More Essential Oils for Pain Management

A couple of years ago if you had asked me about natural solutions for pain management I wouldn't have had an answer for you. Now that I spent a good chunk of 2017 in the hospital (4 months to be exact!), and the following 2 months painstakingly weening off opioids, I now have a lot to share about physical (and otherwise) pain, and wholistic approaches to manage it.

Many many people live with daily chronic pain and are completely dependent upon over the counter drugs to get through their day. This does not have to be the case, and even for post-workout soreness or general body stiffness, essential oils can provide powerful and incredibly quick relief from pain.

My biggest surprise in discovering the power of Essential Oils for pain relief came from Lavender. See, the most challenging and painful part of my healing was my sacrum, which was fractured and had to have two screws put in it (which were later taken out). Having screws in this part of my body was so painful, and made laying on my back impossible. Not a single drug they gave me at the hospital, even the most hard-core IV drugs, would take this pain away. Surprisingly, one day I discovered that putting two drops of lavender in my palm with a little fractionated coconut oil and rubbing it over my sacrum/hips, completely took the pain away almost instantly. My mind was blown. I still use Lavender EO in this part of my body, usually combine with Marjoram or Copaiba, whenever a discomfort arrises. Since then, I have discovered a variety of solutions for different kinds of pains. Here are my key suggestions to try for yourself:
 

Everyday pains and chronic pain:
Peppermint, Lavender, Marjoram & Copaiba.

These potent little oils are my go-to when I have pain that feels either muscular or structural. And in fact, I have a 2oz dropper bottle by my bed with a combination of these oils and and then filled to the top with fractionated coconut oil that I use daily when I wake up to become ready to get on my feet. Any pain associated with bones not being seated quite right, and/or muscles super tight, sore or clenching: hips, sacrum, spine, neck,  shoulders are all places where this kind of tightness and pain usually occurs and where these oils will save you. Start with just one or two (I recommend peppermint + lavender) and begin to experience for yourself the EXQUISITE power of these little potent potions. Overstrained muscles due to repetitive motion, poor posture, or quick movements that result in injury are also candidates for these amazingly effective oils - not one day goes by that I don't use them:

PEPPERMINT:
Peppermint is my go-to first thing in the morning upon awakening, I rub it on my feet and legs to counter morning stiffness and aches and pains from my injuries. Dilute always with fractionated coconut oil or your preferred alternative. Also, the classic combo of Peppermint and Lavender is found effective by most for both headaches and muscle stiffness (Use either or both around the neck, temples and head for headaches).

LAVENDER:
Did you know...? A recent clinical study found that diffusing Lavender Essential Oil lessened discomfort for wound dressing and minor injuries. Some post-op hospitals are now offering it as an alternative to pain medication for out-patient procedures. It is particularly called for when there is discomfort in the skin or tissues, head or neck (works wonders for headaches and migraines), soreness, sprains and sunburn. Lavender is also antiseptic, antibiotic, and lightly anti-fungal. It is also a light sedative and anti-depressant. 

MARJORAM:
Excels at relieving muscular tension. Menstrual discomfort, muscle aches, spasms, stiffness and strains, nervous spasm and intestinal colic are all situations that can greatly benefit from this muscle-blessing oil. Key words associated with this oil are comfort and compassion, and it is one of the main oils that possesses the ability to relax the tissue. Marjoram has very distinctive antispasmodic and analgesic properties. 

COPAIBA:
This oil has become my latest obsession. I was completely skeptical at first but as usual with doTERRA, the rumors were true and adding this oil to my "muscle pain" blend that I use daily has completely transformed the experience. Most of the body can benefit from Copaiba—it supports the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and immune system.* Apart from using it topically on sore or tight muscles, or to relieve mental/emotional stress, it can also be taken internally by adding one to two drops to water, juice, or make your own tea using warm water and honey. I'm madly madly in love with this oil and can't put enough of it all over my neck, shoulders and back - heaven!
 

Emotional pain associated with chronic conditions: CYPRESS

Sometimes called the oil of Motion and Flow, cypress works wonders in moving stuck energy and Qi. According to Gabriel Mojay, principal of the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy in London, the main action of cypress oil is to enliven and regulate the flow of blood (in Chinese medicine) and Qi energy. When things are "stuck" in the body due to tightness, stiffness, inflammation or injury, adding cypress to your blend helps mobilize the fluid in the area creating the opportunity for relief, re-alignment and healing. The biggest effect I notice when I use cypress is that it consistently changes my mental state and gets me ready in heart and mind for the day. It really is a heavy lifter and I cant recommend it enough. it's the very first oil I use EVERY DAY when I wake up in the morning: I place two drops on my dry brush, and brush from feet to neck - over my whole body. I never miss a day and I have to say maybe this is one of my personal top oils.

For deep muscular pain:
the Whole Deep Blue doTERRA Line:

Honestly, I feel that every household should have a bottle of the deep blue rub in case of emergencies. Those days when you wake up and just slept wrong, when you've done some weird movement and now you don't have full range of motion in your arm or neck, or any intense hip, leg, back pain. DoTerra's Deep Blue rub is a veritable godsend.

The main warning about the Deep Blue rub is that it does have a Icy/Hot effect, so use with caution and don't touch your eyes after you've had lotion on your hands. Fantastic after a strong workout where you know you'll be sore the next day, any muscle soreness, injury or pain, this line of products is really quite magical.

The Deep Blue oil blend can be combined with any of the oils mentioned above for a profoundly healing foot soak or bath. The roller is great to have on hand and use anytime on neck or back in times of stress.

Favorite Oils for Living With Intention

Living from the heart, remaining in presence, grounded in our deepest soul intentions - requires daily renewal of our commitment and a moment-to-moment effort. To fully inhabit our feelings and bodies takes years of practice to master. I find that using essential oils daily feels deeply deeply good -  and when I feel good, I am much better at being generous and spacious in my heart and the ways I show up to each moment.

Essential oils raise our vibration - from negative patterns, into greater possibility. I have found that in my healing journey, plant medicine and essential oils became truly powerful allies. Here is a list of my personal top three oils that I feel instantly shift my state, open my being, soften my nervous system and lift my heart. Everyone's top 3 will be different and will change with time. But these are my current ones:

#1 Neroli:

This is my "signature" oil - I've been using it daily for months now and it doesn't get old. It is like having the presence of a wise soul walking beside me wherever I go, reminding me of my own beauty, worthiness and divine nature. Neroli softens the places that have hardened in my soul out of fear, trauma or the simple anxieties of life. It surprises me that it continues to be my most softest sacred friend even after so many months. I treasure this oil highly!

#2 Cedarwood:

My next loyal companion is cedarwood. I won't leave the house without it. I like to apply it in my lower back/ kidney area, and also on any trouble spots in my skin, and in my hair. Cedarwood is GROUNDING. It's exactly like having a great big vast ancient powerful tree give you a hug and hold you throughout your day. Cedarwood grounds me in my own strength, gives my airy spirit support, and is invaluable in combating anxiety and spaceyness. It also just smells sacred, forresty and divine.

#3 Immortelle:

Immortelle is doTERRA's Anti-Aging blend. It's designed to lessen the presence of fine lines and wrinkles and can be used on the face, neck, under the eyes (my favorite!) and any trouble spots on the skin. Personally though, I use this blend because of how magical it is in terms of giving me an experience of the sublime. Containing oils of Frankincense, Hawaiian Sandalwood, Lavender Flower, Myrrh Gum Resin, Helichrysum Flower and Rose Flower - there is nothing quite like it. What's also beautiful about this blend is that it is super concentrated - so I like to split the roller bottle in half and dilute with fractionated coconut oil and I have double the amount and it lasts forever. I can't say enough about how amazingly special and precious this oil is. Otherwordly is the experience that comes to mind.

with love,

natasha