Essential Oils for Neck Pain
05-15-2015
In a Korean
randomized controlled trial, the researchers created an experimental cream with
the essential oils sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana, Lamiaceae), black pepper (Piper nigrum, Piperaceae), lavender (Lavandula spp., Lamiaceae), and peppermint (Mentha ×piperita, Lamiaceae) (Arte Verde Co.; Röthis, Austria).1
The purpose of the study was to ascertain whether the essential oil cream could
relieve neck pain and increase range of motion. At the end of the month-long study,
the subjects in the experimental group had improved range of motion and
decreased pain as compared to the control group.1 Since neck pain is
a common ailment, especially among computer users, an effective, low-cost,
treatment of self-message with an essential oil cream can provide enhanced
quality of life to those who suffer from neck pain.
Sweet marjoram essential oil is produced from steam
distillation of the flowers with the aroma being warm with a hint of pepper.2
Said to warm both the body and the mind, it has been used to treat asthma,
colds, and bronchitis. As a sedative, it also has a relaxing effect on the body
and mind and can aid in the treatment of insomnia.
Black pepper essential oil, distilled from partly dried,
unripe fruit, has an herbaceous, sharp spicy scent.3 Also used for
lung conditions, this warming oil is good for poor circulation. While nontoxic,
black pepper is a skin irritant. While this essential oil can be very
beneficial for a sluggish digestive system as a tonic and stimulant, aromatherapist
Patricia Davis states that she mainly uses it in massage blends to combat
muscle stiffness, pain, and fatigue.2 Especially good for dancers
and athletes, black pepper can help prevent stiffness and may improve
performance.
Indigenous to the Mediterranean, lavender's essential oil is
produced by steam distillation of the fresh flowers.4 Lavender herb
and essential oil has a multitude of uses including as a skin soother, to
relieve toothache, provide relief from nervous conditions (including depression,
headache, insomnia, PMS, shock, and hypertension), and to relieve muscular
pain, rheumatism, and sprains.
Peppermint oil,
distilled from the leaves,3 was used by the Romans, and most likely
by the Egyptians, as a digestive aid.2 Like the other essential
oils, it is used for respiratory conditions, and can be used in steam
distillation to clear the sinuses. Peppermint is a cooling herb and can soothe
headaches, inflammation, and fever. A spritzer of lavender and peppermint oils
in distilled water makes a wonderful coolant during the hot summer months.
References
1Ou MC, Lee YF, Li CC, Wu SK. The effectiveness of essential oils for
patients with neck pain: a randomized controlled study. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(10):771-779.
2Davis P. Aromatherapy an A-Z. Essex, England: The
C. W. Daniel Company; 1988.
3Keville K, Green M. Aromatherapy A Complete Guide to the Healing
Art. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press; 1995.
4Lawless J. The
Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils. Shaftesbury, Dorset: Element Books Ltd.;
1992.
