5 Essential Oils for Sore Muscles
How essential oils can support athletes’ recovery.
Every athlete is familiar with muscle soreness after a workout. There are a variety of things you can do to relieve sore muscles. Ice baths, self-massage with a foam roller, compression, and many other recovery methods help alleviate muscle soreness. As an athlete, you can also use essential oils to relieve muscle pain, tension, and swelling.
In this article, you’ll learn which essential oils can help with muscle soreness.
What are essential oils?
Hidden within the roots, seeds, flowers, and bark of many plants are concentrated, highly effective chemical compounds. Essential oils are the essence of a plant and benefit not only the plant itself but also humans. These concentrated plant extracts are obtained from the plants through distillation or mechanical processes. The unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic scent. Oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.
Why can essential oils help with sore muscles?
We describe muscle soreness as microscopic tears in the muscle fibers caused by intense physical exertion or unfamiliar movements. These micro-muscle injuries are usually followed by inflammation. One way to speed up the repair process is to stimulate blood circulation. This allows inflamed tissue particles to be removed more quickly.
Each essential oil works differently. Depending on their active ingredients, these fragrant oils can have a positive effect on our recovery. For example, some essential oils promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
Which essential oils can help with muscle soreness?
Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of selected eucalyptus tree species. Traditionally, eucalyptus oil was used as a pain reliever and valued for its anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting properties. These effects make the aromatic oil a suitable remedy for tired muscles and joint pain even today. Eucalyptus oil can also be used for rheumatoid arthritis. One study showed that eucalyptus can reduce the severity of inflammation in arthritis.
Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita )
Peppermint is a natural hybrid of water mint and spearmint. Peppermint oil is the essential oil extracted from the flowering parts and leaves of the peppermint plant. Peppermint oil can help regulate body temperature and promote blood circulation, thereby positively influencing the body’s recovery process and helping to relieve muscle tension. The oil’s cooling effect also leaves the skin feeling refreshed.
Cypress Oil(Cupressus sempervirens)
Cypress oil is an essential oil extracted from the branches, trunks, and leaves of the cypress tree. “Cupressus sempervirens” is considered a medicinal tree with many botanical characteristics. According to a study, the cypress is resistant to drought, air currents, dust, sleet, and atmospheric gases, and can thrive in both alkaline and acidic soils. The woody-scented oil of this medicinal tree is known for its antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties.
Juniper Oil (Juniperus communis)
Juniper berry essential oil is extracted from the berries and needles of the plant species “Juniperus communis.” Studies have shown that juniper berry essential oil contains a variety of active compounds that can have a positive effect on the skin and promote regeneration. The skin can benefit from the antibacterial properties of juniper berry oil. Muscles benefit from its tension-relieving and antispasmodic properties.
Frankincense Oil(Boswellia carterii)
Frankincense oil is extracted from the “Boswellia carterii” tree. You probably don’t immediately associate frankincense with an essential oil for sore muscles. Instead, its spicy scent likely reminds you of a religious ceremony. In fact, however, the oil can also boost your recovery. Research shows that frankincense oil has immune-boosting properties. In addition, it can help relieve inflammation and pain. Studies have shown that frankincense can inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules.
How are essential oils used to treat sore muscles?
Essential oils are very potent and can irritate the skin if used incorrectly. Therefore, dilute the fragrant oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Carrier oils are plant oils with as little odor as possible, in which the essential oils can be diluted. As a rule of thumb: use at least 4 teaspoons of carrier oil per 10 drops of essential oil.
Suitable carrier oils include:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Argan oil
Can essential oils be mixed?
Each of the five essential oils listed has different effects that can positively influence muscle fatigue. One oil reduces inflammation, another relieves swelling, and a third relieves cramps. For this reason, it makes sense to use the essential oils in combination. The key is finding the right balance between the individual components. BLACKROLL® RECOVERY BALM contains all 5 essential oils in a ratio that promotes recovery. In addition, the balm contains other active ingredients and medicinal herbs that positively support recovery and skin care. These include, among others, calendula, sea buckthorn, and menthol.
When should caution be exercised when using essential oils?
Be careful when applying an essential oil to your skin for the first time. Use a suitable carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil) to dilute it. Or use the RECOVERY BALM, which is already enriched with other natural ingredients, to avoid skin irritation.
Consult your doctor before use if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- want to use the essential oil on your children.
- have a chronic medical condition.
Possible risks associated with the use of essential oils include:
- skin irritation
- Skin inflammation
- Allergic reactions
Conclusion: Essential Oils & Sore Muscles
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of health issues. Their circulation-boosting, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties make them effective in supporting the recovery process and helping to prevent muscle soreness.
