After a long and hard day, the only thing you want to do is relax. Whether you’re just coming back from work or finishing an intense workout, sore muscles are often one of the inevitable after-effects you have to deal with at home. It can be quite a drag at times, especially if stretching exercises or over-the-counter pain medications don’t help. An often-overlooked treatment for sore muscles is essential oils. These are a more natural alternative treatment that have a variety of uses beyond just muscles. Here, we’ll discuss what essential oils are, how to use them, and which ones you can use to treat your sore muscles.
How do I use essential oils?
Although it may be tempting to start using essential oils straight from the bottle, it is important to note that they are very concentrated and potent substances. They need to be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before use on the skin. It is generally recommended to use six teaspoons of carrier oil per 15 drops of essential oil. Otherwise, you may risk irritating your skin and worsen any swelling.
To get the most effective results for sore muscles, you should apply essential oils onto your skin, and you can do so by:
Adding it to your baths
Taking a bath is one of the best ways to wind down at the end of the day. Not only will the hot water soothe any aches and pains, but adding in a few drops of the oils will also enhance this effect.
Using an aromatherapy shower head
If you are looking for something quicker and more consistent than a bath, then look no further than aromatherapy shower heads. These showers combine the usual benefits of a normal shower with essential oils. This is a great way for your body to soak in the oils and start off each day on a new page.
Putting it into a hot or cold compress
Using a piece of cloth placed in hot or cold water, you can add a few drops of essential oils and place it onto any particularly painful and swollen areas for relief.
What are the best essential oils for sore muscles?
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is well-known for its cooling effects on the muscles, which can increase circulation to the tissues and joints. People also use it for treating lung-related issues and disinfecting wounds. A study from 2005 has even shown that eucalyptus helps decrease pain in those who have arthritis.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular essential oil used by many to calm down and relax. It can help with high blood pressure, palpitations, and stress. However, it also has anti-inflammatory properties perfect for sore, swollen, and strained muscles.
Pine
You may have smelled pine essential oil in passing as they are often used in air fresheners and cleaning solutions. They have a refreshing scent that is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Like lavender, pine oil has anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate sore muscles and tight tendons.
Vanilla
The flavor of your favorite sweets can also be used to relieve muscle pain. Vanilla is an underrated essential oil with a wide range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and preventing cancer. It reduces sore muscles by relaxing your body as a whole.
Lemon
Lemon oil is a lesser-known but effective treatment for sore muscles. It acts as a natural analgesic, making it easier to for you to bear through particularly painful days. Research has shown that lemon oil aromatherapy results in pain relief in mice. However, there isn’t any research to substantiate this same effect in humans.
You can use the essential oils mentioned above and more with the Aroma Sense Aromatherapy Shower Head to relieve your sore muscles. Our shower heads contain cartridges that are specially developed to help you get the most out of the essential oils. They are also infused with vitamin C to neutralize any chlorine in the water with the added benefit of promoting skin and hair health. Start your journey to healing today with our aromatherapy shower heads!