Among the conditions that can be relieved using eucalyptus oil, fibromyalgia is definitely one of them. Previously known as fibrositis, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is mainly characterized by generalized muscular aches and pains, which are accompanied by fatigue. In fact, its name literally translates to "pain in the tissues and muscles." Other symptoms include insomnia, low concentration, irritable bowel and sensitivity to cold, light and noise. It is estimated that over five million Americans suffer from Fibromyalgia.
What Is Eucalyptus oil?
- Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus
- Common Names: blue gum tree, fever tree, stringy bark tree
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most versatile of all the essential oils. It is extracted from the leaves of the evergreen eucalyptus tree by steam distillation. The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia, which is also the world's leading producer of eucalyptus oil today.
Eucalyptus oil is straw-colored or colorless with a distinctive scent and taste. It is rich in eucalyptol, a compound that has been proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It also has a warming effect when rubbed into muscles. This makes it a popular and effective ingredient in liniments, muscle rubs, salves and massage oils.
Eucalyptus Oil - Fibromyalgia's Nemesis
Some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia such as chronic muscle aches, soreness and stiffness have been associated with poor blood circulation. Poor circulation causes a build up of toxins in the body's soft tissues such as muscle. This in turn causes the pain and inflammation typical of this condition.
Eucalyptus oil is a potent anti-inflammatory. It owes these properties to its capacity to stimulate circulation by opening up the blood vessels. This increases the blood supply, which flushes out the toxins from the system while delivering fresh oxygen as well as nutrients to nourish the affected cells and tissue. In this way, it provides natural relief for the muscular aches and pains of Fibromyalgia, alleviates fatigue and promotes healing.
Eucalyptus Oil for Fibromyalgia Herbal Treatments
How to Make a Eucalyptus Oil Herbal Compress
Ingredients:
- 4 or 5 drops eucalyptus oil
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 compress pad or folded cloth
Directions:
- Stir the eucalyptus oil into the water
- Soak the compress pad with the solution
- Squeeze liquid from pad
- Apply the pad to the inflamed area
When the compress has cooled down to body temperature, repeat the process. This can be done several times to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
How to Make a Blended Eucalyptus Massage Oil
According to Herb Companion, a basic massage oil can be made by mixing six to eight drops of essential oil with one ounce of a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil. The following recipes adapts this to a pain relieving massage oil using eucalyptus.
Ingredients:
- 3 or 4 drops eucalyptus oil
- 3 or 4 drops of rosemary oil
- 1 ounce sweet almond oil
Directions:
- Mix all your ingredients and pour the concoction into a spray bottle
- Spray some onto the affected area and gently massage it deep into your skin in circular motions, for a few minutes. You will feel a warm glow as you do this.
- Repeat this at regular intervals until the pain or inflammation disappears.
- You can enhance the effect of the oil and massage by applying a moist, warm compress to the area each time you massage the oil.
Eucalyptus oil is highly volatile and evaporates rapidly. Blending it with a carrier oil such as the sweet almond essential oil helps it stay on the skin long enough to penetrate deep into the skin. You may substitute the almond oil with grape-seed, benzoin, lavender, lemon grass or pine essential oils. You may also use an essential oil diffuser.
Eucalyptus Oil Herbal Bath
For a soothing herbal bath, blend 15 to 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with two ounces of carrier oil. Draw your bathwater and then add 1/4 ounce of blended oil to the water just before you get in.
This is a great way to ease the widespread muscle aches and pain of Fibromyalgia. In addition to delivering eucalyptus oil's benefits to the whole body, you will have the added benefit of inhaling its soothing scent, which will help alleviate the fatigue associated with this condition.
Safety First
Just a few drops of Eucalyptus oil are poisonous enough to kill some young children, so it is imperative that you keep your stock of this potent oil away from children. Using too much eucalyptus oil can be irritating to the skin.
Always discuss your use of herbs or supplements with your doctor, especially if you are taking prescription medications. Herbs can interfere with prescriptions, making them less effective or causing other problems.
Find Relief
If you suffer from the pain of Fibromyalgia, take some time to take care of yourself. Eucalyptus oil, applied topically, can help ease the pain of Fibromyalgia without the added side effects of many common pain relievers. As a bonus, you can enjoy the relaxing aromatherapy benefits of this fragrant essential oil as well. Try these eucalyptus recipes and allow yourself to relax and enjoy some natural pain relief.
