Chronic inflammation and pain can be absolutely debilitating and it’s not uncommon to be a skeptic about using essential oils as a cure-all. Chronic inflammation is your body’s natural immune response to stress and physical irritation. The growing scientific research on essential oils for pain actually promotes their anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and there are many ways to get them into your body including aromatherapy, massage, and even tinctures/capsules. Always consult with your physician before using alternative medicine - pain and inflammation can have many threatening underlying issues. 

One of the most highly studied essential oils, lavender essential oil is known for its positive effects on sleep disorders and anxiety. However, it can also help treat headaches, migraines, and sore muscles. In fact, a study in 2012 determined that when inhaled, lavender essential oil safely relieved uncomfortable migraine pain for participants. Another study in 2015 found that lavender oil has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This essential oil does wonders for both physical and mental health.

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) you know the pain associated with it. In 2011, The New York Times proposed research that suggests using peppermint oil as a method to manage IBS and associated symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. Also, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) suggests that peppermint oil may be used topically for tension migraines. This is a very helpful oil if you suffer from sore muscles, migraines, and stomach issues such as IBS.

Overloaded with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, flaxseed oil is already beneficial for your body’s overall health and well-being. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation suggests that people claim ingesting the oil eases symptoms of lupus, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids also contain anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties - stock up on it now to begin easing your pain!

Suffering from the aches and pains of a head cold? Experiencing body pain in general? Eucalyptus essential oil can fix that! A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that eucalyptus oil contains both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Eucalyptus oil is also found in over-the-counter cold and cough medications because of their soothing effect!

Juniper berries are female seed cones produced by juniper species, and they are loaded with health benefits! Though not as highly researched as other oils, Cogent Medicine composed a study and found that juniper berry oil affects many signaling pathways that are related closely to inflammation, cancer biology, immune response, metabolism, and wound healing!

Popularly known as a spice, clary sage is found to be effective in pain relief due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. According to a research study, clary sage was able to decrease inflammation in rats making it one of the best essential oils for pain. Aside from its anti-inflammatory effects, clary sage oil contains antibacterial and anti-fungal features that can decrease the risk of acquiring bacterial infections such as E.Coli.

For women who experience painful cramping or PMS symptoms, evening primrose oil can be a great way to manage menstrual discomfort. There are many promising studies, such as one article published in the American Family Physician. This article explained that evening primrose oil is commonly used to reduce inflammation, breast pain, and symptoms of menopause and PMS. Despite these studies, more research needs to be composed in order to prove these positive effects.

As we mentioned earlier, you might be a skeptic when it comes to using essential oils for pain relief. But you can’t knock it until you try it, right? Every essential oil listed above has been broadly studied and many scientists have proven that they may work for pain, sleep disorders, inflammation, headaches, and respiratory issues. These century-old techniques may improve physical and mental health and well-being. Though more research is needed to fully understand how essential oils can treat pain, there usually isn’t any harm in adding them to your pain management agenda. All in all, trying something new may really help you start living a pain free life.

Whether you are an essential oil pro or a newbie, you should always take certain precautions before trying out new essential oils. When using essential oils, remember to always dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil and do a skin patch test to check how your body will react to the essential oil you are trying out. Also, you should talk to your doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant or nursing, have existing medical conditions, or if you want to use essential oils on kids or older adults. Potential risks of using essential oils include skin irritation, allergic reaction, and inflammation.

Note: This article was not medically reviewed. We are not medical professionals, nor do we intend to be. Every essential oil in this article has been listed with scientific studies or research to back it up. However, pain and inflammation may have some serious underlying causes that should be checked out by a medical professional, especially if your pain persists for a long time. Consult with your doctor or physician before choosing alternative medicine, as you may have underlying issues causing your pain.

Before using any of the essential oils listed above, do your research or consult with your physician. It’s always important to experiment with essential oils before lathering your whole body with them, as every skin type is different, and each person has a different immune or allergic response to new products. Again, try to mix them in your favorite carrier oil to ensure safety and to decrease skin irritations.

You also want to make sure you buy from reputable sources. There are many companies out there now selling essential oils and they aren’t good products. You always want to make sure that the essential oils you are purchasing are 100% pure and organic. Since the FDA does not regulate essential oils, ingredients may be different depending on the manufacturer. It’s not hard to find ‘essential oils’ that are fake and are created with ingredients that may cause adverse reactions.

Read your reviews if you decide to purchase essential oils online and visit holistic stores. You can also speak with a licensed aromatherapist in order to figure out the best essential oils that will help with your specific pain problems - they will know where to get the best brands and help match one to your needs.

Used for thousands of years, the essence of plants and flowers are becoming widely popular again over the past ten years and it’s normal to see them almost everywhere, even in your local grocery stores and in medicine/vitamin aisles. With research and scientific proof, you can’t go wrong. Try out essential oils for your pain today and start changing your life!