Should you give a try to essential oils for sore feet?
Science says: YES
It actually a Good idea to massage your feet or take a foot bath with some drops of relaxing essential oils.
According to medical science, using essential oils for foot pain can bring relief in many cases.
We all know that foot pain is one of the most ignored symptoms.
[thrive_text_block color=”light”] As per the study conducted by ‘American Podiatric Medical Association‘ (APMA) in 2014, almost 77% of American adults experience foot pain in their daily life and only third of those seek proper foot care from doctors. (1)[/thrive_text_block]
Foot pain can halt the daily routine to a great extend and sufferer may end up reducing activity like walking, running and participating in sports etc.
All these can impact the quality of life.
If you had the consultation with your podiatrist and the cause of your foot pain is not grievous then you can give the essential oil a try.
It helps to relieve soreness, aching pain in feet and will not cost you the fortune.
Chemical compounds like boswellic acid found in some essential oils can reduce the inflammation and hence relieve pain to a certain degree.
[thrive_text_block color=”light” ]A recent clinical study conducted at an endocrine outpatient department of ‘University Hospital’ at Turkey positively suggest that using aromatherapy massage 3 times a week for neuropathic pain not only significantly reduces the pain but also improves the quality of life in diabetic patients. (2) [/thrive_text_block]
Diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from chronic foot problems especially ‘Diabetic Neuropathy’.
In such cases of diabetic neuropathy, use of essential oil massage can make wonders. If used wisely along with strict diet control, proper anti-diabetic drugs and regular exercise.
Best essential oils for foot pain
1. Frankincense & Myrrh Oil
2. Peppermint Oil
3. Chamomile Oil
4. Lavender Oil
Frankincense & Myrrh Essential Oil
Mainly associated with many religion across the world, Frankincense essential oil is also known for its therapeutic use & widely being used in Ayurveda and aromatherapy for peripheral diabetic neuropathy.
Frankincense oil is derived by the steam distillation method from a resin found in the tree named as Boswellia sacara.
Boswellic acids found in these essential oils are leading factor that helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Pharmacists from the University Jena found that boswellic acid interacts with an enzyme which is responsible for the creation of prostaglandin E2. (3)
Prostaglandin E2 plays an important role in an inflammatory process that causes pain.
[thrive_text_block color=”green” ] Bottom Line – Frankincense & Myrrh essential oil helps to reduce pain by blocking enzyme that causes inflammation[/thrive_text_block]
DIY Recipe of Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil blends well with coconut oil and shea butter and can be mixed with other pain relieving essential oils to get maximum results.
Frankincense foot massage oil –
Take one ounce of coconut oil. (Heat it in double boiler for few seconds until it becomes warm). Now add 5 drops of frankincense essential oil and 3 to 4 drops of lavender oil and mix well.
Keep in a container and use for foot massage as required.
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Peppermint Essential Oil
One of the most versatile essential oil that has the calming effect on nerves and provides a cooling sensation.
It helps to relieve muscle spasm & relieve the tightness of muscles as well as reduces soreness. It blends well with lavender oil and works as a natural painkiller when applied topically, especially in myofascial pain syndrome.
‘Menthol‘ is the primary active ingredient of peppermint oil. Pain killer properties of menthol are well known and it is being used from ancient time in lotion, gel & rubbing oils to provide instant pain relief.
Menthol molecules (scientifically known as a ligand) bonds with the kappa Opioid receptor and produces the numbing effect that helps to relieve pain locally.(4)
Menthol in peppermint oil, when applied locally to the painful area helps to increase the blood flow by its vasodilating action.
This increased blood flow brings more nutrient to painful area those are necessary for cell repair as well as help in eliminating the waste element caused by cellular inflammation.
[thrive_text_block color=”green”]Bottom Line – Peppermint oil relieves sore feet & muscle pain by acting as a natural pain killer, improving local blood circulation & provides the cooling effect.[/thrive_text_block]
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Chamomile Oil
There is a reason why people call Chamomile as ‘Herbal Aspirin’.
Chamomile oil brings multiple health benefits and is used for almost 5,000 years in alternative medicine, herbal extracts & tea. Chamomile essential oil is extensively used for aromatherapy & cosmetic preparation.
It has strong anti-inflammatory & pain relieving action that helps to ease muscle spasms, arthritic pain and sore feet.
German chamomile has strong analgesic properties than the Roman chamomile and can bring down the pain caused by inflammation. ‘Chamazulene’ compound found in German chamomile gives this essential oil its characteristic color and creates anti-inflammatory action.
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Lavender Oil
Like many other essential oils, lavender essential oil is being used over the 2000 years for the various purpose.
It holds the abilities to relax muscles, reduce emotional stress, calm down the nerves, improve skin health and reduce pain.
Lavender oil can be used as a topical anaesthetic to reduce the soreness of feet.
Combine lavender oil with peppermint essential oil and add this mixture any carrier oil like coconut oil. Then rub this mixture three oils over the foot to reduce pain.
It can also help to relieve the nocturnal foot & leg cramps. To get rid of these cramps, apply lavender oil to the ball of foot and base of big toe before going to bed. Do it every day for 3 to 4 weeks and see the results.
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