When experiencing pain, most people go for the medicine cabinet and get an NSAID or similar painkiller.
But did you know putting something ON your body can quell that pain as well?
This is especially true if you’re experiencing aches in your muscles and joints or have had an injury or surgery that has damaged the skin.
Compounds within certain oils can swiftly penetrate the skin for fast-acting targeted relief in those areas. This way, you can get rid of pain quickly, right where it’s bothering you.
There is a TON of research into these oils. And some of them even rival over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like NSAIDS in how effectively they can reduce pain.
Below, we go over 18 oils that can soothe pain, along with the research to back it all up. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to OTC drugs that may be causing you long-term harm, keep reading!
#1 Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is rich in cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD).
Just CBD itself has been shown to be amazing for reducing pain when applied topically to the skin, making CBD oil one of the best topical options for pain relief.
Here is just some of the incredible research on CBD oil and pain relief:
- When applied to the skin, CBD quickly absorbs into the muscles and joints within, providing immediate results to targeted areas. [1]
- A 2023 study involving elite athletes – people who are extremely careful with what they put in or on their bodies – found that topical CBD significantly reduced pain levels, improving all areas of their everyday lives. [2]
- In a study from 2022, CBD improved pain in arthritic patients by 83%. [3]
- The majority of participants in the above 2022 study reported that they were able to discontinue their use of conventional painkillers thanks to their introduction to CBD. [3]
- A study from 2015 showed that topical CBD soaked into the joints and lowered inflammation by regulating immune cells and thickening the tissue which cushions the joints. [4]
#2 Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has been shown to be extremely effective at reducing pain, performing as well as common over-the-counter (OTC) pain drugs. As such, it’s often promoted as a natural aid for achy joints and muscles. [5, 6, 7]
For example, in one study, simply applying peppermint oil to the skin relieved pain in 63% of participants. [8]
But that’s not all. Peppermint oil is incredible for your skin as well. It has been found to alleviate itchiness, promote blood flow within the skin, and even increase healthy hair growth. It also combats several different types of dangerous bacteria, helping to keep the skin clear of infection. [9, 10, 11, 12]
#3 Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil has been used traditionally as a natural pain relief compound. In recent decades, research has confirmed that this oil is an effective form of natural relief. [13]
One study from 2016 found that rosemary oil provided significant relief to struggling arthritis patients. And due to its anti-inflammatory effects, it has also been shown to reduce swelling and stiffness. It also provides a soothing, warming effect to applied areas. [14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Additionally, rosemary increases blood flow to applied areas, and plenty of research has shown that it can boost hair growth. [19, 20, 21, 22, 23]
#4 Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
While most are familiar with chamomile as a sleepy tea, it also makes for a calming oil.
Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory agents can easily penetrate the deeper skin layers for fast-acting effects. These compounds have been shown to reduce pain in the lower back, knees, wrists, fingers, and other problematic areas. [24, 25]
Additionally, chamomile has a soothing and softening effect on the skin and can help alleviate irritation. [26]
#5 Black Pepper Essential Oil
Because of its warming, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties, black pepper oil reduces muscle aches and discomfort. Research has shown black pepper oil can provide significant relief to applied areas. [27]
#6 Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Research into eucalyptus oil has found it to be an effective source of pain management. It also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has even been found to suppress allergic reactions. [28, 29]
#7 Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass oil has a natural ability to reduce inflammation and tension within the body. As such, it can help to calm muscles, relieve headaches, and reduce menstrual pain. If that wasn’t enough, it also supports skin health, kills unwanted bacteria, and contains powerful antioxidant activity. [30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37]
#8 Spearmint Essential Oil
Not just a gum flavor anymore.
High in antioxidants, spearmint oil has been shown to relieve aches in the joints. What’s more, it staves off several types of harmful bacteria and can reduce stress levels. [38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43]
#9 Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which can help reduce aches. It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial effects and is commonly used to help treat acne. [44, 45, 46, 47]
#10 Sweet Basil Essential Oil
This common cooking herb is a natural analgesic that has been shown to offer pain relief to sore joints, injuries, or skin issues. Additionally, it can also provide relief from itchy skin. [48, 49]
#11 German Chamomile Essential Oil
Another common type of chamomile, German chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, and antimicrobial activity. It’s been shown to calm the central nervous system and alleviate aches and discomfort. [50]
#12 Cinnamon Essential Oil
With powerful antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, cinnamon oil promotes healthy skin and reduces inflammation. When added to your scalp, it can also promote hair growth. [51, 52]
#13 Citronella Essential Oil
Thanks to certain antioxidants within citronella, this oil can fight free radical damage and help reverse oxidative stress. As such, it’s commonly used as a natural pain-relieving treatment. On top of that, it can combat common types of fungus that can cause irritation, helping to keep your skin clear and healthy. [53, 54, 55]
#14 Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil can help reduce oxidative damage, allowing it to manage certain inflammatory conditions. It’s also powerful in eliminating certain strains of harmful bacteria and fungi. [56, 57, 58, 59, 60]
#15 Helichrysum Essential Oil
A natural soother, helichrysum oil fights dangerous bacteria and fungi that can cause skin irritation. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and is commonly used as a natural acne treatment. [61, 62, 63]
#16 Juniper Berry Essential Oil
A powerful antioxidant, juniper berry oil is a natural calmer that has become one of the most popular natural remedies for fighting skin irritations and infections. [64, 65, 66]
#17 Cajeput Essential Oil
Traditionally used as a home remedy for muscle aches, cajeput oil has antibacterial properties, also making it beneficial for preventing infections within cuts and scrapes. [67]
#18 Pine Scotch Essential Oil
Pine scotch essential oil is reputed to soothe itchiness, inflammation, and dryness, control excessive perspiration, prevent fungal infections, protect minor abrasions from developing infections, slow the appearance of signs of aging, and enhance circulation. Plus, it smells amazing!
Oils For A More Comfortable You
Here at SomaLeaf, we know the research about all of the above and the amazing difference adding these oils to your skin can make in reducing pain.
That’s why ALL of these are in our topical SomaLeaf Soothe roll-on formula!
With just a few swipes of our Soothe formula onto your skin, your painful area can be feeling:
✅ Calm within minutes
✅ Easier to move
✅ Relaxed and loose
✅ On the way to be healed within weeks
And here’s the best part… all of these oils are AMAZING for your skin!
Click here to SOOTHE your pain with SomaLeaf (special offer inside)
But these oils are not even all that’s in our Soothe formula.
SomaLeaf’s Soothe roll-on formula also contains pain-relieving ingredients like:
Capsicum Oleoresin
✔️ Capsicum oleoresin is a substance derived from plants such as chili peppers.
✔️ A range of compounds within capsicum oleoresin allow it to be effective at relieving aches within muscles and joints. [68]
✔️ Tests have shown that capsicum is absorbed into the skin within just one minute of application. [69]
✔️ Research shows that topical use of this substance is ideal for alleviating discomfort. [70]
✔️ A 2010 study showed capsicum lowered pain by 30%, while daily use over 3 weeks continued to lower pain to 49%. [71]
✔️ Since it’s so effective, it’s commonly used in over-the-counter (OTC) preparations for treatment.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
✔️ Also called aloe vera, aloe barbadensis leaf juice contains anti-inflammatory compounds called anthraquinones. [72]
✔️ These compounds promote healing and alleviate pain when applied to your skin by reducing inflammation and bolstering nearby immune cells. [73, 74]
✔️ Anthraquinones have also been shown to protect joint health and reduce joint inflammation. [75]
✔️ Aloe vera is loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. It’s known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. [76]
✔️ It’s also been shown to accelerate wound healing, improve skin health, and prevent wrinkles. [77]
