People often confuse a strain with a sprain. A strain is just a stressed out muscle. It is very normal after a new workout or sudden workload. [1] [3]
On the other hand, a sprain is much more serious. It refers to the damage of ligaments resulting in pain, swelling and even bruising sometimes. [4]
Some of the general symptoms that will help you to determine a sprained ligament are a pain in the joint and the area surrounding it, swelling of the skin, skin discoloration or bruising,tenderness of the skin, and stiffness and inability to put on weight.
The following essential oils can come to your help in alleviating a painful sprain along with the symptoms it accompanies with. [2]
Medical research suggests that these aromatic oils have analgesic, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. These natural compounds may be effective in relieving sprains.
8 Best Essential Oils For Sprains and Swelling
1. Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum essential oil is widely known for its amazing healing effects. [5]
Application of this oil may reduce the pain of a sprained ankle while supporting the regeneration of the damaged tissues.
Research suggests Neryl acetate compound of helichrysum essential oil may bring in a relaxing effect to the tensed tissues. [6]
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is an excellent treat for your skin along with its analgesic properties. [7]
It may calm the inflamed skin and relieve it.
The oil is very mild, and you can use it directly on your sprained ankle for the quick and effective result. [8]
Also Read: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
3. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is known for its quick healing effects. [9]
The application of this oil on your injured area may give you immediate relief from the pain.
Thus you get more time to take proper care of your injury with less pain.
The oil works wonderfully in a blend with other essential oils like ginger and clove. This blend can promote healing of sprained ankle, swelling, and bruises.
4. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil has potent analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. All these properties make it a must-have in your first aid kit. [10]
It may help in reducing the swelling of the skin due to the injury and contributes to alleviating the pain.
Also Read: 14 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Backed by Science)
5. Peppermint Essential Oil
If you are suffering from a serious sprain accompanied by bruises and inflammation, peppermint essential oil is just the thing you should try.
The oil is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. It can reduce inflammation and muscle spasms in your injured area. [11]
The oil also helps to reduce swelling and pain. It works well when mixed with some extra virgin olive oil. [12]
Also Read: 8 Reasons To Use Peppermint Oil For Hair
6. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is another effective ingredient that can come to your help in treating sprains.
The oil is antispasmodic and analgesic.
You can use this oil to reduce swelling and pain in your affected area.
Eucalyptus oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that can calm your skin.
It promotes circulation of blood and thus participates in the healing of the wound as well. [13]
7. Pine Essential Oil
You can use pine essential oil to reduce swelling of a muscle strain.
The oil is capable of stimulating blood circulation which is of great help to accelerate healing of an injury.
Pine essential oil reduces redness and tenderness of the skin. [14]
8. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is a rich source of various therapeutic properties.
The oil is popular for its beneficial effects on many ailments.
It is antispasmodic and may promote circulation of blood flow on a sprained region. [15]
Also Read: 13 Health Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Oil (Backed by Evidence)
How to Use Essential Oils for Sprains?
The following is an easy and effective way of using essential oils for sprained ankle and muscle.
Essential Oil Massage Blends:
- Mix two to three drops of any essential oil with a tablespoon of coconut or virgin olive oil and apply over the area following with a warm compressor for two minutes. Repeat this three to five times daily.
- You can use this blend as a rubbing mixture after twenty-four hours from the initial treatment.
- Another great blend is to add eight drops of lavender and peppermint oil each to a tablespoon of hot extra virgin olive oil. You can massage your injured area with this blend to get positive results.
Also Read: 10 Essential Oils for Athlete’s Foot + (How to Use Them)
Tips and Precautions
- If you have allergies to any of the above oils, refrain from using it.
- If your injury is serious and troubling you a lot, it’s better to consult a doctor.
- Give you injured area proper time and rest to recover fully.
- Before using any oil, make a patch test first to see if it suits you or not.
- While using any heavy essential oil, dilute it with any healthy oil and then apply.
When to See a Doctor
The essential oils may fasten the healing process of a normal sprain. Usually a sprain heals on its own in 2 to 12 weeks. However consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of sprains if you experience persistent pain, fatigue, and bruising in the injured area.
Bottom Line
All the essential oils described above are worth using to treat your sprains naturally.
But when we are talking about treating sprains, you can NEVER skip the term “rest and elevation.”
Especially rest is the most important thing here. Nothing can heal you faster than ample amount of rest of the injured area.
The elevation is also important as it helps to maintain proper blood flow to the area and accelerates healing.
Read Next: 14 Essential Oils For Your Bruises Plus How To Use Them
