Muscle aches and leg cramps may not be deadly, but they can certainly ruin your day. However, over the counter pain relievers aren’t the right solution for everyone.

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are powerful drugs despite their OTC status, and many people have sensitivities to these medications. Some patients are turning to alternative solutions for pain relief, including the application of essential oils. 

The term “essential” refers to the fact that essential oils capture the essence of a plant’s fragrance. These products are typically created though extraction methods like cold pressing or steam distillation, which results in potent aroma. Because the oils are so concentrated, you can achieve therapeutic goals with just a few drops. 

Essential oils have a long history of relieving muscle aches, and many patients have found success in using them to ease leg cramps. They don’t carry the same kinds of side effects and risks as traditional pain relievers, and they are easy to apply. 

Keep in mind that though essential oils are derived from plants instead of chemicals, they are not completely risk-free. Always use them as directed to limit overexposure, and remember essential oils are for external use only. 

These are the tips you need to maximize the effects of your essential oils, as well as an overview of the five best options for relieving leg cramps.

Getting Started with Essential Oils 

The first step in using essential oils to relieve muscle pain is choosing a quality brand that lives up to its label. After all, if you are trying to purchase peppermint oil, you want to be sure that’s what you are getting. These are a few tips for identifying top caliber oils: 

•     The process of extracting essential oils differs from plant to plant, and some are more difficult to produce than others. That has an impact on pricing, which is why you will pay more for certain options. If you find a brand that offers bargain pricing across the board, chances are you aren’t getting the advertised product. It’s simply not possible for a legitimate company to cover its production costs if it charges the same low amount for every oil, so it is likely that you are purchasing synthetic or heavily diluted versions. 
•     Stay away from essential oils that have been diluted with vegetable oil. If you aren’t sure, you can test by putting a drop on a piece of paper. Products that have been diluted with vegetable oil leave a telltale ring. 
•     The source of the plants used in your essential oils matters from a quality perspective. Some countries have experience and expertise in growing plants that contain more of the healing properties you are looking for, or they cultivate a specific strain with more of the active chemicals you need.
•     Along the same lines, pay attention to the Latin name given on the product label, as well as the common name listed. There are a variety of plants that can all fall under the same common name, but they have very different characteristics. 
•     Choose essential oils that are packaged in glass bottles, preferably amber or blue. Unfiltered light can get through clear glass to damage essential oils, and it is possible for essential oils to interact with plastic in a negative manner. 
•     The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils, so beware of any product promising miracle cures. Check labels to confirm that you are getting 100 percent essential oil. If the ingredients list anything else, choose an alternative brand. 

Most essential oils will last about a year if you keep them in a cool, dry place. You can extend that a bit by storing them in the refrigerator if you wish. 

Incorporating Essential Oils into Topical Applications

Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling the scent of essential oils in an effort to encourage healing. This is typically accomplished with the help of diffusers and humidifiers.

You also have the option of putting several drops of essential oil into the bath or shower. If you do this, be sure that the oil is well-dispersed before getting in, as you don’t want undiluted essential oil touching your skin. 

For muscle aches and leg cramps, it is likely you will experience greater relief if you apply essential oils to the skin in the affected area. These products are highly concentrated, so you should not apply them directly to any part of your body. Instead, dilute with a carrier oil, and add to the experience by massaging the muscles as you put the oil on your skin. 

Carrier oils are not created equally, and some are better for this type of therapy than others. Stay away from petroleum-based products, and opt for one of the following instead: 

•     Coconut oil
•     Olive oil
•     Grapeseed oil
•     Jojoba oil
•     Sweet Almond oil
•     Argan oil 

These options have healing properties of their own, and they work well when combined with essential oils. 

Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they can cause skin irritation. Once you have mixed your oil with a carrier, test a little bit on the inside of your elbow to determine if you have any sensitivity before applying to large areas of your body. 

Finally, essential oils are not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers. 

5 Best Essential Oils for Leg Cramps 

While there are a variety of essential oils that effectively relieve muscle aches and leg cramps, these five are particularly popular. You can use them alone or create a unique combination to maximize the the total impact of your essential oil therapy. 

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a staple in every practitioner’s toolkit, because it is so versatile.

It can be used to treat everything from congestion to nausea, including muscle aches, headaches, and leg cramps. Peppermint has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties which are specifically helpful for pain and inflammation.

The antispasmodic characteristics are effective in relieving the sorts of muscle spasms that cause leg cramps. 

Keep in mind that peppermint oil tends to be more concentrated than other essential oils, so it is particularly important to avoid undiluted contact with your skin.

If you experience an allergic rash or a burning sensation, you may need to dilute the oil further or consider an alternative option.

Peppermint should not be used with young children under any circumstances. 

Eucalyptus Oil

New research has shown that the scent of eucalyptus can relieve stress and reduce blood pressure. In fact, countries like Japan are creating eucalyptus forests for therapeutic purposes.

In the form of an essential oil, eucalyptus oil is effective in a variety of applications and can help with a wide range of ailments. For example, it is used in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms, as well as a remedy for unstable blood sugar levels.

It is particularly helpful in treating joint pain, muscle aches, and leg cramps, thanks to its analgesic properties.

Undiluted eucalyptus oil is particularly dangerous to humans, and it must not be taken internally. If you notice nausea, vomiting, or digestive upsets, you may have been overexposed.

Symptoms like dizziness, muscle weakness, and stomach pain could indicate eucalyptus poisoning, so see a medical professional immediately if you begin to feel unwell.  

Chamomile Oil

The number one home remedy for sleeplessness is a cup of hot chamomile tea. What most people don’t realize is that chamomile is an effective treatment for a variety of other conditions, including relief from muscle aches and pain related to leg cramps. 

The active ingredient in chamomile that provides pain relief is a chemical called chamazulene.

Researchers have determined that this chemical is higher in the German chamomile plant (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita) versus the Roman chamomile plant (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis), which may be important in your purchase decision.

You may discover that you are sensitive to chamomile when applied topically. Signs include skin irritation like redness, burning, or swelling.

If you notice these, discontinue use right away. Symptoms of a chamomile allergy include trouble breathing, vomiting, and digestive upsets. If you experience these issues, see your physician immediately. 

Cypress Oil

Researchers are very interested in the potential benefits of cypress oil, which is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the Meditteranean cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens). A number of studies have been conducted to determine how medical professionals can best use this ingredient to support patient wellness. 

The studies have found that cypress essential oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. These help with a variety of conditions, ranging from coughs to acne.

Cypress oil is also useful for soothing leg cramps and muscle pain due to its antispasmodic effect. 

If you notice itching, burning, or redness in the area where you applied the essential oil, you may have an allergy. It is best to stop using cypress and select an alternative option. As with all essential oils, cypress oil is intended for external use only. 

Marjoram Oil

Marjoram is a popular ingredient for adding flavor to savory dishes, and many people find the scent quite calming.

In the form of essential oil, it also offers antibacterial, analgesic, and antispasmodic benefits. These support relief from tension and pain in overworked muscles, making marjoram essential oil a top choice for leg cramps, muscle aches, and joint pain.

As with any essential oil, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using marjoram if you experience skin discomfort, and see your doctor if you notice issues with breathing. Keep marjoram oil away from your eyes, and remember that it is not intended for long-term use. 

While these are five of the best essential oils for leg cramps and muscle aches, there are plenty of additional options that come highly recommended. Examples include lavender, ginger, sandalwood, yarrow, and clove. Experiment with them individually and in combination, creating a recipe that works best for you.