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10 Best Essential Oils for Fibromyalgia

By Jodi Cohen

Fibromyalgia is collection of chronic pain symptoms that presents as pain in muscles and connective tissues, tenderness and general discomfort all over the body.  Pain is commonly felt in the knees, hips, elbows, upper chest, back of the head and shoulder.

Over 6 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, with the majority (90 percent) being female. Essential oils for Fibromyalgia can help alleviate some of these symptoms.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other issues, including mood, cognitive function, fatigue and sleep problems.  This might be due to the fact that fibromyalgia has been shown to amplify pain by affecting the way the brain processes pain signals.

In addition to pain, fibromyalgia patients with multiple health difficulties including:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Depression
  • Anxiety and Panic Attacks
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Cognitive dysfunction, often called “fibro fog”, including memory problems and difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea, night cramps and restless legs syndrome.
  • Bruising easily
  • Cold or heat intolerance
  • Muscle spasms
  • Dizziness
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Heightened sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights and temperature.
  • Morning stiffness, numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • Weight gain, cold symptoms, multiple chemical sensitivities.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia symptoms are indicative of underlying systemic poor health.  For example, injury, stress, and a family history of the condition may contribute to fibromyalgia.  Some fibromyalgia patients may suffer from increased reactivity of pain-sensitive nerve cells in the central nervous system causes a lower threshold for pain.

The American College of Rheumatology classifies Fibromyalgia as a functional somatic syndrome, a condition where the brain cannot properly process pain signals, resulting in lowered pain threshold, escalated feeling of pain and discomfort.

The central nervous system controls how the body reacts to external factors based on the signals it receives – including pain, danger, excitement, stress.  Any damage to the nerves which carry pain signals to your brain or reduce blood flow to the brain can contribute to fibromyalgia.

Other contributing factors to fibromyalgia include:

  • Stress
  • Food sensitivities or allergies to chemicals
  • Viruses
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Poor digestion
  • Candida overgrowth
  • Spinal misalignments
  • Stress
  • Neurotransmitter deficiencies
  • PTSD

These factors can lead to metabolic imbalances resulting in fibromyalgia symptoms. Addressing these causal factors and balancing the biochemistry can improve overall health, elevate vitality and alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms.

10 Best Essential Oils for Fibromyalgia

Essential Oils for Fibromyalgia

Essential Oils for fibromyalgia can be an effective tool to help temper related symptoms, including pain, fatigue, mood and cognitive dysfunction. Essential oils possess both analgesic qualities that help dull pain and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation that could put pressure on the nerves, triggering a fibromyalgia pain response.

Research suggests that essential oils offer significant therapeutic relief from pain, stress reduction and mood enhancement that can support fibromyalgia-induced symptoms. Essential oil blends, in particular, offered significant relief from both physical and mental symptoms, including pain, along with cognitive and mood challenges.

Essential oils for fibromayalgia applied in combination with a hot bath were even more effective as the warm water improves blood circulation and helps with pain. The addition of essential oils to the bath allows the oil to permeate the skin and block pain.

The following 10 best essential oils for fibromyalgia can help calm the symptoms and address the underlying condition:

1. Parasympathetic™

Parasympathetic™: The Clove oil contained in the Parasympathetic™ blend has been used throughout history to relieve pain. For example, dentists long used clove oil to help treat and relieve pain.  Clove oil makes an ideal natural pain-killer due to its anti-inflammation, antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It is thought to work by blocking nerve signals from sending the message of pain from the body to the brain, thus giving the user a break from pain.  Research supports the pain relieving properties of clove essential oil, correlating the high concentration of eugenol, found in clove oil in levels upward of 88.58 percent, with clove’s pain reduction properties as Eugenol is commonly used as a local antiseptic and anesthetic.

An additional study conducted by the Journal of Planta Medica discovered that a chemical compound present in clove essential oil was successful at recovering nerve functions of rats with diabetic neuropathy.

Parasympathetic™ oil can also be used to reduce the body’s inflammatory response  (Read More HERE).  Similarly, the warming characteristic of clove oil is thought to provide numbing relief from pain and the antioxidants found in this oil assist in the protection of body cells.

2. Anti Inflammatory™

Anti Inflammatory™: Designed to reduce inflammation and encourage regeneration of damaged or stressed connective tissues that have been chronically inflamed or acutely inflamed, Anti Inflammatory™ is especially helpful for calming inflammation in protective tissues around nerves, reducing the inflammatory compression that contributes to nerve inflammation. Anti Inflammatory™ contains Ylang-ylang which has healing properties that repair nerve damage.  It also includes Frankincense™ which has been shown to improve accurate transmission and communication of messages between the nerves and the brain.  Incorrect messages to the brain’s limbic system can result in nerve pain, so improving the accuracy of signals can eliminate pain.  Apply 2- 3 drops directly over area of pain or on the bottom of the feet.

3. Nerve Repair™

Nerve Repair™ helps repair damaged nerves, relieve pain, stimulates circulation, ease inflammation and help regenerate new cells.   It is a great pain reliever and helps in healing, regeneration and repair of nerve cells and  connective tissue that has been damaged.  Formulated from organic and/or wild crafted essential oils known to assist in repairing damaged nerves, including Basil which is one of the best nerve tonics.  Deemed a divine plant by Hindus in India, basil is a significant ingredient in the treatments used to combat nerve pain and nerve damage.  In a research study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, basil oil was concluded as being particularly helpful in reducing nerve damage symptoms and increasing nerve receptivity. Characterized by its analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic and balancing properties, basil essential oil is simultaneously beneficial in calming nerve pain and offering stimulation to nerves, Even helping to repair connective tissue. Basil oil was also found to produce painkilling effects on mice with chronic muscle pain leading researchers to suggest basil oil as a potential method of pain relief for those with fibromyalgia.

Nerve Repair™ also contains Sweet Marjoram which acts as a natural pain reliever, an arterial vasodilator (helping to dilate blood vessels) and a tonic and stimulant for the entire nervous system.  Research has shown that Marjoram helps to strengthen the nervous system and speed up the healing process of the injured nerves by strengthening the damaged area. Marjoram also supports the treatment of swelling and inflammation, contributing to its effectiveness in treating nerve pain.  In addition, majoram has a mild sedative effect which provides relief from chronic pain.  Learn more about Nerve Repair HERE.

4. Circulation™

Circulation™:   Poor circulation or the resulting dilation and constriction of blood vessels can cause the nerve walls, which are sensitive to pain, to stretch, contributing to the pain of fibromyalgia. Formulated to support healthy circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the body and the brain, while simultaneously carrying toxins and waste away from the cells to be eliminated, Circulation™  blend may help open the vasculature to allow for optimal blood flow to both carry healing oxygen and nutrients to cells and relieve painful pressure from building up.

Circulation™ contains powerful oils known to support fibromyalgia, including Cypress oil which is an anti-spasmodic known to improve circulation and reduce fatigue and stress. Similarly, Nutmeg oil soothes pain which research proving the anti-inflammatory properties in reducing pain and swelling. Ginger oil also significantly reduces inflammation, blocks pain and increases antioxidant activity. Black pepper is known as one of the best oils for muscular aches and pains for its ability to warm muscles and improve circulation.

Apply 2- 3 drops of Circulation™ on the sides or back of the neck, over the left clavicle, on the wrists or ankles to support circulation in the distal extremities, like the fingers and toes.  This blend is especially helpful for diabetic- related nerve pain as it helps open the blood vessel walls to supply greater oxygen and nutrients to the nerves located in the extremeties.

5. Lymph™

Supporting the movement of lymphatic fluid helps to stimulate healing and can relieve many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, according to research published in the Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics.

The lymphatic system is critical for moving metabolic waste, toxins and infections out of the cells via the lymphatic fluid.  It serves a dual role as a detoxification pathway and an important part of the immune system through the Peyer’s Patches in the gut, which is 80% of our immune system.

Interstitial lymph fluid permeates every part of the body and flows through the lymph nodes where toxins are filtered out, acting as a pre-filter for the liver to prevent clogging and liver overload.  The lymphatic system also helps carry nutrients, oxygen, hormones and other healing substances into every cell.

Unfortunately, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump and lymphatic fluid can accumulate and stagnate (learn more about the Lymphatic System here).  This stagnation can be due to an overload of acidity, animal protein, gluten, infection, toxins or adhesions of the connective tissue, such as scars.

The more you can help the lymph fluid flow, the more quickly you can move toxins that contribute to pain and inflammation out of the body.  To support lymphatic drainage and movement, generously apply Lymph™ around the sides of the neck, under the left clavicle, in the arm pits, and the groin.  For more tips to improve lymphatic function, read this article.

6. Migraine Relief™

Migraine Relief™: Formulated to provide relief from inflammation, spasms, fatigue, fluid retention and associated pain. Migraine Relief™ contains a powerful blend of ingredients known to alleviate pain, including symptoms of fibromyalgia, including Basil, Marjoram, Lavender, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile and Helichrysum.  For example, Helichrysum italicum is renown for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties and ability to accelerate healing, by strengthening the nervous system, relieving nerve pain and regenerating and healing damaged nerves.

Helichrysum™ has been used historically as a treatment for muscle spasms, decreasing nerve pain, helping repair connective tissue and reducing swelling and inflammation both inside and outside the body. As it helps rebuild cells, it may be beneficial in nerve regeneration following injury or in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

 Lavender™ is renown for its calming benefits which help relieve nervous tension and nerve pain.  It possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and antispasmodic properties, making it a great choice for nerve pain.  Finally, Roman Chamomile has been used for thousands of years to treat fibromyalgia and pain.  Apply 1- 2 drops of Migraine Relief™ on the area of pain or across the forehead, on temples, and to the back of the neck to eases fibromyalgia pain.

7. Helichrysum™

Helichrysum italicum: Renown for its pain relieving properties and ability to improve circulation, accelerate healing and decrease muscle pain, Helichrysum™ helps to strengthen the nervous system, relieving nerve pain while regenerating and healing damaged nerves. Known for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative properties, Helichrysum™ has been used historically as a treatment for muscle spasms, decreasing nerve pain, helping repair connective tissue and reducing swelling and inflammation both inside and outside the body. As it helps rebuild cells, it may be beneficial in nerve regeneration following injury or in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, shingles, nerve pain related to burns and even hearing damage caused by nerves. We sell Helichrysum™ as both a single oil  and as part of our Nerve Repair™ blend. As we only work with the highest quality oil from Corsica, our single oil is a very expensive oil.

8. Peppermint™

Peppermint™Possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that relieve aches, pain and inflammation as well as calm the spasms that cause muscle cramps, making it an ideal natural treatment for nerve pain.  In fact, a 2002 study attributed Peppermint™ oil’s dramatic analgesic influence to the relief of neuropathic pain in a 76-year old woman. The menthol contained in Peppermint™ oil naturally warms the skin and muscles to improve circulation in the area of numbness or discomfort.  This improved blood circulation stimulates the nerves and helps to heal damaged and injured nerves.  Other benefits of peppermint oil may include improving memory, relaxing muscles, reducing pain sensitivity and boosting nervous system health, and reducing congestion.

 9. Lavender™

Lavender™:Helps support key physical and mental symptoms of fibromyalgia, including reducing pain, improving mood and aiding with relaxation and sleep. Lavender™ possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and antispasmodic properties, making it a great choice for fibromyalgia.  It is known to increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and calm nervous tension and nerve pain.  Lavender™ also helps to soothe other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, such as headaches, migraines, nausea, and depression.  Research backs this up, finding that massage with Lavender™ oil effectively reduced pain immediately after the treatment, and remained lowered at 1 week post-treatment.  Lavender™ also helps calm anxiety and relieve nervous tension to makes fibromyalgia pain more manageable.

 10. Brain Boost™

Brain Boost™:  Formulated to help clear “fibro fog”, Brain Boost™ contains a proprietary blend of organic and/or wild crafted essential oils known to support fibromyalgia, including Ylang Ylang,  Melissa, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Lavender, and Helichrysum.

Research suggests that Cedarwood alleviates post-surgery pain in mice by influencing the way the body and the brain experience pain.  Frankincense™ is also known for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, Frankincense™ has been shown to improve accurate transmission and communication of messages between the nerves and the brain. Incorrect messages to the brain’s limbic system can result in nerve pain, so improving the accuracy of signals can eliminate pain.  Sandalwood oil is widely used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to calm and sedate.  Sandalwood contains santalol, a compound known to have sedative and depressant effects on the central nervous system. Similarly, Ylang ylang oil helps to promote relaxation and Melissa oils helps reduce feelings of depression, calm inflammation and improve nervous system disorders, all of which help alleviate and support symptoms of fibromyalgia “fibro fog”.

 

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About The Author

Jodi Cohen

Jodi Sternoff Cohen is the founder of Vibrant Blue Oils. An author, speaker, nutritional therapist, and a leading international authority on essential oils, Jodi has helped over 50,000 individuals support their health with essential oils.