Aromatherapy Tips for Pain

Here are some ways to use essential oils at home to help ease your

aches and pains in muscles or joints. Use only pure, high-quality oils.

Ask your massage therapist for more information about sources to

obtain quality oils.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ACHES AND PAINS

Roman chamomile

Birch

Atlas cedarwood

Rosemary

Eucalyptus

Peppermint

The last two can be irritating, so always dilute them in a “base” oil before

using. Base oils include almond, walnut, and grapeseed, but any good

quality vegetable oil works fine.

WAYS TO USE YOUR OILS

Self-massage. To blend a nice massage oil, add about 10 drops of essential

oil to an ounce of base oil or lotion. Try this blend: 2 drops chamomile,

2 drops birch, 2 drops rosemary, and 4 drops lavender added to one

ounce base oil. Massage into sore or cramped muscles after a bath.

Baths. Add 10 drops each of eucalyptus and Atlas cedarwood to a tub of

warm water, and soak. Add the oils after your bath is drawn and swish

well before entering water.

Compresses. Soak a clean towel in a sink of very warm water to which 5-

10 drops of a blend of the above essential oils has been added. Wring out

and apply it to your sore body part. Resoak when the towel cools and use

for a total time of 20-30 minutes.

Rubdowns. To avoid soreness from exercise, give yourself a brisk rub

down after a workout. Mix 10 drops of a blend of black pepper, rosemary,

and eucalyptus to an ounce of base oil. Rub your limbs quickly and

thoroughly. It’s advisable not to oil your body before vigorous exercise,

because the oil can interfere with your ability to sweat.

RESOURCES

Renowned aromatherapist Francoise Rapp has e-books, a newsletter and

other information on her website: http://www.aromalchemy.com

Aromatherapist and teacher Jeanne Rose is the author of The Aromatherapy

Book: Applications and Inhalations (North Atlantic Books,

1995) and offers home-study courses.