Essential Oils for Pain Relief: Does It Work?
Researchers have found evidence to suggest that some oils may help treat the symptoms of certain ailments, such as:
More research is needed to fully understand how essentials oils can work for pain management, although there’s generally no harm in adding essential oils to your current pain management plan. Still, always talk to a healthcare practitioner to make sure essential oils are right for you.
The following essential oils may help with pain relief:
Lavender
According to a 2013 study, lavender essential oil may help treat pain in children after a tonsillectomy. Children who inhaled the scent of lavender were able to reduce their daily dose of acetaminophen, or Tylenol, post-surgery.
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When diluted lavender essential oil was applied topically during one test, it provided pain relief comparable to that of the prescription medication tramadol. This suggests that lavender could be used to help treat pain and any associated inflammation.
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Rose oil
Many women experience abdominal cramping during menstruation.
Rose essential oil has been shown to relieve pain associated with periods when paired with conventional treatment.
Bergamot
The results of a 2015 study found bergamot essential oil to be successful in reducing neuropathic pain, usually caused by chronic nerve disease. This type of pain is often resistant to opioid pain medications.
Wintergreen and peppermint
Wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) and peppermint oil (menthol) produce a cooling and tingling sensation when applied topically, which may be why they are two of the main active ingredients of Bengay and Icy Hot pain relieving ointments.
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Research on peppermint is more favorable. For instance, a
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Rosemary
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Eucalyptus
Many popular over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments use eucalyptus to soothe pain, including Icy Hot.
A 2021 study on animals found that eucalyptus can be an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory at doses of 100, 200, and 400 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Chamomile
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Clary sage
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Ginger
A 2019 review noted that ginger oil has several therapeutic properties, including:
- pain relief
- pain receptor blocking
- reducing inflammation
- anticancer
- relieving cough
Clove
Clove oil has been found to be beneficial for tooth ache as well as general pain.
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Lemongrass
A 2017 study on people with rheumatoid arthritis found that topical lemongrass oil decreased arthritis pain from 80 to 50 percent on average within 30 days.
According to a 2011 study, native Australian lemongrass may relieve pain caused by headaches and migraine due to a compound called eugenol that may be similar to aspirin.
A 2012 study on mice found that lemongrass essential oil helped prevent gastric ulcers, a common cause of stomach pain.
Frankincense
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A 2014 study on animals noted that frankincense could be helpful for arthritis, though more human studies are needed.
Essential oil blends
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate essential oils. This means that essential oil products can vary in purity, strength, and quality across manufacturers. Be sure to only purchase essential oils from reputable brands.
Essential oils can be inhaled or applied topically when mixed with a carrier oil. Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. Do not swallow essential oils. Do a skin patch test before applying diluted essential oils to your skin.
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