Essential Oils for Muscle Cramps

Here are some suggestions for essential oils for muscle cramps.

To relieve muscle cramps quickly, massage the cramping area with warming oils that increase local circulation, such as black pepper, rosemary, or ginger. These oils are hot, so dilute with carrier oil as needed.

If you get muscle cramps during exercise, use the warming oils to vigorously massage the cramp-prone area before you exercise.

For a good muscle warming blend, Advanced Aromatherapy recommends

20 drops cypress
20 drops tarragon
20 drops thyme
40 drops marjoram
2 ounces carrier oil

For soreness or pain after the initial cramping, Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art suggests this massage blend:

30 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops marjoram essential oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil
2 ounces carrier oil

Specifically for leg cramps, aromatherapist KG Stiles recommends this essential oils for muscle cramps blend:

3-5 drops peppermint
3-5 drops marjoram
3-5 drops lavender
one ounce carrier oil

Muscle cramps are often caused by mineral deficiency or imbalance. Are you getting enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium and not too much salt in your diet? If you tend to be overly tense, consider getting regular massage therapy.