If you’ve already been in to the clinic you will know that we love aromatherapy! We use doTERRA oils. In the winter we diffuse the ‘on guard’ mix to ward off cold germs; we use tea tree oil in our mix for wiping down the leather and vinyl surfaces; if hayfever is rampant we diffuse the ‘easy air’ mix and I use an array of oils in cooking and baking which I have mentioned in some of the previous recipes posted on our site. Today I want to share a couple of oils that you can use for various aches and pains. Make sure you get good quality oils to guarantee their therapeutic effects. Modere, Living Young & doTERRA are the companies I know of that provide good quality oils but I’m sure there are others too, just do your homework. Hopefully you find these oils as helpful as we do!
Lavender
Lavender oil has a relaxing effect on the body. For headaches dab a drop or 2 of the oil at the base of the skull and let it trickle down the neck. Unless you’re allergic to lavender oil you should find it very calming and balancing. Besides headaches lavender oil is also great for relaxing the body and mind to prepare for sleep. A few drops on the bottoms of your feet massaged in is quite effective. It can also be used for bites and stings to reduce the swelling and take away the itch. It can help with eczema and other skin irritations such as dermatitis and dandruff, I suppose that’s why they use it in a lot of shampoos for sensitive skin! It has anti-bacterial properties so is good for minor cuts and burns. It sounds strange but for travel sickness or nausea a drop on the end of the tongue, behind the ears and on the belly is helpful. Lavender is a really well rounded oil which is why it’s at the top of the list of must haves!
Peppermint
Due to Peppermint’s cooling effect on the skin, it has a similar effect for muscle aches as other menthol based gels such as ice gel. Use a few drops over the effected area or add a few drops to a squirt of oil or moisturiser for larger areas. Peppermint oil can also be used in the kitchen in place of peppermint essence. You need much less of the pure oils though so just keep that in mind so you don’t ruin your baking! It also has anti-microbial properties so you can use it to freshen your breath (or your dogs breath) just make sure you dilute it 80-90 percent when using with animals. It’s great for soothing stomach aches as well, you can add a drop to your dry teabag before brewing a cup of tea!
Frankincense
Frankincense is an extremely versatile oil. A study conducted by Cardiff University showed reductions in inflammatory molecules that are involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis but it’s long been used for pain of joints and muscles, oral hygiene & repair, digestive complaints and with colds and respiratory complaints. Topically simply rub a few drops into the painful area. For digestive complaints you can put a drop onto a tea bag and ingest it; for colds you can put it in a diffuser and for oral hygiene you can dilute it in a home made toothpaste or mouthwash.
Wintergreen
Wintergreen promotes circulation and brings warmth to the area, therefore it’s good for tired aching muscles. It’s analgesic and relaxant effects are quite powerful and therefore it’s also useful for sleeping, to reduce stress, to relax the airways for asthma or congestion, it’s good for muscle cramps, stomach cramps and nervous conditions such as ticks and anxiety. This oil is only ever used externally due to it’s very strong antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Care should also be taken not to apply to any open wounds. If taken internally it can be quite toxic. To use wintergreen simply rub on the affected area or nearest to the internal organs you are trying to effect. For example, for asthma you may rub on the chest, for kidneys you may rub on the lower back.
These oils are at the top of my list for relieving pain because they have other uses too so they wont go to waste in your home. If you want to incorporate the 4 oils and make a super pain relief blend you can absolutely do that. I’m sure these oils have other amazing benefits and qualities about them not listed here but if you’d like more specific information about the oils please click here.