How to use essential oils for pain relief

 How to use essential oils for pain relief

Before you use essential oils

Perform a patch test 

Perform a patch test, mix 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil. Apply a small amount to unbroken skin on your forearm. If you have no reaction in 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use. 

Dilute the oil 

Be sure to use a carrier oil to dilute your chosen essential oil. Applying undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Common carrier oils include: 

• coconut 
• avocado 
• sweet almond 
• apricot kernel 
• sesame 
• jojoba 
• grapeseed 

In general, you only need to use a few drops of essential oil. The dose can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to add about 10 drops of essential oil to every tablespoon of your carrier oil.

Massage

Massaging diluted essential oil into the skin can help to loosen up muscles and alleviate pain.

You can practice self-massage or opt for a professional massage using essential oils.

Just make sure to dilute the oil in a carrier oil first!

Inhalation

Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the steam in a closed room. No carrier oil is necessary for this method.

If you don’t have a diffuser, try this method:

1. Fill up a bowl or plugged sink with hot water.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil to the water.
3. Lean over the bowl or sink.
4. Cover your head with a towel.
5. Inhale the steam.
6. Continue for up to 10 minutes.

Hot bath

You may also take a hot bath with essential oils.

To dissolve the essential oil, first add the appropriate dosage of the specific type of essential oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil. If you don’t want oil in your bath, you can add the drops to a cup of milk and the essential oil will mix with the fats in milk.

Sitting in the bath will allow the essential oil to enter your body through your skin. The steam that rises from the hot water can provide added aromatherapy.

Avoid very hot baths as this can cause weakness or dizziness.

Risks and warnings

Always use caution when trying a new essential oil. Take care to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as olive oil or sweet almond oil.

Never apply essential oils directly to the skin. Always do a patch test before use (see above).

Talk to your doctor before use if you:

• are pregnant
• are nursing
• have an existing medical condition
• wish to use essential oils on children or older adults

Potential side effects of using essential oils include:

• skin irritation
• skin inflammation
• sun sensitivity
• allergic reaction