ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AROMATHERAPY OILS FOR PAIN…

Eucalyptus oil, it’s not just a beautiful tree and leaf but also great as oil to ease pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits. It can help sore muscles from pain caused by arthritis or Fibromyalgia. Mix one or two drops with either coconut, argan or jojoba oil, then rub in the sore area in a circular motion. You can also blend with peppermint and rosemary oil to create a feel-good muscle rub. Lots of other oils also work well for pain relief.

Lavender is the most famous essential oil for pain relief and relaxation is lavender. It’s also good for your cardiovascular and digestive systems, lowers blood pressure, and helps relieve insomnia.

For relaxation try vanilla. Place a few drops of vanilla extract onto a handkerchief and carry it with you throughout the day. It helps fight infections, reduces inflammation, helps respiratory problems, and can work as an antioxidant.

To help you recharge try peppermint, jasmine, citrus. These scents make you feel more awake. Apparently, even though these scents are pleasant, they act as mild irritants and the effect is similar to that of smelling salts.

Sprinkle a few drops of the essential oil of your choice in a candle diffuser, or dilute two drops in 1 tsp. of avocado or almond oil, then rub it onto the back of your hand.

For pain relief try Green apple. The smell of green apples can reduce the severity and duration of migraine headaches and may have a similar effect on joint pain.

Another way for pain relief is to eat a green apple for a snack or bathe with green apple bath salts.

My love of essential oils goes back about 20+ years. The hospital where I had my first spinal surgeries had a lady that came into the hospital on a weekly basis and gave patients aromatherapy massage if they wished to have it.

She was a quiet small lady whose aura gave a feeling of calm before she even gave you the aromatherapy massage. She would mix the oils at the time you arrived by first finding out what sort of pain you were in. If I go somewhere that sells or uses these oils it takes me straight back to my regular session with my aromatherapist.

Unfortunately, like all of us, she eventually retired and although I still have the odd aromatherapy massage I have yet to have a treatment that reacted in quite the same way.

Sometimes I will use an aromatherapy diffuser scent ring, to fill the room with my favourite oils. Lavender (which also reminds me of my Grandma as she always wore it) mixed with rosemary oil is top of my list.

Storing your oils is important for their lifespan. Try to store your oils in a dark amber glass bottle, this will store it better. If they are stored in a clear or plastic bottle they will deteriorate in about 8 weeks.

Always store away from direct sunlight, in a cool and dark place is best. If stored correctly they could last up to one year.

To make your oils go further, add five to 10% of wheat-germ oil, as it helps to preserve the mixture.

Before you massage ALWAYS do a patch test first to check you are not allergic to it.

Always wash your hands when you have finished the massage.

Many Fibromyalgia forums have written comments on this oil with some having great results and others no so great, but that can be the same with drugs or treatments as it seems pains affect people differently.

Written by the experts, Neals Yard Remedies: Complete Massage – All the techniques, Disciplines & Skills You Need to Massage for Wellness. The book will bring the rejuvenating aromatherapy benefits into your life.