How Do Essential Oils for Pain Relief Work?

By Caryn Gehlmann

For years I’ve been saying that you can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to aromatherapy, since we’re all unique in how we respond to different essential oils. This is especially true if you’re looking at essential oils for pain relief.

Studies show that pain is as unique as the individual. Researchers are finding that biological, psychological, and emotional factors can all impact how similar pain is perceived by different individuals. Your brain can either moderate or intensify your perception of pain.

The good news is that for many, essential oils can help with pain! An article on Web MD, Essential Oils for Knee and Joint Pain, says, “Aromatherapy may also lower your stress levels and how you sense pain.” As an example, it refers to a study that found people who breathed in Eucalyptus oil had less pain and lower blood pressure after total knee replacement.

Here at essential 3, we’ve done extensive research on how different essential oils can be used to find pain relief. Before I share some of our favorite blends formulated using essential oils for pain relief, please remember to listen to your nose! Just remember that finding a scent that relaxes and soothes you can play an important role in how you process pain.

e3’s Inflammation Blend

Inflammation is part of your body’s defense mechanism and plays a role in the healing process. However, at times your immune system can trigger inflammation when there are no invaders to fight off. This chronic inflammation can cause pain and discomfort.

There are essential oils known to be anti-inflammatory and supportive to your body’s hardworking immune system. e3’s Inflammation Blend of essential oils not only utilizes oils that can calm and soothe inflammation in the short term but also oils that can support the lymphatic and immune systems over time.

Chamomile, German: Inflammation, headaches, nerve pain.
Helichrysum: Inflammation, poor circulation, nerve pain, immune support.
Lavender: Lymphatic support, inflammation, infections.
Peppermint: Nerve pain, aches, infections, lymphatic support.
Tea Tree: Infections, immune support.
Wintergreen: Inflammation, aches.

e3’s Joint Relief Blend

Joint pain, particularly arthritis, can flare up after exercising, gardening, or other physical activity. e3’s Joint Relief is designed with essential oils known to warm and soothe joints and promote comfort and mobility. This blend is especially penetrating which is helpful when trying to find soothing comfort for achy joints.

Eucalyptus, Globulus: Aches, stiff joints. (Exceptionally penetrating.)
Juniperberry: Spasms, cramps, stiff joints, poor circulation.
Lavender: Aches, inflammation, spasms, cramps.
Marjoram, Sweet: Aches, spasms, cramps, stiff joints.
Pine Needle: Inflammation, stiff joints, poor circulation. (Exceptionally penetrating.)

e3’s Muscle Soothe Blend

Most of us experience pain from sore muscles now and then. This can happen when we overdo it in the garden or maybe push a little too hard in our workout but it can also be the result of body tension from sitting too long at your desk!

e3’s Muscle Soothe is known for its lovely smell. And remember, we talked about how smell matters! Many find this blend not only soothes their muscles, but it also helps them relax and let go of built-up tension.

Fennel, Sweet: Muscle spasms, lymphatic support.
Lavender: Muscle aches, muscle tension, muscle spasms, cramps, anxiety, tension, nervous exhaustion, mood swings, stress.
Lemon: Poor circulation.
Lemongrass: Muscle aches, muscle fatigue, stiff joints, poor circulation, lymphatic support.
Peppermint: Muscle aches, muscle spasms, cramps, fatigue, sciatica, stress, mild depression, lymphatic support.
Rosemary, ct. cineole: Muscle aches, stiff joints, fatigue, nervous exhaustion, mild depression.

How Can You Use Essential Oil Blends for Areas of Pain or Inflammation?

All three of these essential oil blends can be combined with lotion and gently massaged around the area of pain or inflammation. Mix 6-30 drops of the blend of essential oils with one ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion. Learn more by visiting the product pages on additional safe application methods, including compresses and relaxing aromatherapy baths.

e3 has additional customized blends, such as e3’s Massage Blend, Head Soothe, or Migraine Blend, that can also help with pain. While it’s good to do your research on the therapeutic uses of each essential oil, you also want to pay attention to how your body, especially your nose, responds. If you want to experiment with a few different options, take advantage of e3’s sample policy to request essential oil samples along with your next order. Also, feel free to reach out to us and one of our clinical aromatherapists with any questions about essential oils for pain relief related to your specific circumstances.

Would you like to learn more about essential oils – like where they come from, how they’re made, and how to make your own special blends? Simply download our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.