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Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes pain and tenderness all over the sufferer’s body. Fibromyalgia affects about 4,000,000 Americans (around 2% of the adult population). Many things, like stress, injury, and family history can trigger fibromyalgia pain. But did you know that there are essential oils for fibromyalgia?
While there is no known cause for fibromyalgia, there are many over-the-counter medications that can help temporarily ease the pain and discomfort it causes. Essential oils are one source of relief! You can use essential oils to help you cope with stress, pain, and fatigue from fibromyalgia.
First, remember that all essential oils must be diluted with carrier oils to make them safer to apply directly to your skin. Similarly, essential oils should never be consumed!
Why Consider Using Essential Oils For Fibromyalgia?
If traditional medications aren’t working for your pain, alternative remedies may be on your mind. Essential oils are a great natural solution!
Essential oils are extraordinarily fragrant substances found in the stems, petals, and roots of plants. A century-old technique called steam distillation releases the oils from the plants so that we can use them!
Essential oils have many benefits, including improving your physical, emotional, and mental health. There are many different types of essential oils for fibromyalgia. Each oil is associated with a unique scent and various benefits!
Moreover, you can mix essential oils or use them individually, which means they’re versatile—and worth the investment.
Research has found that certain essential oils can be used to treat lots of symptoms, including:
- Depression
- Headaches
- Inflammation
- Respiratory disorders
- Sleep problems
Of course, scientists are currently conducting more extensive research on the impact essential oils can have on pain management. But there’s no harm in using essential oils for fibromyalgia relief! Adding natural essential oils to your daily regimen could even allow you to reduce the dosage on other pain medications you are taking.
Related: What Are the Best Essential Oils for Adrenal Fatigue?
6 Best Essential Oils For Fibromyalgia
Essential oil use dates back as far as ancient Persia, Egypt, and India. The Romans and Greeks traded for these precious oils as well.
People use aromatherapy today for religious purposes, perfumes, and medicines. And now, you can use essential oils for fibromyalgia treatment because many of these oils have distinct healing properties.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils for fibromyalgia. You’ve probably heard about lavender’s calming and stress-relieving properties. When you diffuse lavender for aromatherapy, it serves as a powerful sleeping aid!
According to a 2015 study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, lavender makes a great pain relief agent. This makes it one of the best essential oils for fibromyalgia.
Lavender must be diluted to be applied to the skin. When properly applied, lavender can reduce pain and inflammation, just like medications such as Tylenol. In another study conducted in 2016, scientists even found that lavender relieves pain for those with osteoarthritis.
Eucalyptus
You probably didn’t know that eucalyptus trees create an oil with many impressive benefits! Eucalyptus oil acts as a decongestant and an anti-inflammatory agent.
One 2013 study experimented with the effects of essential oils on post-operative patients. After just three days of using the essential oils, the subjects reported exponentially lower pain and inflammation (and blood pressure!).
Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil comes from the sandalwood tree, which is one of the most aromatic trees. This oil has many uses, including as an antiseptic as well as for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Many people appreciate the soothing, calming benefits of sandalwood oil. Sandalwood oil contains compounds that sedate your central nervous system.
You can even inhale sandalwood oil to improve your sleep! With all of these incredible benefits, sandalwood oil is one of the best essential oils for fibromyalgia relief.
Nutmeg Oil
Nutmeg is a popular spice for the holidays and shares flavor notes with allspice and cloves. But it’s not just for pumpkin pie! Nutmeg is also commonly used to soothe indigestion, alleviate pain, and improve cognitive function!
A 2016 study found that nutmeg oil could help treat pain and joint swelling. The study concluded that using nutmeg oil results in quick pain relief and reduced inflammation.
Ginger Oil
We typically think of ginger as adding a warm, peppery taste to food, but it also contains a number of benefits for your health!
You can use ginger to improve digestion, ease nausea, and is a useful tool in managing pain. Using ginger oil for one month significantly reduced inflammation and blocked pain sensations, according to a 2013 study.
Ginger also helps increase antioxidant activity in your body. Increased antioxidant activity can protect cells and reverse cell damage, which lowers your risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Plus, it can boost your immunity!
Peppermint Oil
Distilled from the peppermint herb, peppermint oil can improve mental stimulation and help reduce pain.
Peppermint oil is also a good option for blending with other oils. You can combine peppermint oil with eucalyptus oil and ethanol, to alleviate headache symptoms, relax your muscles, and even boost your brain’s performance.
How To Use Essential Oils For Fibromyalgia
Once you’ve armed yourself with the best essential oils for fibromyalgia, it’s time to put them to good use! There are many ways to use these oils to relieve your fibromyalgia symptoms.
For example, you could try using essential oils for:
- Aromatherapy: This method works by stimulating the scent receptors connected directly to your brain. Your body recognizes and responds to scents in a powerful way! Try using an essential oil diffuser for aromatherapy.
- Massage: After being diluted, you can apply certain essential oils directly to your skin. Your body absorbs the oil, which then reduces fibromyalgia pain and inflammation. Rub the oils into your skin yourself, or have someone else apply them during a massage or through physical therapy techniques.
- Bathing: A soothing, hot bath is another great way to use essential oils for fibromyalgia. Being in warm water can reduce your pain by improving blood circulation. And essential oils can add to the relief! Your skin absorbs the oils, and the steam creates an aromatherapy effect.
Before applying to your skin, essential oils need to be diluted with carrier oils, such as:
- Massage oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Almond oil
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Unscented lotions
Essential oils are a simple and effective home solution to preventing fibromyalgia symptoms. Along with reducing chronic pain, they can improve sleep and soothe anxiety.
Before you start using essential oils for fibromyalgia pain prevention, make sure to talk to your doctor! They will be able to help you navigate any risks and decide which oils are best for your needs.
