Essential Oils for Tendonitis: 11 Best Oils, Recipes, and Warnings

Many people are familiar with tendonitis, but what may come as a surprise is that more and more sufferers are finding essential oils for tendonitis that are well worth considering as part of a treatment plan.

Tendinitis actually has several different names, depending on the cause. There is Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Pitcher’s Shoulder, and Jumper’s Knee. All of these ailments mean that there is inflammation or irritation of a tendon. While tendonitis can happen in any tendon, the shoulder, elbows, knees, and wrists are the most common.

For decades, tendinitis has been treated with rest, physical therapy, and pain medications. In severe cases, such as a tendon rupture, surgery may be required. The idea of trying essential oils for tendonitis seems logical when you consider that oils have been used to treat muscle-related problems for many years.

11 Best Essential Oils for Tendonitis

So, what essential oils are good for tendonitis? There are several you can choose from. They are usually used in aromatherapy and during massage to relieve pain.

Here are some of the best essential oils for tendonitis:

Wintergreen essential oil: This oil is helpful since it has a reputation for relieving pain in muscle tissues. It contains methyl salicylate, which acts like cortisone. It’s good for tendonitis because it acts like a natural inflammatory. It’s usually diluted in carrier oil before being directly applied to the affected area.

Chamomile essential oil: It is known for its pain relieving ability and has compounds that are soothing to the skin and muscles.

Sweet Marjoram essential oil: This oil helps because it acts as a painkiller. A lot of people with tendonitis complain about dull aches, which may be relieved with this oil. Its compounds are said to help with joint stiffness and muscle spasms as well.

Lavender essential oil: You might not think of this as one of the essential oils for tendon repair, but lavender oil has been used for centuries for headaches and contains a mild sedative, making it a viable option for tendonitis. Also, a 2015 study revealed that lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. People who have undergone surgery for tendonitis can use lavender oil as a follow-up method by inhaling it directly from the bottle. Some people suggest that it affects them in the way a pain medication like morphine would.

Peppermint essential oil: This oil has antispasmodic properties that can help with inflammation and arthritis. It is also calming so it can assist with aches and pains. Since it contains menthol, it’s cooling and refreshing when applied.

Clary Sage essential oil: This is one of the essential oils for tendon pain because it has a relaxing impact and seems to work well as massage oil for aching joints and muscles. It is commonly mixed with chamomile essential oil to relieve tension.

Helichrysum essential oil: Considered a good joint pain reliever since it has a significant amount of anti-inflammatory compounds called sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. It also has relaxing properties and is known to reduce tissue tension around injury locations.

Rose geranium essential oil: This oil is thought to be a very good anti-inflammatory that can have the same effect as anti-arthritis medications.

Lemongrass essential oil: Known to soothe sore muscles, this essential oil has the potential to reduce symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. Some tendonitis sufferers report that it reduces inflammation and pain.

Frankincense essential oil: This is oil that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good oil for tendonitis. It is also considered an effective essential oil for relieving stress.

Fish oil: It has been shown to promote connective tissue healing. A 2016 study looking at the effects of topical fish oil on an Achilles tendon rupture showed that use of the oil has the potential to improve stiffness and tendon strength. Although this was an animal study, it is highly possible similar results would occur with human testing.

Recipes for Essential Oils for Tendonitis

There are many essential oil recipes for tendonitis. It’s a case of trying a few different ones to find a recipe that you really like. Below are a couple examples.

Recipe #1

Mix three to four drops of Birch and Lemongrass oil in carrier oil and massage onto the affected area. Wait a few minutes and lightly rub some peppermint oil overtop to help the oils penetrate deeper into the skin. Putting a warm compress over the affected area can also help. Follow this process two to three times a day until you feel relief from the soreness.

Recipe #2

Mix 10 drops of Peppermint oil, five drops of Marjoram, five drops of Melaleuca, six drops of Rosemary, and two drops of Lemongrass essential oil with carrier oil. Once it’s well mixed, rub it on the affected tendon and then place a warm cloth over top. If the pain is severe, you can add a few drops of Helichrysum essential oil.

Tips and Warnings While Using Essential Oils

If you have been diagnosed with tendonitis and are considering essential oils as a form of treatment, it’s best to have a discussion with your doctor first. When using essential oils, it’s important to dilute them in carrier oil, such as coconut, olive, or jojoba oil to avoid causing any irritation to the skin. Even with carrier oil, it’s wise to do a patch test to make sure you don’t have any kind of reaction. Most people use the underside of their arm, which is less visible.

Here are a few more essential oil tips:

• Coconut oil or olive oil is the best carrier oil to cover a large area
• Both hot and cold cloths can sooth as well as help oil penetrate deeper
• You can get pain relief by using just one oil
• If you apply oil then expose your skin to the sun, you can burn
• If you have an allergic reaction when using essential oil, stop using the oil immediately

Aromatic plants have been used as the basis for herbal and botanical remedies for thousands of years. Market analysts report that there is a growing trend to adopt essential oils, including for treatment of medical conditions.

Today, there are more than 90 essential oils in use around the world. While they are becoming more and more popular all the time, it’s important to treat essential oils with the same care you would treat any conventional medicines. For instance, there are cases where an essential oil can clash with the medicine you’re already taking. Again, talk to a doctor first, especially if you have other health issues and are on medications.