We’ve all experienced muscle soreness at some point. Sometimes you can feel it after a moderate to high session of leg-day, while at other times it is due to the uncomfortable posture all day at work that may twitch your muscles. Either way, the pain is real and often hard to bear.

Acute or short-term muscle soreness can be managed with a simple day off, bed rest, and some OTC pain medications. But when it comes to chronic or long-term pain, lifestyle changes are mandatory.

Over-the-counter medications are what we've all tried so far, but there's an even better solution that I've recently discovered, i.e., essential oils. 

Several pieces of research and studies around the globe also support this idea and stand by it. T

Therapeutic essential oils can relieve sore muscles and aches, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve blood circulation. 

Several clinical trials have indicated that many essential oils can help relieve muscle soreness and reduce inflammation. 

Jump into this article to know in-depth about the best essential oils that can ease your sore muscle ache within the confines of your home.

Effective Essential Oils For Muscle Pain

Stephanie Tourles, the author of Stephanie Tourles’s Essential Oils: A Beginner’s Guide, has mentioned in her book that certain essential oils, when used with other techniques such as stretching and self-myofascial release, can help in soothing all aches and body pains. 

After experimenting with several essential oils, I've finally found the ones that appeal the most to me.

I buy all my essential oils from WOW Skin Science as all their products are premium quality, natural and therapeutic in nature. 

The brand has formulated a large variety of essential oils for sore muscles that can be effectively used individually or blended together with other oils to relax your sore muscles, reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, swelling, and pain. 

These oils also work exceptionally well to improve blood circulation to different parts of your body. 

The best essential oils which work well against sore muscles are mentioned below.

Peppermint Essential Oil

The amazingly refreshing peppermint, powered by menthol - one of nature's most effective painkillers, works wonders on your aching muscles.

As per an article published in a journal, peppermint oil was found to contain high quantities of menthol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and works well against strained muscles and aches.

Peppermint oil is best known as one of the most potent analgesics. It has a cooling effect, and, due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps with muscle pain. 

The excellent essential oil from WOW Skin Science can provide instant relief from muscle soreness, inflammation, and spasms. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil (diluted in a carrier oil) to a bath or blend with a carrier oil for effective application. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil, just like peppermint, has a cooling effect and provides pain relief. Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties. 

Moreover, the findings of a clinical review conducted in 2015, eucalyptus oil was found to be effective in treating several ailments such as arthritis, flu, wounds, and aches.

The calming scent of the oil soothes the muscles and relaxes your mind as well.

Infused with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, WOW Skin Science eucalyptus oil has cooling and analgesic effects on muscles and joints.

You can massage your muscles with this oil to relieve muscle spasms or add it in a hot bath along with Epsom salts for calming your joints and muscles.

Sore No More Essential Oil

The premium quality WOW Sore No More Essential Oil is a harmonious blend of six soothing high-quality essential oils known for their anti-inflammation and pain healing properties. 

Muscular aches, pains, and stiffness caused due to regular workout sessions, sports activity, yoga, arthritis, etc., can be conveniently taken care of with this oil.

The six essential oils used to formulate this premium quality product are peppermint, wintergreen, clove, eucalyptus, nutmeg, and cinnamon. 

The all-natural product is vegan and plant-powered, and used for centuries to reduce inflammation and pain, while also allowing for easier movement, thus it is super safe to use. 

Massage your painful muscles with the oil to relieve muscle soreness, use it in a cold compress, or take a hot bath infused with the oil and witness all the difference it creates.

Rosemary Essential Oil

The stimulating rosemary essential oil, with its analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory properties, works exceptionally well for sore muscles, back spasms, strains, and arthritis as well. 

This woodsy scented oil improves blood circulation, relieves pain, and diminishes inflammation. 

The benefits of rosemary essential oil for sore muscles have been clinically proven and published as well.

It also works well to reduce pain caused by rheumatic disorders, menstrual cramps, and back pain. 

The oil can be blended with carrier oils, infused in a hot bath, massaged with, or used as a cold compress for effective results.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

The WOW Skin Science Lemongrass Essential Oil, with its refreshing scent, is a soothing product that helps in relieving sore aches and muscle pains, making it a great addition to your pain essential oils kit. 

Studies have proved the anti-inflammatory properties of the essential oil and suggest its use for pain relief and against swelling and irritations as well.

Lemongrass essential oil can help reduce inflammation, which, in turn, leads to reduced pain.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is one of the most extensively researched and commonly used essential oils. It was shown to help relieve headaches and sore muscle discomfort. 

Lavender essential oil is also known for interacting with the parasympathetic nervous system's to modulate anxiety and, also, to have a mild sedating effect. 

Dilute it properly and add it to your bath water in the evening to reduce muscle pain, induce relaxation and enjoy a restorative sleep.

Ginger Essential Oil

Warm and spicy, ginger essential oil boosts circulation to the muscles and helps soothe back pain. 

It also functions as a decongestant, being useful in unclogging sinuses and alleviating headaches. 

Studies have shown that, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger essential oil can even be used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Black Pepper Essential Oil 

When applied to the skin, black pepper oil provides a warming effect and boosts blood circulation. 

It also has a mild analgesic effect, which aids in the relief of arthritis pain and muscle pain.

Wintergreen Essential Oil

Just like peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils, wintergreen essential oil, when applied locally, offers instant relief. 

It contains naturally occurring cooling and pain-relieving compounds and it can help reduce back pain and stiffness.

WOW Cold Soother Essential Oil Blend

WOW’s Cold Soother Essential Oil Blend is a revitalizing mixture of seven potent essential oils: eucalyptus, wintergreen, peppermint, tea tree, basil leaf, cinnamon leaf, and myrrh. 

When applied topically (properly diluted in a carrier oil), this blend helps boost circulation to the affected areas. 

It is a wintertime staple for relieving painful muscles caused by the dropping temperatures.

How To Use Essential Oils For Muscle Pain?

Finding the best essential oils for muscle spasms is only the first step. The next step is to learn how to use them correctly to reap several benefits they offer. 

Essential oils can be simply inhaled, or diluted and rubbed directly onto sore muscles. 

Here are all the ways in which you can use essential oils for muscle pain and aches.

Bath: 

Adding essential oils to your bath water is also one of the simplest methods to include them in your daily routine.

A warm and relaxing bath can help relieve muscle pain and inflammation. 

Even if you’re adding them to water, though, don’t skip on diluting the essential oils, as they will float on top and get in direct contact with your skin, potentially causing rashes and sensitization.

Add a few drops of the essential oils of your choice (diluted in a carrier oil) in warm water. The fragrance of these oils also works in favor of relaxing your muscles. 

Cold Compress:  

Add a few drops of the essential oil of your preference to cold water. Place a muslin cloth in the water and wet it. Take the cloth out, soak all the water from the cloth, and press it on all your sore points. 

Massage: 

Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, or coconut. Dilute the essential oil in the required manner. 

The National Association For Holistic Aromatherapy recommends diluting approximately 20 drops of essential oil per 1 oz of carrier oil. 

For extreme pain, you can mix about 30 drops of oil with 1 oz of carrier oil. Massage the painful spots with the combination prepared. 

Roll-on Bottle: 

An efficient way of applying essential oils is a roll-on bottle that allows you to carry diluted essential oils with you and make use of it whenever required. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is tea tree oil good for sore muscles?

Yes, as per many studies and reviews conducted, tea tree oil is found to relieve muscle inflammation and strains. 

2. Should I work out if my muscles are still sore?

You should not work out and tire the already sore muscles. This could lead to an increase in inflammation and pain. 

3. Which oil is best for muscle growth?

Fish oil rich in omega-3 fats, EPA, and DHA is the best oil suitable for muscle growth. 

Over-the-counter treatments and medicines can relieve sore muscle pains and body aches, but there's something entirely magical about the effect of essential oils. 

Several essential oils formulated with the best of natural ingredients work as active potents to fight against those annoying sore muscles and muscle spasms. 

I’ve listed some of my all-time favorite essential oils that work well for pain relief and help me ward off spasms and muscle sprains.