While I've always been open to the use of natural medicine to support me and my family through illness, it took the discovery of these beautiful, high quality essential oils to give me the confidence to make aromatherapy blends for myself. It's so liberating to know that you can learn about the therapeutic benefits of these oils in order to address day-to-day concerns. I haven't popped a pain relief pill or anti-inflammatory medication for years and usually suffer through a headache or sore muscles or PMS but now the oils have made me more proactive in dealing with pain.
Addressing these issues with essential oils is nothing new - people have been doing it for thousands of years. However, feeling empowered to safely and responsibly use these oils to address these issues myself in my own home is life-changing.
While many oils have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, we all know they also have the capacity to support our emotions. So imagine the double whammy you get from supporting your body's innate healing capabilities with the oils' ability to lift your mood or calm you!
I like to make on the spot blends to deal with acute issues that way I can make them to suit not only the issue I want to address but also the person. Children need a lower ratio of essential oils to carrier oils, so I don't want to make up a blend that could be too strong for them and also I don't want to have 15,000 bottles around the house for occasional use. I love having my oil collection to use and blend and adapt on an ad hoc basis.
For pain relief, I would use my oils topically over or around the area in question. For on the spot use (such as sprains, headaches, cramps, 'growing pains' and/or muscular aches), I would use a teaspoon or two of carrier oil (such as Fractionated Coconut Oil or Sweet Almond Oil) and pour it into a small bowl (or even my palm). I then add the required amount of essential oils. My children are all over 6 years old, so I usually dilute to around a 1 - 2% dilution, which in the case of a teaspoon of carrier oil, is one or two drops of essential oil. Some oils aren't safe for use on young children so please be sure to check with a reputable reference / source before application.
So, which oils can we use to support our bodies through pain such as headaches, migraines, muscle aches/ pain, and period pain?
To soothe a headache
Some oils known for their headache soothing abilities are:
Roman chamomile
Frankincense
Ginger
Lavender
Rosemary
Basil
Coriander
lemongrass
Peppermint
Spearmint
Thyme
It's also important to consider the root cause of your headache, whether it be a food issue (intolerance, blood sugar, hunger), sinus, muscle tension or stress.
To soothe a sinus headache
Oils that can help with pain over the sinuses are:
Melissa
Cedarwood
Rosemary
Peppermint
Cilantro
To soothe a headache caused by blood sugar imbalance
Cinnamon
Cassia
Smart & Sassy - the metabolic blend
On Guard - the protective blend
Zendocrine - the detoxification blend
Coriander
Eucalyptus
Fennel
Geranium
To soothe a tension headache
Frankincense
Peppermint
Past Tense - the tension blend
Ice Blue - the athletic blend
For general pain relief
Basil
Bergamot
Birch
Black Pepper
Cassia
Cinnamon
Clove
Coriander
Eucalyptus
Fennel
Frankincense
Geranium
Ginger
Helichrysum
Juniper Berry
Lavender
Lemon
Lemongrass
Marjoram
Oregano
Peppermint
Roman Chamomile
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Spearmint
Tea Tree
Thyme
Vetiver
White Fir
Wintergreen
When you need an anti-inflammatory cream, try:
Basil
Bergamot
Birch
Black Pepper
Cedarwood
Clove
Cypress
Frankincense
Geranium
Ginger
Helichrysum
Lavender
Lemon
Lemongrass
Lime
Marjoram
Myrrh
Oregano
Patchouli
Petitgrain
Roman Chamomile
Sandalwood
Spearmint
Tea Tree
Thyme
Vetiver
White Fir
Wintergreen
Ylang Ylang
To relieve bone pain
Wintergreen
To soothe earache
(never put oils IN the ear)
Basil
Lavender
Tea Tree
I've also successfully used DigestZen to soothe an earache.
To alleviate menstrual pain/PMS/cramps
Cinnamon
Clary Sage
Coriander
Cypress
Juniper Berry
Lavender
Marjoram
Oregano
Roman Chamomile
Rosemary
How do I get these oils for myself?
Visit my doTERRA store to open your own wholesale account and get your own essential oils for the same price as me! Or ask me for more information.
If you're ready to go ahead and access wholesale prices for yourself, there are step by step instructions here.
References:
Butje, A. (2017). The Heart of Aromatherapy - An Easy-to-Use Guide for Essential Oils (1st ed.). Carlsbad, California: Hay House, Inc.
Johnson, S. (2015) Evidence-based Essential Oil Therapy - The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic and Clinical Application of Essential Oils (1st ed.).
The essential life: a simple guide to living the wellness lifestyle. (2015). Total Wellness Publishing.