It may seem like only a sports injury, but the tenderness and stiffness of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects more than tennis players. Many face the condition due to certain movements and overuse of the hand, arm, and forearm. If you’ve been diagnosed with this inflammation at the elbow and painful forearm movement, you can find relief with aromatherapy remedies.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for tennis elbow are:
• Black pepper
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Vetiver
Safety First
For best care and to avoid further injury, tennis elbow requires the diagnosis and recommendations of a healthcare professional.
Add pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory essential oils to these aromatherapy methods for three simple ways to treat tennis elbow.
• Simple massage. Dilute a few drops of a single oil, such as lemongrass, and massage the mixture onto the affected area for deep relief.
• Cool compress. One of the recommended treatments for tennis elbow is ice. Swap out your ice pack for a cool, oil-infused compress for added relief.
• Comforting balm. Dilute oils with a thicker carrier to create a long-lasting anti-inflammatory balm or salve.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Give it a rest. The most important part of treating tennis elbow is to let it heal.
• Ice it. Apply an ice pack to the area off and on for the first 24 to 48 hours after noticing swelling.
• Try compression. Wrapping the area tightly and elevating it may help reduce inflammation.
When experiencing the tenderness of tennis elbow, incorporate these aromatherapy remedies for pain relief and to support quicker recovery.
Icing tennis elbow for the first 24 to 48 hours is recommended. Switch up your regular ice pack with this cool compress, which is infused with oils that reduce inflammation and also support healthy nerve and circulatory function.
2 drops black-pepper oil
2 drops helichrysum oil
2 drops lemongrass oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup cool or cold water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to the affected area. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.
Let the muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties of these three essential oils penetrate to release the tension in a soothing salve. Apply it to the affected area, as needed.
¼ ounce beeswax
1 ounce coconut oil
1 ounce olive oil
15 drops lavender oil
11 drops lemongrass oil
10 drops vetiver oil
1 2-ounce container
Use a double boiler to melt and combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and olive oil. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils. Pour the mixture into your container and allow it to set before use. Store in a cool, dark place.