The best essential oils for soothing sports strains
You can boost the effectiveness of your post-workout rubs by using massage balms containing essential oils that are known for their pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, muscles-relaxing benefits. Let’s look at the nine best essential oils for soothing sore muscles.
Nine essential oils for sore muscles
Researchers have studied the benefits of essential oils for treating joint swelling, muscle pain and tightness. These are the nine best essential oils for treating sore muscles. Combining them promises effective relief from all the unpleasant symptoms of muscle strain, including pain, swelling, redness and spasm.
Thymol
Helps to relieve spasms, pain, redness and inflammation
Menthol
Has a cooling effect on inflamed muscles
Lemon grass oil
Helps to relax tight, strained muscles
Citronella oil
Shown to reduce pain and swelling
Eucalyptus oil
Relieves pain in joints and muscles
Cinnamon oil
Known for its pain-numbing effects
Terpentine oil
Creates a warming sensation that reduces the perception of pain
Peppermint oil
Used for its anti-inflammatory, fatigue-fighting and mood-lifting benefits
Camphor
Recognised for reducing pain and spasms
How to use essential oils on sore muscles
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be quite potent so be careful about applying them directly to your skin. As a general rule, use at least six teaspoons of carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil or argan oil for every 15 drops of essential oil.
The safest option is to add essential oils to a warm bath or use a formulation like Leopard balm that contains the ideal amounts of the best essential oils for relieving tight, sore muscles. Leopard pain balm contains all nine essential oils to give you the benefits of the best essential oils for soothing sore muscles. The pleasing aroma of this combination of essential oils also promotes calmness, relieves fatigue, and has a mood-lifting effect. Rub or massage gently onto your affected muscles after a warm bath or shower.