Only in recent years has fibromyalgia become an identified condition. For years, patients with widespread joint and muscle pain, depression, fatigue, and an inability to concentrate were misunderstood and misdiagnosed. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is inflammation in the musculoskeletal system. Self-care and everyday use of essential oils may bring relief to the symptoms. An ideal focus for essential-oil use is to reduce tension, anxiety, and stress.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for fibromyalgia are:
• Cypress
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Vetiver
Connected Conditions
Check out these pages for fibromyalgia-related remedies.
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Insomnia
Add essential oils to your self-care routine with these easy application methods.
• Warm compress. Apply a warm, oil-infused compress to aching muscles and joints. The heat combined with the anti-inflammatory oils may offer some relief.
• Soothing soak. When the pain, exhaustion, and depression are overwhelming, soak in a bath with both uplifting, emotionally soothing, and anti-inflammatory oils.
• In the air. Dealing with fibromyalgia coincides with regulating and supporting mental and emotional well-being. Diffusing or inhaling oils that regulate the nervous system, reduce stress-related inflammation, and are uplifting and antidepressive may provide physical relief.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Stretch your muscles. A regular yoga routine may relieve aches and pains—and disquieting emotions.
• Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is known to be helpful in reducing symptoms.
• Meditate. Suggested for all, meditation is a powerful mind-body medicine.
For most symptoms of fibromyalgia, you can find relief in these recipes.
For that unbearable pain from fibromyalgia, combine the symptom-relieving properties of essential oils with a cool (or cold) compress. Some people find a warm or hot compress more effective, so try both and see which works for you.
2 drops vetiver oil
2 drops helichrysum oil
2 drops marjoram oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup cool or cold water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large glass 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 up to three times a day with a fresh cloth, as needed.
If you ache all over, a warm bath with anti-inflammatory, relaxing oils will bring relief and tranquility. Add healing salts to increase the soothing sensations.
12 drops cypress oil
10 drops marjoram oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup Epsom salts
½ cup coarse sea salt
½ cup baking soda
1 dark-glass pint jar
In a large glass bowl, combine the oils. Add in the Epsom salts, sea salt, and baking soda and whisk to combine. Pour the mixture into your jar. Add ¼ to ½ cup of the blend to a hot bath.