Top 4 Essential Oils for Muscle & Back Pain

My top 4 essential oils for muscle & back pain. Natural alternatives to help relieve pain and speed recovery!

If you suffer with frequent muscle pain, I'm sure you've probably tried topical creams and gels such as Bengay, Icy Hot, or Rub A535. These topical pain-relieving creams promise "fast, long lasting relief", and would appear to be a pretty safe choice for minor back injuries. But if you read the instructions closely, it tell you to "apply generously to affected area" but "no more than 4 times per day".

The problem with these conventional pain-relieving ointments is that they are composed of synthetic compounds (camphor, menthol, and methyl salycilate ) that attempt to copy the natural chemical constituents found in essential oils.

Camphor is a naturally occurring chemical that can be found in essential oils such as rosemary, juniper, or sage. Natural menthol is found in peppermint essential oil, and wintergreen essential oil contains approximately 90% methyl salycilate! These essential oils are extremely useful for reliving muscle pain, and therefore you would think that any of these topical pain-relieving ointments would be pretty safe to use as well.

However, the synthetic forms of these chemical constituents can actually be quite harmful! Unfortunately, their molecular shape is not quite the same as the naturally occurring compounds, and they can accumulate in the body over time.

Natural methyl salicylate, as found in wintergreen and birch oils, is of a specific isomer (molecular shape) and is easily metabolized by the human body. Its chemical formula and energy template harmonize with human tissue. It does not accumulate. It is not toxic like its synthetic counterpart.  [Source]

Synthetic methyl salicylate consists of a variety of isomers, and is not recognized by the human body in the same way that natural methyl salicylate is. When applied topically or inhaled (for example in an ointment like Bengay), your body does not recognize this synthetic compound, and cannot easily metabolize it. This causes it to accumulate, and over a length of time lethal doses can occur. Take a look for yourself - head over to Google and search "death by Bengay"... you won't believe that this product is still on the market after such an awful tragedy!

The good news is...

Natural essential oils contain the REAL, naturally occurring chemical constituents of menthol, camphor, and methyl-salycilate. These naturally occurring chemical constituents will not accumulate in your body, and you do not have to worry about using too much!

Top 4 Essential Oils for Muscle & Back Pain

Wintergreen

Wintergreen essential oil contains 90% methyl-salycilate, and is therefore highly anti-inflammatory. It has warming qualities that make it an ideal choice to help relieve backache, as well as joint and muscle pain associated with sprains, strains, or rheumatoid arthritis. An ideal companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Wintergreen is a wonderful addition to your gym bag to use during or following a workout. Wintergreen essential oil is approved as a Natural Health Product by Health Canada, and can be used topically:

• To help relieve joint or muscle pain associated with sprains, strains and arthritis
• To relieve the physical stresses of the day, including backache or lumbago (lower back pain)

How to use: Dilute 1 part essential oil with 2 parts carrier oil and massage into affected area.

Deep Relief

Young Living Deep Relief is a blend containing: Peppermint, Wintergreen, Dorado Azul, Helichrysum, Lemon, Balsam Fir, Clove, Copaiba, and Vetiver. Deep relief has soothing and long-lasting benefits, and is a convenient blend ready for on-the-go use or when relaxing at home.

Peppermint oil, a primary ingredient in Deep Relief, is used in aromatherapy to help relieve joint and muscle pain associated with sprains, strains, or rheumatoid arthritis, making this blend a great companion for your trips to the gym and busy daily routine.

How to use: Deep relief is pre-diluted, so there is no need to use a carrier oil with this blend. Apply topically to affected area.

PanAway

PanAway contains wintergreen, helichrysum, clove, and peppermint essential oils. Each of these individual oils are approved as Natural Health Products in Canada and can be applied topically to help relieve joint or muscle pain associated with sprains, strains & rheumatoid arthritis.

Where as Deep relief is pre-diluted, PanAway is not. PanAway has a refreshing, potent aroma and feels very warm & soothing when applied topically. This essential brings instant and long-lasting relief when applied topically or massaged into sore muscles, all while helping to accelerate healing.

How to use: Dilute 1 part essential oil with 1 part carrier oil and apply to affected areas. Or, apply 1-2 drops on location or on temples, back of the neck, and shoulders. Use additional helichrysum to relieve deep tissue pain.

Copaiba

Copaiba is distilled from the gum resin of the copaiba tree in Brazil, and contains the highest amount of beta-caryophyllene (55 percent) of any known essential oil.

Beta-caryophyllene is known for it's ability to modulate the body's response to inflammation, injury, and irritation. It can therefore help support sore and tired muscles, and is a great essential oil to use in massage.

How to use: Can be applied neat (undiluted) or with a carrier oil.