Apply several drops to the physical areas of concern. Even for nonphysical flexibility, the body will often manifest the same inner rigidness in specific physical areas.

Flu
Massage 2-3 drops into the reflex points of the feet twice a day.

Greasy/Oily Hair
Add 1 drop of cypress oil to your shampoo each time you wash.

Grief
Use aromatically by diffusing in the room or inhaling directly from the palms of your hands.

Grounding
Apply to the soles of your feet or diffuse throughout the room.

Hemorrhoids
Apply 1-2 drops to the area of concern (I'd definitely dilute first for this one).

Hiatal Hernia
Gently massage several drops of cypress oil over the area each day.

Incontinence
Massage 2-3 drops over the entire abdomen daily.

Lou Gehrig's
Massage several drops over the back of the neck and the spine several times a week, as well as other areas of concern or the reflex points of the feet. Also consider a blend for regular massage.

Lymphatic Decongestant
Massage 1-2 drops over each arm, moving upward toward the heart. Repeat with the legs. Drink plenty of fluids afterward.

Menopause
Apply several drops of cypress oil to the reflex points of the feet daily.

Menorrhagia
Massage 1-2 drops over the lower abdomen during your cycle. Experiment with using it daily between cycles as well.

Muscle Fatigue
Massage 2-3 drops into the area of concern as needed. Use during a massage or hot bath.

Muscle Tone
Follow the same ideas for Muscle Fatigue, above.

Nose Bleeds
Apply one drop over the nose and sinuses, and consider diffusing daily for chronic nose bleeds.

Pain (Chronic)
Massage 2 drops into the area of concern 1-2 times a day. Also consider pain-relieving blends, massage blends, or Frankincense.

Perfectionism
Inhale directly from cupped hands, or use 1 drop daily over the heart or solar plexus.

Pleurisy
Massage 2-3 drops over the chest daily.

Pre-eclampsia
Apply 1-2 drops on the soles of the feet. Use with caution and close prenatal care.

Prostatitis
Apply 1-3 drops over the area of concern each day.

Raynaud's Disease
Massage several drops over the areas of concern or the reflex points of the feet daily or as needed.

Retina Strengthening
Rub 1 drop of cypress oil into the temples and under the eyes, careful to avoid direct contact with the eye. Or consider the reflex points of the feet (described in the Application Guide linked above).

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Massage several drops into the area of concern 1-2 times a day. Consider layering with Frankincense or White Fir.

Skin Revitalization
Add a drop to your cleansing routine 1-2 times a week.

Spasms
Massage several drops of cypress oil into the area of concern if possible, or over the reflex points of the feet regularly.

Stress
Massage several drops of cypress oil into the feet each morning, inhale from cupped hands, or diffuse throughout the room daily.

Stroke
Apply 1 drop to the temples, 1 drop to the back of the neck, and massage into the reflex points of the feet. (Obviously, WITH medical care.)

Swollen Eyes
Rub 1 drop of cypress oil into the temples and under the eyes, careful to avoid direct contact with the eye.

Toxemia
Massage 2-3 drops into the feet daily. Also consider adding it to a full body massage once a week.

Trust
Massage 1 drop over the heart center. If you're using this daily, get your tissues, journal, and possibly a counselor ready.

Tuberculosis
Massage 2-3 drops over the chest daily, and/or into the reflex points of the feet.

Urinary Issues (infection, function, etc)
Apply several drops to the feet, or directly over the kidneys and bladder. Drink plenty of fluids when using for urinary health. Check out Juniper Berry, too.

Varicose Veins
Gently apply 1 drop into the area of concern. Consider adding Lemongrass or Peppermint as well.

Water Retention
Massage 1-3 drops of cypress oil into the areas of concern, always moving toward the heart.

To purchase, click HERE

Marjoram Essential Oil

Also known as “winter sweet” or “joy of the mountains,” Marjoram was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness. Marjoram has been used in culinary dishes, imparting a unique flavor to soups, stews, dressings, and sauces; in Germany, this herb is known as the “Goose Herb” for its traditional use in roasting geese. 

In traditional Austrian medicine, Marjoram was used to promote gastrointestinal health and to purify the skin. In modern applications, Marjoram is valued for its calming properties and for its positive effect of the nervous system. It also soothes tired, stressed muscles and supports both healthy cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Plant Part: 
Leaf

Extraction Method:
Steam Distilled

Aromatic Description:
Warm, herbaceous, woody

Main Chemical Components:
Lanalool, terpinen-4-ol

Primary Benefits:

• - Valued for its calming properties and positive effect on the nervous system
• - Soothes tired, stressed muscles
• - Supports a healthy respiratory system
• - Benefits the cardiovascular system
• 
  

Uses:

- Apply to the back of the neck to lessen tension and stress.

- Diffuse before going to bed for a better night’s sleep or add to a cotton ball and place near your pillow.

- Replace Marjoram essential oil in your next recipe that calls for dried marjoram. Usually 1 drop essential oil is equivalent to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs.

- Diffuse to promote healthy respiratory function.

To purchase: Marjoram