essential oils for back pain

7 Essential Oils For Back Pain: How To Use Them Effectively

Back pain and backaches are an all too common complaint about people in the modern age. There’s a wide variety of conditions associated with back pain complaints, including:

  • Lumbago (lower back pain)
  • Sciatica (buttocks, spreading to the thighs and legs)
  • Fibrosis’s
  • Arthritis
  • Spondylosis
  • The curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
  • Slipped discs
  • Pain from weak muscles (abdominal, back)
  • Depleted kidney energy
  • General tension/weakness

Millions of working days are lost each year due to a variety of pains and disorders of the back. Whether your back pain comes from a specific misalignment of the spine – like a slipped disc, or simply from prolonged strain – there are ways to find a resolution to your pain and discomfort.


The spine is one of the most important parts of the body and needs to be cared for. Luckily, essential oils can help your back pain feel better and scientific studies have shown this to be true as well. 

Best Essential Oils For Back Pain

Following essential oils mixed with a suitable carrier oil are best for massage on the affected portion for back pain or muscle pain

1.) Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram is a great oil for back pain because it is warming, soothing, and eases the joints and muscles. It’s also emotionally calming, stress easing, and generally soothing. It reduces inflammation as well (great for arthritis).

2.) Basil Essential Oil
Basil is an ideal oil for tight muscles. It helps relax and loosen up any muscular tension wherever applied. Basil is also a great oil for the nerves / mental fatigue. In cases of neuritis, it’s a highly recommended oil to rub into the spine, lower back, and up into the neck area.

3.) Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is a warming, soothing oil that contains some strong anti-inflammatory qualities. These anti-inflammatory properties, paired with its strong analgesic effect make it effective at relieving aches, pains, and stiffness.

4.) Ginger Essential Oil
Another warming oil, the ginger essential oil is perfectly fit for application on sore, tired, and painful back muscles. It’s quite effective for tightness, rheumatism, and arthritic conditions. If you experience discomfort and/or any spasms make sure to have ginger on hand.

5.) Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a wonderful all-around oil. This oil is particularly indicated for use in cases of stress, restlessness, hyperactivity, fatigue, and anxiety. While not as warming or hot as some of the other oils listed above, lavender still contains some powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities that are great for backaches.

6.) Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is a refreshing and uplifting oil that contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (notice a theme here?). You’re probably familiar with peppermint oil and have some on hand. Try it out next time you are getting a massage. 

7.) Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary, like lavender, is another great all-around oil. It’s effective for aches, pains, arthritis, among many other things. It's analgesic and tonic qualities make it a top-rated oil for backaches.

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