Back pain affects most of our population, at one time or another. It can come in several forms, from lower back, middle back, or upper back pain to low back pain with sciatica. We are going to focus on energy on sciatica pain, for the purpose of this article.
Sciatica refers to pain or discomfort associated with the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower part of the spinal cord, down the back of the leg, to the foot. Injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause the characteristic pain of sciatica: a sharp or burning pain that radiates from the lower back or hip, possibly following the path of the sciatic nerve to the foot. (medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/)
Essential oils are particularly useful in the management of chronic pain such as arthritis and sciatica. In addition to easing the pain, essential oils also help remedy some of the conditions that caused the pain in the first place.
For example, lavender essential oil will help with headache pain, but it also helps with the stress and anxiety that may be to blame for causing the headache. Essential oils often go to the source of the problem in attempt to fix the problem, so it is not a recurring issue.
In this blog, we will be visiting the top essential oils that can help with sciatica pain. We will also give you an overview on how to dilute the oils, to ensure that you are using your essential oils in a safe manner.
Top Essential Oils for Sciatica Pain
Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger is the top oil for digestion problems, but this essential oil is just as effective in treating several other conditions such as sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc. Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory with analgesic properties which help with joint, nerve and muscle pain.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint has a highly refreshing scent, thanks to the main ingredient of menthol. Peppermint has anti-spasmodic properties. This oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic properties. Many products on today?s market, such as muscle creams, contain peppermint. The cooling sensation helps to calm the irritated sciatic nerve. It also helps to prevent muscle spasms due to its anti-spasmodic properties.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Like peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil has a cooling effect.
Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram is a great oil for back pain because it is warming, soothing and eases the joints and muscles. It is also a phenomenal anti-inflammatory. Marjoram works very quickly to reduce the inflammation and thus reducing the pain.
Chamomile Essential Oil
There are generally two popular types of chamomile; Roman chamomile and German chamomile.
The Roman chamomile oil extracted from Anthemis nobilis and the German chamomile oil from Matricaria chamomilla have analgesic properties, and can be used to help treat muscle and joint pain.
German chamomile is a stronger anti-inflammatory, while the Roman type is better at calming and restoring balance.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Most people know rosemary from the culinary herb, but this amazing essential oil is a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Apply the oil topically to reduce aches and pains. It is also very powerful in treating other conditions like rheumatism.
Cautions & Notes
All essential oils have a multi-pronged action as they contain many active compounds, some acting as soothing muscle and nerve relaxants while others have an invigorating action on the mind and body.
The essential oil of Chamomile is an effective pain reliever, but if you have ragweed allergy, you may have an allergic reaction to it. Chamomile belongs to the ragweed family. This shouldn?t deter you from testing other oils, as you may be fine with another type of essential oil.
Feel free to blend some of the oils together to take advantage of their combined benefit. A certified Aromatologist can assist you further with blending.
How to Dilute Essential Oils
Pure essential oils are highly potent, volatile and concentrated. It is imperative they be diluted with carrier oils such as grape seed oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil. There are many other carrier oils you may choose from as well. Ensure you use the purest grade of carrier oils since they have therapeutic properties of their own, and they enhance the action of the essential oils.
Jojoba oil has excellent emollients to protect the skin. Castor oil has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, just to mention a few.
Add 9 drops of essential oil to 15 ml of a carrier oil. Always store your oils in a dark, amber glass bottle away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight has break down the health properties of the oil, and the oil won?t be as effective as it should be.
Marian Grande-Simone is a Certified Clinical Aromatologist with the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists. She is also the founder of Mistico Mimi Wellness Centre, located in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.
Please visit their website at www.misticomimi.com for more information about essential oils or to buy trusted essential oils and carrier oils. Mistico Mimi Wellness Centre ships across Canada and the USA.
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