10 Best Essential Oils for Achy Muscles

Finding ease for those stubborn, achy muscles can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be!

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the 10 best essential oils for achy muscles. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or simply dealing with the occasional discomfort, essential oils offer a natural, effective way to alleviate muscle soreness and promote relaxation.

In this blog, we will explore the top essential oils that can transform your wellness routine, soothe pain, and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Say goodbye to muscle aches and hello to a more comfortable, active lifestyle—let’s dive in!

Essential Oils for Achy Muscles

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

Aroma: Sharp & Minty

A study¹ found that Peppermint Essential Oil can help soothe head discomfort, and even effectively ease tension-type headaches. Further research² has shown that inhaling essential oils (including peppermint) can alleviate fatigue and boost alertness, making it a versatile choice for mental and physical rejuvenation. The sharp, minty aroma works wonders in stimulating the senses and providing a cooling effect. These benefits are especially beneficial after a strenuous workout.

Other uses: Supports Respiration, Eases Seasonal Discomfort, Aids Digestion, Lengthens Hair

2. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Aroma: Clean & Herbaceous

Eucalyptus Essential Oil has garnered widespread acclaim for its remarkable ability to soothe muscle and joint discomfort. This powerful oil is particularly effective due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects, according to this study³.

Other Uses: Supports Respiration, Eases Seasonal Discomfort, Cleans, Boosts Immunity, Energizes

3. Ginger Essential Oil

Aroma: Warm & Citrusy

In this study⁴, Ginger Essential Oil was shown to help ease chronic joint swelling, especially for those experiencing rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger’s warming sensation and high therapeutic values make this oil great for soothing muscles, study⁵.

Other uses: Aids Digestion, Promotes Stomach Wellness, Supports Heart Wellness, Supports Respiration

4. Marjoram Essential Oil

Aroma: Sweet & Herbaceous

Marjoram Essential Oil is a must-have for anyone looking to soothe their muscles. A study⁶ has shown that this oil has an incredible antispasmodic effect that can help reduce muscle tension and ease pain. The sweet and herbaceous aroma makes it pleasant and calming. This oil is perfect for unwinding after a long day or an intense workout.

Other Uses: Aids Digestion, Promotes Hormone Balance, Supports Heart Wellness, Centers, Promotes Rest

5. German Chamomile Essential Oil

Aroma: Sweet & Warm

Studies^7,8 have shown that applying diluted German Chamomile Essential Oil to the skin can help soothe osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking natural relief from discomforts. This gentle oil is perfect for easing muscle aches and promoting relaxation after a long, strenuous day.

Other Uses: Centers, Supports Respiration, Supports Heart Wellness, Uplifts, Aids Digestion, Promotes Rejuvenation

6. Rosemary Essential Oil

Aroma: Herbal & Woody

The topical application of Rosemary Essential Oil can be a game-changer for those struggling with musculoskeletal discomfort. According to a study⁹, Rosemary can significantly alleviate the severity and frequency of musculoskeletal aches. This is attributed to Rosemary’s potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a highly effective remedy for sore muscles and joints.

Other Uses: Lengthens Hair, Detoxifies, Strengthens Hair, Thickens Hair, Promotes Brain Health, Calms

7. Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Aroma: Fresh & Evergreen

A study¹⁰ has shown that Juniper Berry Essential Oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it an ideal solution for stiff or sore muscles. This remarkable oil is particularly effective at easing muscle cramps and spasms, thanks to its natural ability to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.

Other Uses: Cleans, Promotes Rejuvenation, Detoxifies, Aids Digestion, Promotes Youthful Skin

8. Sandalwood Essential Oil

Aroma: Floral & Woody

A study¹¹ has shown that Sandalwood Essential Oil is highly effective in reducing inflammation due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This oil’s unique combination of active compounds provides a soothing effect on the muscles and a cooling sensation that helps diminish discomfort.

Other Uses: Supports Respiration, Promotes Youthful Skin, Supports Awareness, Uplifts, Supports Romantic Feelings, Calms

9. Clove Essential Oil

Aroma: Spicy & Rich

Research¹² has shown that the oil can provide excellent antiarthritic benefits, making it a great choice for those with rheumatoid arthritis. But that’s not all—Clove Essential Oil was also found to help improve leg function, making it easier to get around and enjoy your favorite activities. Maintain an active lifestyle with less discomfort and more freedom of movement with the use of Clove Essential Oil.

Other Uses: Reduces Appearances of Breakouts, Aids Digestion, Cleanse, Boosts Immunity, Supports Heart Wellness

10. Relief Essential Oil Blend

Aroma: Herbaceous

The Relief Essential Oil Blend is a special formulation expertly crafted by Simply Earth aromatherapists. It combines the therapeutic power of multiple well-known essential oils to soothe muscles and support joint function. This essential oil blend is a necessary addition to your wellness regimen. The synergistic effects of its components provide targeted relief from discomfort and stiffness, ensuring that you can move freely and comfortably through your day.

Also Available: Relief Essential Oil Roll-on

*Please note: This post is a compilation of suggestions made by those that have extensively used essential oils and has not been verified scientifically with clinical tests nor reviewed by medical experts. It is anecdotal information and should be treated as such. For serious medical concerns, please consult your doctor. The statements given in this blog post have not been verified by the FDA

How To Use These Essential Oils

Personal Care Recipes

These essential oils can be incorporated into personal care recipes to enhance your wellness routine and offer natural solutions to common ailments. These recipes are easy to make and perfect for incorporating the powerful benefits of essential oils into your daily personal care routine.

Bath & Shower Recipes

Incorporating these essential oils into your bath and shower routines can transform a simple cleanse into a rejuvenating wellness ritual. Each recipe uses essential oils to promote relaxation, invigoration, and relief from everyday aches and pains.

Massage & Pain-Easing Recipes

Integrating these essential oils into your massage and pain-easing routines can significantly elevate your well-being. Each oil’s therapeutic properties work synergistically to ease tension, soreness, and general discomfort.

Roll-On Recipes

Creating essential oil roll-ons is a fantastic and convenient way to target specific areas of the body with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. These roll-on recipes are simple to make. Plus, they can easily be carried in your bag or pocket, ensuring that relief is always within reach.

Diffuser Blend Recipes

Creating personalized diffuser blends with these essential oils is an exciting and effective way to fill your space with their therapeutic aromas, enhance your environment, and lift your mood. These blends are easy to prepare and perfect for creating a calming, invigorating, or refreshing atmosphere whenever you need it.

Headache Relief Diffuser Blend

Customizing Your Essential Oil Recipes

One of the beautiful aspects of using essential oils is the ability to tailor your personal care recipes to your specific needs. If you are dealing with discomfort, feel free to swap oils in the recipe with some of the best essential oils for achy muscles listed above. This ensures you receive the maximum benefit, without compromising the formulation’s effectiveness.

When making these adjustments, following the same amount of essential oil recommended in the original recipe is crucial to ensure proper dilution and safety. For instance, if a massage oil recipe calls for three drops of Lavender Oil, and you want to use Clove Essential Oil instead, use three drops of Clove Essential Oil to maintain the correct dilution ratio. This approach allows you to customize each recipe, while adhering to safe and effective usage guidelines. Happy blending!

Safety Precautions

Always Use Diluted Oils

Always dilute an essential oil before using it on the skin. When diluted properly, this essential oil is unlikely to cause skin irritation. However, if the oil has been oxidized (left with the cap off for long periods), it is more likely to cause skin irritation. Check out this dilution chart for properly diluting this essential oil.

Never Ingest Essential Oils

We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless directed by a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils, check out this blog post.

Essential Oils Aren’t Safe For Everyone

When using essential oils around children, pregnant women, and pets, caution should be taken.

For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post.

For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post.

References:

Göbel H, Heinze A, et al. Oleum menthae piperitae (Pfefferminzöl) in der Akuttherapie des Kopfschmerzes vom Spannungstyp [Peppermint oil in the acute treatment of tension-type headache]. 2016 Jun
Li Z, Wu F, Shao H, Zhang Y, Fan A, Li F. Does the Fragrance of Essential Oils Alleviate the Fatigue Induced by Exercise? A Biochemical Indicator Test in Rats. 2017
Sadlon AE, Lamson DW. Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. 2010 Apr
Komeh-Nkrumah SA, Nanjundaiah SM, Rajaiah R, Yu H, Moudgil KD. Topical dermal application of essential oils attenuates the severity of adjuvant arthritis in Lewis rats. 2012
Sunita Munda, Sukriti Dutta, Saikat Haldar, Mohan Lal. Chemical Analysis and Therapeutic Uses of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Essential Oil: A Review. 2018 Mar
Heghes SC, Vostinaru O, et al. Antispasmodic Effect of Essential Oils and Their Constituents: A Review. 2019 Apr
Shoara R, Hashempur MH, et al. Efficacy and safety of topical Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) oil for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial. 2015 Jun
Hashempur MH, Ghasemi MS, et al. Efficacy of topical chamomile oil for mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. 2016 Nov
Keshavarzian S, Shahgholian N. Comparison of the Effect of Topical Application of Rosemary and Menthol for Musculoskeletal Pain in Hemodialysis Patients. 2017 Nov-Dec
Raina R, Verma PK, Peshin R, Kour H. Potential of Juniperus communis L as a nutraceutical in human and veterinary medicine. 2019 Aug
Mohit Mahajan, Vaibhav Vaidya, et al. Review on Essential Oils and Ways to Use Them for the Treatment of Arthritis. 2023
Shakeel F, Alam P, et al. Investigating Antiarthritic Potential of Nanostructured Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) in FCA-Induced Arthritic Rats: Pharmaceutical Action and Delivery Strategies. 2021 Dec