The Top 20 Essential Oils to Relieve Pain and Inflammation (Research-Backed)

Essential oils have been utilized for centuries to combat pain and inflammation, with many demonstrating pain-relieving properties comparable to, or even exceeding, those of certain pharmaceutical analgesics. The benefits of using essential oils for pain and inflammation relief are manifold; they often have fewer side effects than modern drugs and can simultaneously soothe the mind, promoting relaxation. This makes essential oils a valuable tool in pain management and the treatment of various inflammatory conditions.

For those experiencing chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, lower back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, nerve pain, or sciatica, essential oils offer excellent natural remedies. For example, lavender essential oil not only calms the mind but also helps alleviate pain in inflamed joints and is effective for headaches, back pain, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Chamomile essential oil reduces inflammation and can be massaged into painful joints for arthritis or used to relieve stomach cramps.

This article will detail the best essential oils for pain and inflammation relief, followed by practical guidance on how to use them and important precautions.

Best Essential Oils to Treat Pain and Inflammation

1. Chamomile Oil to Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Chamomile oil is an excellent essential oil with analgesic properties that can soothe pain in inflamed joints and muscles. Its calming effect extends to relieving headaches, sore muscles, and nerve pain such as sciatica and slipped discs. Chamomile also has a soothing effect on the digestive system, helping to alleviate pain caused by excess gas and stomach cramping.

A review of chamomile's medicinal properties revealed that the plant contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids. These compounds easily penetrate the skin to reduce inflammation. The review also found chamomile effective in treating digestive disorders and relaxing intestinal muscles (1). Chamomile oil effectively relieves rheumatic pain, muscle spasms, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, mouth ulcers, eczema, back pain, and stomach cramps.

Application: Add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to a carrier oil (such as coconut, olive, or sweet almond oil) and massage into the sore muscle or painful joint. Alternatively, add a few drops to a diffuser and inhale the therapeutic vapors deeply for about 15 minutes to ease headache or migraine pain.

2. Lavender Oil for Pain Relief

Lavender is undoubtedly one of the most popular and well-known essential oils for pain relief. Natural treatments using lavender have been employed for centuries to alleviate migraines and headaches. Lavender contains compounds that act as a mild sedative, reducing stress and anxiety, thereby helping to relieve tension headaches at their source. It is also one of the best essential oils for muscle pain.

A 2015 study found that lavender oil possesses both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Clinical trials showed that topical application of lavender oil for pain relief was as effective as some pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories and analgesics (2). Another study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine demonstrated that applying or inhaling lavender oil has a pain-relieving effect. For instance, massaging lavender oil into the abdominal area helps relieve menstrual cramps. Inhaling lavender also had a morphine-like effect on patients recovering from surgery. The study further noted lavender's effectiveness in reducing migraine, lower back, and neck pain (3).

Application: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your diffuser and inhale deeply for about 15 minutes to ease headache or migraine pain. Alternatively, rub 1-2 drops into your palms, cup them over your nose, and take 4-6 deep, slow breaths for acute migraine. For convenience, add 2-4 drops to a cotton ball and store in a zip-lock bag for on-the-go headache relief. Unlike many essential oils, lavender is mild enough for direct application to small skin areas without dilution, though dilution is recommended for sensitive skin or larger areas.

3. Sweet Marjoram for Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Sweet marjoram essential oil possesses sedative and anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate various types of pain. WebMD reports that marjoram oil is used to ease headaches, migraines, neuralgia (nerve pain), stomach cramps, and other intestinal disorders (4).

One study showed marjoram oil's utility in relieving chronic neck pain. A combination of marjoram, black pepper, lavender, and peppermint essential oils was massaged into the painful area daily for 4 weeks, significantly improving patients' conditions compared to a placebo group (5). Marjoram is also effective for toothache relief when applied directly to or around the affected tooth. If too potent, dilute with a half teaspoon of olive oil and apply with a cotton ball or finger.

4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful pain reliever for nerve-related pain and sinus discomfort. Even a small amount can alleviate headaches, arthritis, and muscle and joint pains. Its pain-reducing properties are attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial compounds.

A clinical trial found that inhaling eucalyptus oil can relieve post-surgery pain, with patients experiencing less pain and lower blood pressure levels (6). The University of Maryland recommends inhaling eucalyptus essential oil for sinus pain due to colds, flu, or other respiratory infections, and notes that ointments containing eucalyptus oil are effective for joint and muscle pain (7).

5. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil's antispasmodic properties make it a great natural remedy for arthritis and intestinal problems. Beyond relieving arthritic pain, it is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and fungicidal. Like eucalyptus oil, peppermint essential oil is a natural decongestant, helping to relieve painful blocked sinuses.

Peppermint essential oil is refreshing and cooling, containing a significant amount of menthol, known to relax and ease tension headaches and muscular aches. A German study found peppermint oil as effective as paracetamol for tension headaches when applied to the forehead and temples, providing relief without the side effects of frequent painkiller use (8). When ingested, enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules relieve intestinal pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), with one study calling it "a safe and effective short-term treatment for IBS" (9).

6. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary oil's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent essential oil for chronic pain relief. The University of Maryland reports that rosemary can improve blood circulation, crucial for pain management, and relieve muscle pain and spasms (10). The German government has approved rosemary essential oil for pain relief.

A study on rosemary oil's effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation showed it boosted the effect of popular pain relief medications. It can be used topically as a standalone painkiller or combined with analgesic drugs to enhance their effectiveness (11).

7. Thyme

For backache, muscle pains, or joint inflammation, thyme essential oil can provide significant relief from acute or chronic pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties easily penetrate the skin to reduce pain.

A study in the Journal of Lipid Research found that carvacrol, a compound in thyme, suppresses COX-2, an enzyme linked to inflammation. Many NSAIDs also work by suppressing COX-2. Researchers reported that thyme oil's analgesic and inflammation-reducing properties have applications in treating various diseases (12). Other studies show that thyme essential oil's antispasmodic effect helps reduce menstrual cramps as effectively as ibuprofen (13).

8. Clary Sage

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is an essential oil known for relieving muscle cramps and menstrual pain due to its pain-relief properties. Examine.com reported on a study where a massage oil blending lavender, clary sage, and rose oil, applied daily to the abdominal area, significantly reduced painful menstrual symptoms after one or two days (14). The journal Phytotherapy Research found that Salvia species extracts also have a calming effect, alongside analgesic and muscle relaxant properties (15). Clary sage essential oil can also relieve pain associated with abdominal cramping.

9. Sandalwood

Sandalwood is an essential oil for combating inflammation and joint pain. It also helps relax muscles and prevent spasms. Sandalwood manages pain by sedating the nervous system. A study in Planta Medica found that inhaling sandalwood essential oil has a relaxing effect and reduces adrenaline production (16). Another study showed sandalwood oil has an anti-inflammatory effect similar to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (17).

Application: Mix sandalwood essential oil with a carrier oil for a pain-killing ointment for sore muscles, knee pain, and rheumatic conditions. Alternatively, add a few drops to a diffuser for inhalation to relieve headaches, migraines, anxiety, and stress.

10. Juniper

Massaging juniper essential oil is an excellent way to relieve stiffness and pain associated with arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. WebMD reports that juniper oil is used topically to numb pain and treat painful muscles and joints (18). Encyclopedia.com suggests various uses for juniper essential oil in pain relief: adding it to a bath for muscle pain, applying a juniper berry compress for gout and rheumatoid arthritis, or mixing it with a carrier oil for a natural pain-relieving ointment (19).

11. Ginger

Ginger essential oil can alleviate joint pain and ease muscle stiffness. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are due to a compound called gingerol. Ginger oil is effective for pain relief when massaged into sore joints or painful muscles. A review of ginger's therapeutic properties found it to be a natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, joint inflammation, and osteoarthritis, with a pain-relieving effect similar to NSAIDs like ibuprofen (20).

12. Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil possesses both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces muscle tension by promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Frankincense oil can be combined with a carrier oil and rubbed into joints for effective pain relief. A 2016 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that frankincense blocks COX-2 (an inflammation-related enzyme) and "exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects" (21).

13. Yarrow

Yarrow is a medicinal herb whose essential oil helps relieve intestinal cramping and rheumatic pain. Teas made from yarrow contain properties that reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and can treat abdominal pain. The oil can also be applied topically to inflamed joints to increase movement and reduce arthritis and rheumatic pain symptoms. The DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences reported that yarrow is also useful in treating painful conditions like gout, eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions (22).

14. Wintergreen

Use wintergreen essential oil to treat chronic lower back pain, muscle aches, and stiff joints. Wintergreen has been used for centuries for pain management and has pain-relieving properties similar to aspirin. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that wintergreen can provide significant relief from lower back pain. Researchers noted that massage oil with 2.5% wintergreen oil had the same effect as 325 mg of aspirin when massaged into the lower back (23). The benefit of using wintergreen essential oil as a painkiller is its safety and lack of harmful side effects.

15. Vetiver

Vetiver is a lesser-known medicinal plant in Western countries. Its soothing essential oil calms various types of inflammation and is particularly effective at relieving inflammation in both the circulatory and nervous systems. It provides relief from general aches and pains, especially for rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain, and headaches. WebMD states that vetiver oil is used topically for relieving stress, joint pain, and muscle pain (24).

16. Helichrysum

Helichrysum essential oil is a powerful pain reliever that can also help repair damaged skin. It is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, effective for managing many chronic pain conditions as well as nerve pain. Helichrysum oil can also be applied directly to an injury to reduce muscle pain and prevent bruising. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that helichrysum's pain-relieving power works in three ways: it reduces inflammatory enzymes, eliminates free radicals, and reduces swelling (25). It can also be applied as an after-sun treatment to relieve sunburn pain and prevent further skin damage.

Application: Mix a few drops of helichrysum with a carrier oil and massage into the painful area.

17. Black Pepper Oil

The oil extracted from black pepper can be used to relieve muscle aches and pains. This potent essential oil helps increase blood circulation to the painful area, reduces inflammation, and is also antibacterial. Black pepper essential oil can help eliminate neck and shoulder aches and has been used alongside marjoram, lavender, and peppermint oil to treat recurrent pain in these areas (5).

18. Lemongrass

The refreshing scent of lemongrass essential oil not only boosts your mood but also reduces symptoms of inflammatory painful conditions like arthritis and rheumatism. Lemongrass essential oil is also effective for sore muscles. The Journal of Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids found that lemongrass inhibits inflammatory responses in the body, similar to thyme and frankincense essential oils, by blocking the COX-2 enzyme (26).

19. Rose Geranium

Rose geranium essential oil can help relieve knee pain, muscle aches, and back pain. It can also be used for pain relief from shingles and other nerve-related painful conditions. A 2013 study found that rose geranium essential oil could be a good and safer alternative to many anti-inflammatory drugs. Its effects were similar to some anti-arthritis and anti-rheumatic drugs, and it reduces inflammatory responses in the skin, making it an excellent essential oil for neuralgia (27).

20. Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil is commonly associated with Earl Grey tea. However, it can also be used to relieve headaches and reduce stress-related anxiety. A study on bergamot's calming effect found that, when inhaled, it released certain hormones that reduce nerve sensitivity to pain (28). If you have a headache, sprain, or other pain for which you'd typically take analgesics, try rubbing some bergamot essential oil mixed with a carrier oil on the affected area.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly potent and powerful. Generally, they should never be applied directly to the skin without dilution; always mix them with a carrier oil.

• Dilution Guideline: Use up to 4 drops of essential oils for every tablespoon of carrier oil. Different essential oils can be blended as long as these proportions are maintained.

• Special Populations: Do not use essential oils on pregnant women or young children unless directed otherwise by a certified aromatherapist or another medical professional.

How to Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief

Many essential oils provide relief from pain and inflammation. Some act as analgesics (pain relievers), while others reduce inflammation, making them excellent for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. Many also help relax muscles and calm nerves. While you can use any of the mentioned essential oils individually for pain relief, blending some can yield even greater effects.

To create a massage oil for topical pain relief, dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, or castor oil. Here are the benefits of some common carrier oils for pain and inflammation relief:

• Coconut Oil: Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, reducing pain and skin inflammation (29). It also helps essential oils penetrate deeper into the skin.

• Jojoba Oil: Closely resembles sebum (the skin's natural protective oil), helps combat inflammation, and keeps skin healthy (30). Studies show it helps skin absorb topical drugs (31).

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps reduce pain and inflammatory responses in the skin (32).

• Castor Oil: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Its ricinoleic acid content has properties similar to capsaicin, a natural pain relief remedy that reduces a chemical in the body sending pain signals to the brain (33, 34).

More Ways to Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief and Inflammation:

• For Headache: Blend 4 drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil. Apply a small amount to temples and massage gently, avoiding eyes. Headaches can also be relieved by inhaling: sprinkle a few drops onto a cloth or tissue, or use an aromatherapy diffuser/vaporizer.

• For Sinus Pain: Inhaling essential oils is a simple way to alleviate sinus pain. Boil water, pour it into a large bowl, add a few drops of chosen essential oils. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the steamy bowl to inhale the vapors for about 10 minutes. Reheat water and repeat as needed.

• Bath Soak: Excellent for soothing tired, aching muscles and relieving arthritis and rheumatism. Add a few drops of essential oil to a hot bath (mixing with a small amount of carrier oil first is recommended). You can also add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to enhance the effect.

• Massage Oil for Larger Areas: Use about 10-12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil and massage this blend into any painful body part.

• Hot or Cold Compress: For sore muscles or joint pain, add a few drops of your selected essential oil to about a pint of hot water (as warm as comfortably tolerable). Soak a small towel, wring out excess water, and place over the painful area. Some find alternating between hot and cold compresses beneficial. A cold compress is made similarly but uses ice or refrigerated water and is replaced when it reaches body temperature.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.