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Hop onto the au naturel bandwagon and check out these herbal oils that work as natural painkillers. No need to stock up on pills anymore!
Now that the world is increasingly picking natural remedies for various ailments over pharmaceuticals, it’s time you understand their power too! And what can be more natural than literal plant extracts like essential oils? These herbal essential oils work as natural painkillers, so you never need pills!
Herbal Oils That Work as Natural Painkillers
1. Rosemary
Research shows that rosemary plant extract can relieve pain in bones and muscles, headaches, and seizures. It might even be effective in helping people who are experiencing pain as an opium withdrawal symptom.
Besides that, rosemary essential oil is great for reducing inflammation and relaxing smooth muscles, which are often common reasons for pain.
Note: Always dilute three to five drops of rosemary oil with one ounce of carrier oil, such as olive oil. Or one of these oils!
2. Lavender Oil
Why don’t you try lavender oil as a natural painkiller? A 2023 study found that applying diluted lavender oil or even merely inhaling it could decrease pain intensity in people with a needle inserted into their arteries. It’s also pretty great for migraines!
3. Eucalyptus
This potent essential oil derived from the Eucalyptus plant is excellent for use whenever you experience pain, swelling, or inflammation. A recent 2022 study showed how eucalyptus oil significantly helped relieve pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
They inhaled the oil for 5 minutes, thrice a day for a month, and experienced a better quality of life. The best part is, you can DIY it at home!
Note: Always conduct a patch test with diluted eucalyptus oil before applying it topically, and never use this oil around children.
4. Peppermint
Some of the important active compounds in peppermint essential oil are menthol, limonene, and carvacrol. These give the oil its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects. In a 2015 review, peppermint oil was found effective against painful spasms and arthritis.
Additionally, applying diluted peppermint oil can help relieve tension and headaches. Rub it on your belly for these benefits!
5. Clove Oil
You must have often found your grandma with a few cloves in her mouth to relieve a toothache. This traditional remedy is applicable even today, but in a newer form—clove essential oil!
A 2021 study found that clove oil was as effective as ice during intraoral injections given to children. Clove oil’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity could explain this pain-relieving property. But these aren’t the only benefits it has!
6. Ginger Oil
It’s no surprise that ginger has been so widely used in traditional medicine, considering its anti-inflammatory benefits. Since inflammation is often the primary cause of pain, ginger oil is one of the best essential oils to have in your cabinet.
The best part is that you can use it when recovering from abdominal surgery or even to treat your kids if they ever need relief from nausea. Plus, there are tons of ways to use it at home!
7. Capsaicin Oil
Although capsaicin is typically found in chili peppers, it is often extracted to make capsaicin oil or ointments. Researchers found in a 2020 study that this substance could relieve pain, improve sleep, depression, and fatigue, and improve the quality of life.
In a 2021 study, it was found that applying capsaicin topically could help with neuropathic pain.
Note: Since it is related to chili peppers, applying capsaicin topically might cause a burning or tingling sensation on the skin, so you need to be careful.
8. Feverfew
Feverfew oil also works as a natural pain killer. It has been traditionally regarded as a medicinal plant that can help treat various ailments, including fever, toothaches, stomach aches, migraines, and even rheumatoid arthritis.
The extract contains many compounds that help deal with muscle spasms and inflammation.
Note: Feverfew can sometimes cause digestive side effects, so consult with your doctor before using it.
Use any of these oils whenever you experience pain, and let us know how it goes in the comments below! Remember, the information we share does not constitute medical advice, so it’s best to consult a doctor before you start using these!