Exercising regularly has many advantages, including maintaining a healthy weight, a feeling of physical well-being, better sleep and even better stress-response. Essential oils can help enhance your exercise routine by both encouraging your mind-set and supporting muscle & joint recovery.
Essential Oils For Muscles & Joints
Lavender Essential Oil
Soothing lavender essential oil is great for muscle & joint care. Massage into muscles & joints before exercising to help you stay loose and supple, and after exercise to soothe any soreness and discomfort.
Dosage: Blend 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil with 3-4 drops of Arnica virgin plant oil and apply to sore muscles & joints 1-2 times per day.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Italian helichrysum essential oil helps support blood microcirculation. Athletes can use it on minor bruises, bumps or even trauma to the joints.
Dosage: Along with rest, icing and elevation, apply 2 drops of pure helichrysum essential oil to the area of concern. Follow this with a treatment of 4 drops arnica virgin plant oil and 2 drops helichrysum essential oil. Repeat 1-2x a day.
Eucalyptus Citriodora Essential Oil
Rich in citronellal, eucalyptus citriodora essential oil is our firefighter for muscle & joint discomfort!
Dosage: Following exercise or strenuous exertion, apply a blend of 15 drops eucalyptus citriodora with 30ml arnica virgin plant oil.
Wintergreen Essential Oil
The essential oil for athletes par excellence, wintergreen can be used for both preparation and recovery. Wintergreen is composed of more than 95% methyl salicylate, an active ingredient commonly used in pharmacies for topical relief products.
Dosage: With wintergreen essential oil, a little goes a long way. Blend 12 drops wintergreen with 1 oz arnica virgin plant oil. Massage into muscles & joints 1-3x per day.
DIY Sports Recovery Synergy
In an empty blending bottle, combine:
- 2 drops of eucalyptus citriodora essential oil
- 2 drops of wintergreen essential oil
- 15ml arnica virgin plant oil
Apply 2 to 3 times a day for 2-3 days if the discomfort persists. Don't be surprised if you feel a warming sensation due to the action of wintergreen essential oil.
Essential Oils for Motivation
For exercise, your mindset plays an important role. Here are a few essential oils to help motivate you and get your head in the game.
Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil
Bay laurel leaf is traditionally associated with "victors" since ancient times. Its herbaceous aroma with smooth, sweet & spicy undertones has a grounding and centering effect on the mind, encouraging confidence and focus.
Dosage: Inhale directly from the bottle, or warm one drop between your palms, cup lightly in front of your nose and breathe deeply 5 times.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing, stimulating effect on the mind. It also promotes respiratory function, which is especially helpful during aerobic exercise.
Dosage: Inhale directly from the bottle, or warm one drop between your palms, cup lightly in front of your nose and breathe deeply 5 times.
Scotch Pine Essential Oil
Scotch pine essential oil is both grounding and energizing, and is recommended in cases of physical fatigue.
Dosage: Topically, massage 1 drop of scotch pine essential oil with 4 drops of a carrier oil into the lower back over the kidneys. Repeat 2x per day if necessary. Take a therapeutic break after 3 weeks of use.
Black Spruce Essential Oil
Black spruce essential oil is renowned in cases of severe fatigue. It allows you to recharge your batteries and quickly regain vitality and energy.
Same dosage as Scotch pine essential oil. These two essential oils are well known for their adrenal support action.
DIY Energizing Massage Oil
Synergy for an anti-fatigue massage:
- 30 ml black cumin virgin plant oil
- 45 drops of black spruce essential oil
- 45 drops of Scotch pine essential oil.
Massage this mixture 2 to 3 times a day on the lower back/kidney area.
