10 Essential Oils for Leg Cramps to Get You Back on Your Feet!
Looking for a natural way to relieve leg cramps?
If you've ever had a leg cramp, you know how painful they can be. Often, the only thing that seems to provide relief is taking a muscle relaxer. However, did you know that there are some essential oils that can help relieve leg cramps? In this article, we will discuss the best essential oils for muscle and leg cramps and how to use them. We'll also review a few of the top products on the market. So, if you're looking for an alternative to muscle relaxers, read on!
How We Downselected the Best Essential Oils to Relieve Cramps
Using essential oils for relief from muscle discomfort is a natural and safe way to address issues associated with knots, spasms, cramps, pain, or soreness. There are four areas of focus for successful treatment: 1) relieving tension through massage; 2) reducing inflammation through cold compresses; 3) calming the mind with aromatherapy; and 4) supplementing with natural dietary supplements like fish oil and turmeric.
Massage using specific essential oils can help reduce muscle tension, while cold compresses with specially blended essential oils can decrease swelling caused by inflammation. Aromatherapy blends created to evoke relaxation and calm can be employed to help alleviate mental stress which in turn helps ease physical symptoms. Dietary supplements like those mentioned above can provide additional support when used in conjunction with essential oils. Overall, using essential oils to treat any form of muscle discomfort is a holistic approach that should not be overlooked.
I've read numerous reviews on Amazon to find the best essential oils to relieve muscle cramps. After reading through all of the different options, I've narrowed it down to my top 10 picks.
We hope you find your favorite essential oil to relieve your muscle cramps from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our team. BiohackingBeat may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we fund our research). Happy shopping!
Cliganic USDA Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil offers a wide range of therapeutics benefits ranging from both physical to mental. It is especially gentle when applied topically and known for its potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used in treatment for sore or strained muscles.
Despite its physical advantages, lavender also has powerful emotional qualities; it is classified as an “emotional tonic” due to its ability to ease anxiety and stress, two leading causes of muscle tension, knots, cramps, joint pain, and tendinitis. This versatile oil is a multi-faceted tool that provides numerous physical and mental health benefits when applied correctly by those who are educated in its usage.
Lavender oil can be used in the bath, as the steam diffuses the aroma and it is soaked into your skin through the water. Just add 10-15 drops into the bath!
Gya Labs Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram essential oil has made a name for itself thanks to its antispasmodic properties, which make it especially beneficial for muscle knots and cramps. However, experts have noted its far-reaching value beyond providing relief from physical pains and aches. Marjoram essential oil is known to help soothe spasms in the respiratory and intestinal tracts, adding to its already impressive capabilities. Moreover, it has been recognized as one of the top essentials with regards to mitigating pain associated with migraines, arthritis, and rheumatism. Therefore, marjoram essential oil can be considered a must-have when dealing with painful inflammation-related issues.
Cliganic USDA Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is known for its powerful healing capabilities. Its main ingredient, menthol, has both antispasmodic and analgesic properties that work wonders to alleviate pain, pressure, and anxiety. Moreover, its invigorating scent works to simultaneously uplift the mind while calming the body, making it ideal to calm stress. Peppermint oil can also be added to baths, massage oils, or cold compresses to further intensify its therapeutic effects. For active individuals, it is an excellent choice for relieving post-workout muscle cramps and spasms. Overall, the versatile nature of peppermint oil makes it the perfect aid for a variety of physical needs.
For optimal results, mix 4-6 drops of oil with 1 tsp. of a neutral carrier oil, such as olive oil. Massage this mixture into affected areas for 5-20 minutes as needed throughout the day.
Plant Therapy Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a frequently underutilized herb, but its effects can be incredibly powerful. When used in small quantities, Clary sage has a mildly intoxicating and euphoric effect that can make it an ideal addition to massage therapies. In addition to its relaxation properties, Clary sage has been found to aid digestion and can provide relief from cramping when blended with chamomile [1]. For these reasons, users should take caution not to use Clary sage before imbibing alcohol for the evening as it could augment the effects of the alcohol.
Gya Labs Organic German Chamomile Essential Oil
For centuries, chamomile has been used as a home remedy for sleeplessness, but that is not all this herb can do. Chamomile contains an active ingredient called chamazulene, which has been shown toprovide relief from muscle aches and pain related to leg cramps. It is important to note that the German chamomile plant (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita) has higher levels of this chemical than the Roman chamomile plant (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis).
However, people who are sensitive to chamomile may experience skin irritation such as redness, burning, or swelling when applied topically, so it is important to discontinue use if any of these symptoms occur.
Cliganic Organic Turmeric Essential Oil
Turmeric, a spice from India with a long history of medicinal use in Ayurvedic medicine, has recently regained attention due to its various therapeutic benefits. The essential oil taken from the root of the plant is rich in powerful antibiotics and antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Notably, turmeric essential oil can help fight joint and muscle pains by blocking harmful enzymes that disrupt the skeletal and muscular systems. To benefit further from its therapeutic effects, it is recommended to dilute and use turmeric essential oil as an effective massage oil – this will help relieve muscle spasms and knots while providing calming sensations that enable relaxation and healing throughout the body.
To massage the affected muscle(s), mix 4-6 drops of tumeric oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or Jojoba oil and massage for 5-20 minutes. For best results, perform 1-2 massages with turmeric essential oil per day.
Plant Therapy Cypress Essential Oil
Researchers have been intrigued by the potential benefits of cypress oil, an extract sourced from the leaves and twigs of the Cupressus sempervirens. In response, medical professionals have conducted several studies to determine how to best utilize this ingredient to support patient wellness [2]. Results have indicated that cypress essential oil features antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties which help with a range of conditions such as coughs and acne. The oil's antispasmodic effect is also laudable for curbing muscle pain and leg cramps.
It is important to keep an eye out for signs of allergy such as itching, burning, or redness in the area of application; if seen, cease using cypress oil and opt for an alternative solution.
Plant Therapy Organic Clove Bud Essential Oil
Clove has been widely used for its beneficial properties for centuries. It is popularly known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents, which help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, relieve tension and pain, and act as a mild antineuralgic to numb the skin’s surface. Because of its high content of eugenol, however, it is important to use clove essential oil cautiously by diluting with a carrier oil prior to application. Studies have shown that clove can be effectively used for both short term relief of pain and long term beneficial effects on inflammation or other chronic ailments when incorporated in one’s health regimen.
For use as a massage oil, mix 2-4 drops of clove oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil and massage into the affected area(s) for 5-20 minutes for a stimulating experience.
Cliganic Organic Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary has been deeply revered since ancient times by numerous civilizations, with the Hebrews, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all ascribing it sacred properties and using it to protect themselves against evil spirits and epidemics. Today, its versatile properties are still highly valued, particularly in terms of alleviating pain and inflammation.
The essential oil extracted from Rosemary contains compounds that reduce discomfort associated with muscle pains, headaches and arthritis. Additional benefits linked to Rosemary include antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, antifungal, anti-infection and antioxidant qualities. As such, Rosemary is often used to make healing balms or massage oils for people suffering from aches and pains.
When used as a massage oil, mix 4-6 drops of the oil with a carrier oil and massage for 5-20 minutes.
Plant Therapy Organic Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Juniper essential oil is a versatile oil that has many beneficial properties, giving it definite potential in reducing stress, detoxifying, and helping reduce inflammation or relieve pain. Its anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and antiseptic properties offer a variety of applications for treating muscular knotting and discomfort. Taking a bath with Juniper EO or enjoying a massage with this powerful oil can prove to be helpful when soothing the achy muscles and allowing them to relax. It has been used for centuries to alleviate pain, cleanse the body of tension, and help reduce inflammation–making it an excellent choice for those who require additional support to live life free of discomfort.
It's important to note that juniper essential oil is very strong and should not be used without adding a carrier oil. Additionally, it should not be used by pregnant women or children 3 years of age or younger.
FAQs
What causes leg cramps?
Leg cramps can be caused by a variety of things, including dehydration, muscle imbalance, nerve compression, and medication side effects.
One of the most common causes of leg cramps is dehydration. When you're dehydrated, your body doesn't have enough water to pump blood throughout your system effectively. This can lead to blood becoming more concentrated, which in turn can cause your muscles to contract involuntarily (resulting in a leg cramp).
Other potential causes of leg cramps include muscle imbalance (when one muscle group is stronger or used more often than another), nerve compression (usually due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis), and medication side effects.
How can essential oils be used to relieve leg cramps?
Massage Therapy
Combining massage therapy and essential oils is an excellent way to obtain a holistic experience of relaxation and healing. Massage therapies target the entirety of one's body, as opposed to concentrating on specific areas of discomfort, while essential oils can be used to complement the process by helping reduce inflammation and tension in sore, tired, or spasming muscles. When these two treatments are combined, they provide an effective alternative to traditional methods that could potentially yield optimal results. With this in mind, it is important for those suffering from physical ailments to take advantage of this complementary approach in order to benefit from both individually approved treatments.
Soaking Bath
Taking a long, hot bath can be one of the most enjoyable and healing activities to indulge in. This simple and widely accessible form of self-care can help your body - both physically and mentally - relax and release tension. A hot bath can successfully ease any aches and pains as the heat helps reduce muscle spasms, while also improving joint mobility. Regardless of whether these issues are stress, strain or posture related, a bath could provide some relief through it's calming effects, softening sore muscles but also helping to de-stress the mind. A therapeutic soak can therefore be beneficial for restoring balance of overall well-being.
Diffuser
For those of us with busy lives, indulging in a massage or long hot bath sounds heavenly but can often times be impractical. Fortunately, there are quick and easy ways to enjoy the therapeutic effects of essential oils without having to set aside a lot of time – one such method being diffusing. Diffusing oils into your space has many benefits including promoting relaxation, lowering stress levels, and boosting energy. Studies even suggest that diffusing essential oils may provide additional respiratory support when the weather is cold or the air is dry. When time is precious, diffusing essential oils can increase well-being and healthy living in a fraction of the time!
Do essential oils need to be diluted?
There is some debate over this, but most experts agree that essential oils do need to be diluted before use, especially if they are being applied to the skin. Undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation or even burns.
When diluting essential oils, it's important to use a carrier oil. Carrier oils help to spread the essential oil and also help its absorption into the skin. Some popular carrier oils include olive oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil.
Best Essential Oils for Leg Cramps for You
We hope our review has armed you with the information you need to decide what essential oil is best for your leg cramp pain relief needs. Tap the product links above to check prices and find the best essential oil for you. We hope you feel better, and thanks for reading!
Citations
[1] Ali, Babar, et al. "Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 5.8 (2015): 601-611.
[2] Lee SH, Do HS, Min KJ. Effects of Essential Oil from Hinoki Cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa, on Physiology and Behavior of Flies. PLoS One. 2015 Dec 1;10(12):e0143450. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143450. PMID: 26624577; PMCID: PMC4666656.
