For when you hit rock bottom literally…

I definitely proved that I have 2 left feet. And boy did it hurt! Thankfully I discovered a trio of essential oils for reducing the pain.

I was out walking my dog Toby late at night and we ran into a couple small dogs with whom Toby really wanted to make friends with and they wanted nothing to do with him (Toby is overly friendly and has a hard time understanding how scary his fluffy 60 lbs is to a small creature).

The best thing to distract Toby is to run, so we started to jog, which did get him moving after he planted himself and his wagging tail on the sidewalk. Running felt so good, we were having so much fun that we, really I, decided to “run faster”… this was not a smart choice in the dark, wearing Steve Madden boots. Along came a sidewalk bump and I did a really good 2nd base slide on my chin. Ouch! It was the full on fall – heard the birds, the bells, the wind tunnel – all inside my head.

So needless to say the walk was over and we drove into town for stitches (Funny story there with Duane, the stitching needle, and nurses fussing over “the man down” but we’ll save that for another day).

The chin healed up fine, but the jaw, which seemed to take most of the impact has been another story. Who knew this joint was so important, connects to so much else, and can be really, really painful?

So painful that painkillers were totally ineffective on such a small but important joint. What has turned out to be my saviour this week has been a trio of essential oils that I cart with me everywhere and just keep layering onto my jaw.

Why these three oils, Deep Blue, Frankincense, and Lemongrass? It started from a forum post where someone shared what they were using to support rotator cuff surgery. What the heck – I was open to anything to help so I gave it a try. Once I tried it and felt it working, I delved a little deeper to satisfy my inner scientist and the need to know “why” these oils were so effective.

The “why” it turns out is super fascinating and super empowering. Who knew a tiny little drop could do so much. From pain relief, to loosening the jaw muscles, and repairing the cartilage tears these little oils are working overtime and I am so grateful to have them on hand this week.

Out Comes My Super Geek

Why essential oils work comes down to the molecular chemistry. For example, the essential oil from the Wintergreen plant contains the molecule methyl salicylate which is a similar component to what is chemically created in Aspirin. Because our skin is somewhat permeable the active chemicals in essential oils are absorbed by the body and our system puts them to work supporting healing and pain relief.

Top 7 Essential Oils for Joint Pain

Here are the most effective essential oils for joint pain and the properties that make them effective for reducing joint pain and supporting healing.

#1 – Wintergreen 

Properties: Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Anti-Rheumatic, Anti-Spasmodic, Bone Stimulant, Warming

Reduces swelling, pain and discomfort in joints having an almost cortisone like action due to the high methyl salicylate content. *Methyl salicylate is the molecule in the plant which is a similar component to what is chemically created in Aspirin.

#2 – Frankincense 

Properties: Immunostimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Restorative, Sedativefrankincense

Relieves trauma, supports wound healing and enhances the effects of other oils.

#3 – Lemon Grass

Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Sedative, Regenerating

Helps build connective tissue. Reduces pain symptoms and soothes nervous system.

#4 – Marjoram

Properties: Antispasmodic, Sedative

Relieves stiffness in muscles and muscle spasms. Soothes nervous system and relieves pain.

#5 – Helichrysum

Properties: Antispasmodic, Anticatarrhal

Reduces bruising, swelling and pain symptoms. Supports skin renewal.

#6 – Ginger

Properties: Anti-spasmodic, Neurotonic, Anti-Inflammatory, Stimulant

Relieves spasms and cramps, warms area increasing blood circulation and healing. Reduces swelling and inflammation.

#7 – Peppermint

Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic

Relieves muscle tension and has the opposing effects of warming and cooling to augment healing to the area.

Create Your Own Blend

Of course there are many other essential oils that help with our aches and pains Dr Axe recommends these 5 essential oils for Arthritis; Ginger, Turmeric, Myrhh, Frankincense and Wild Orange.

Karen Waddington, a fellow essential oil advocate uses this recipe for her joint discomfort; Peppermint, Wintergreen, Frankincense, Eucalyptus and Cypress.

For my healing treatment this week I used the oil blend Deep Blue (containing Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile and Osmanthus), and then added Frankincense and Lemongrass over top.

I’m mixing up a rub today for my daughter and a neighbour starting with a deep blue lotion base, with extra wintergreen added in along with lemongrass, frankincense and marjoram. Stay tuned for the update on what they experience.

Give it a Try and Share

Life lately has consisted of Essential Oils, smoothies and soups… watch for some new recipes we’ve tested out coming soon!

What oils and blends do you find helpful to support your joint aches and pains? Share in the comments below your recipes and go-to supports.

Haven’t tried Essential Oils yet? Make sure you use high quality oils as many drugstore and mall brands contain synthetic derivatives and additives which do not have the same properties. You should only need a drop of two of a pure oil to make a difference.