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Harnessing Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint oils for Pain Management
Using essential oils for pain management isn’t a new concept but our reasoning is more informed. This post goes over our staple essential oils. Since 2014 Tranquil Therapy Wellness has offered Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint oils with your treatment. We have had many others but our signature scent and our staple scents have remained the same ever since. Looking over my client notes I noticed those pop up the most and when I re-evaluated my purchases I went with the top three. My clients subconsciously picked out three best oils for pain management and scent!
I originally was going to try and find anything that used essential oils in their trials or studies. But I soon learned that there has been more research than I thought so I broke this up into three sections. The first one goes over how essential oils effect your mood and help with pain. The second one, this one, talks about our staple scents and their effectiveness on pain management. The third goes over aromatherapy alchemy and how our signature scent compliments different aspects of the body and mind.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil, derived from the Lavandula angustifolia plant, is THE essential oil you think of when you hear aromatherapy and massage in the same sentence. Its aroma is beloved, well by most people, it also stands out for its versatile benefits. Its main components include linalool, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, β-ocimene, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor. Lavender oil demonstrates pain-blocking properties similar to opioid analgesics, but without affecting the COX pathway. This makes it a potential alternative or complementary treatment to traditional pain medications. And an excellent addition to your orthopedic massage treatment! Just through scent!
It aids in various blends with it’s anti-inflammatory properties but it’s the aroma that really does the trick. It’s a favorite in most spas and clinics which makes sense knowing it’s calming and relaxation effects. You can read more about it’s mood boosting effects in our
A 2017 study evaluated the effects of diffused lavender on the frequency of behavioral issues, such as agitation, restlessness, anger, and anxiety, in elderly patients with dementia at an adult day care center. The study showed that diffused lavender aromatherapy twice daily reduced the frequency of agitation, indicating a potential benefit in managing sundowning symptoms.
It is important to note that while diffused lavender showed promise in reducing agitation, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous study designs is needed to fully understand its potential benefits for individuals experiencing sundowning. Additionally, the use of lavender or any alternative therapy should be discussed with a healthcare professional to ensure it complements the individual’s overall care plan and does not interact with any existing medications or conditions.
If you use it please let us know how it worked. I remember learning this from a class I took while working at UPenn. PennMedicine had an essential oils course for nurses and since I was employed by Penn in their Recreation Center I was able to attend. I wish I had taken more notes at the time but that class stuck with me all these years.
Eucalyptus is a genus of flowering plants that comprises over 700 species of trees and shrubs, predominantly native to Australia. It is a notable member of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae.
Eucalyptus
Tranquil Therapy has been using oils to help those with anxiety or sinus issues for years as well as a calming and muscle easing oil. Later we would come to realize that this felt true due to the terpene Eucalyptol. This terpene is in a lot of essential oils to varying degrees but makes up 90% of eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus oil has multiple benefits when used topically, particularly for pain relief and inflammation reduction. It contains 1,8 cineole (Eucalyptol), a terpene that helps alleviate pain by blocking pain signals to the brain. This makes eucalyptus oil effective for soothing muscle tension, arthritis, and symptoms of sprains and backaches. Additionally, it can be used in various forms, such as in massage oils or topical creams, to deliver these benefits.
A clinical study explored the effects of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Patients who inhaled eucalyptus oil experienced significantly reduced pain levels and lower blood pressure compared to those who inhaled almond oil. However, eucalyptus oil did not significantly alter heart rate, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, or white blood cell (WBC) counts. The study suggests eucalyptus oil inhalation could be a beneficial nursing intervention for pain relief post-TKR.
Peppermint
What is Peppermint Oil? Peppermint oil is the essential oil taken from the flowering parts and leaves of the peppermint plant. It contains compounds like menthol that can have health benefits. Being most known for its soothing properties, it can help reduce pain, especially when applied to the skin. The menthol in peppermint oil creates a cooling sensation that can ease discomfort. While that alone could also be linked to increased mood, the plant is believed to have a mood boosting effect. Studies also suggest that inhaling peppermint oil may help you feel more alert and energetic.
Some other properties of Peppermint oil include:
- Antibacterial properties
- Anti inflammatory
- Ease headaches
- Joint pain relief
What to watch out for
Essential oils offer a natural approach to improving mood and managing pain. From the stimulating effects of rosemary to the pain-relieving properties of eucalyptus, these plant-based remedies can be valuable additions to your wellness routine. As research continues to explore their benefits, essential oils are becoming increasingly recognized as effective complementary therapies for enhancing overall well-being.
While essential oils offer many benefits, it’s important to use them safely:
– Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
– Use high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources.
– Never ingest essential oils unless they are marked as “Food Grade”.
– Consult with a healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if you have existing health conditions or are pregnant.
Moorman Li R, Gilbert B, Orman A, Aldridge P, Leger-Krall S, Anderson C, Hincapie Castillo J. Evaluating the effects of diffused lavender in an adult day care center for patients with dementia in an effort to decrease behavioral issues: a pilot study. J Drug Assess. 2017 Jan 23;6(1):1-5. doi: 10.1080/21556660.2016.1278545. PMID: 28265482; PMCID: PMC5327916.
Kajjari S, Joshi RS, Hugar SM, Gokhale N, Meharwade P, Uppin C. The Effects of Lavender Essential Oil and its Clinical Implications in Dentistry: A Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2022 May-Jun;15(3):385-388. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2378. PMID: 35991803; PMCID: PMC9357533.