Did you know that you can use lavender for muscle pain? What’s more, it can provide you with relief after exercise or yoga. Lavender oil is ideal for aromatherapy, thanks to its versatility. Its relaxing effect not only delivers healing properties but also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, effective against muscle tension and cramps. You can use lavender oil in various ways to treat muscle pain; here are some ways to kick you off;
Massage
For muscle pain, especially in the early stages of exercise, a massage with lavender oil can help relieve your pain. Note that exercising can make your muscles sore. Thankfully, you can massage lavender oil topically to relieve your muscle pain. Lavender oil, a fast pain and tension reliever, penetrates deep under the skin, helps loosen knots, and quickly eliminates muscle tension.
Another way to use lavender oil is to dilute it with a carrier oil. Simply apply a few drops of lavender oil and about six teaspoons of your carrier oil and massage generously for better absorption. Consider using the following as carrier oils to go with lavender oil:
- Sweet almond
- Avocado oil
- Macadamia oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Extra virgin oil
- Jojoba oil
While essential oils like lavender oil are deeply absorbed into the skin and help injured muscles heal, you should be careful when applying them. Do not apply the oils on your face or rub them into your eyes, as they can be irritating. You should also not put lavender oil in your mouth.
Apply Before Or After Sports
Did you know that you can also use lavender oil as a roll-on to relieve your muscle pain? Moreover, it is ideal for use before or after workout sessions. In addition to being convenient for busy people who may not have time to go for a massage, roll-ons are also practical and therapeutic. They work by penetrating the muscles and are available in top reliable stores. They are already packaged and diluted with a carrier oil. You also have the option to mix and dilute the oil by buying empty roller bottles and mixing them yourself. To integrate your oil, you can do the following:
- Use a syringe to add about 14 drops of lavender oil.
- Press the roller ball firmly onto the neck of the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil of your choice.
- Roll the bottle between your hands for about a minute to ensure the lavender oil mixes well with the carrier oil.
- Apply as desired.
Add It To Your Compress (Cold Or Warm)
Compresses are a simple way to relieve pain, but you can make them even more effective by adding lavender essential oil. Cold water compresses are used for inflammation, and warm water compresses are suitable for muscle pain. You can make these compresses yourself or even buy them in stores.
Here is how to make a lavender oil compress for muscle pain;
- Fill a bowl with hot water.
- Add the diluted lavender oil to the water.
- Dip your towel in the lavender oil and water mixture until it is thoroughly wet.
- Gently wring out the excess water, then place the towel on the painful area.
- Leave the towel on the painful area for about 15 minutes.
- You can put it back on at any time by heating the mixture in the microwave.
Put In A Relaxing Bath
Aside from the above methods, lavender oil baths can help relax sore and stiff muscles. Follow this procedure for a relaxing bath;
- Add 10-13 drops of pure lavender oil and a few drops of your carrier oil to the bathtub, open the faucet and let the oil disperse in the water before getting in.
- Lie in the tub for as long as you like, allowing the lavender oil to penetrate your skin and reach the sore muscles to relieve tension.
It’s worth mentioning that lavender oil can make the tub slippery. Therefore, be careful when getting in and out.
Inhale The Lavender Oil Throughout The Day
Inhaling lavender essential oil for sore muscles can be relieving. It would be best to consider inhaling the oil through a diffuser and lavender-scented lamps or candles, not through your mouth.
You can add oil and water as necessary throughout your day to meet your needs. With a diffuser, you can place the oil in your office or home and inhale it throughout the day as you go about your activities. Add a few drops of pure lavender oil to the water in the diffuser and let it run.
It is important to note that you should not use lavender or other essential oils if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Also, keep in mind people who are allergic to essential oils.
You can try the above methods to find an ideal way lavender oil will help you with muscle pain. Most importantly, follow the instructions as stated by the manufacturers and only purchase lavender oil from recognized and reliable stores.
