I don’t know how else to say it: pain is the worst. At best, it’s a minor annoyance that can keep you from working out again or doing something you enjoy (or even just falling asleep at night).
But at its worst, pain can have a hugely negative impact on your life, significantly impacting your mental health.
Physical aches and pains are definitely worth taking seriously.
And while pharmaceutical interventions like meditation are sometimes called for, it’s extremely empowering and helpful to have natural solutions, like crystals and essential oils, to help you deal with whatever you’re facing–whether it’s for you, your kids, or somebody you love.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:
- 3 ways natural experts think about healing pain
- the 13 best essential oils for aches and pains
- 7 best crystals for pain
- how to use crystals for aches and pains
- essential oils & crystals for pain relief chart (pdf download)
- DIY pain relief recipes
Or, jump straight to the recipe you need:
- That Time of the Month Roller Bottle Blend
- I Can Feel My Head and I Don’t Like It (Migraine Pain Relief) Roller Bottle Blend
- Oh My Aching Back (Sore Muscle Relief) Blend
- Joint Oil (Arthritis and Pain in Joints) Blend
How Natural Experts Think About Healing Pain
Essential oil experts, energy healers, and other natural living experts often think about how to heal pain in three different ways:
1. They Work to Relieve the Symptoms or the Root of the Symptoms, Themselves
This means, for example, trying to figure out why you’re experiencing migraines, instead of just taking medication to make the migraines go away.
Essential oils can be great for this, because many have a proven track record (and lots of great scientific evidence), for reducing pain and healing specific symptoms.
2. They Work to Reduce Inflammation and Stress
Some oils and energy healing modalities don’t necessarily address the root of the symptoms (and as so many of us know, sometimes it’s almost impossible to figure out why), but they do relieve inflammation in our bodies (which causes pain), and they do relieve stress (which also triggers inflammation and causes pain).
Lavender is a great example: it’s been shown to significantly help patients recovering from surgery, for example, by reducing their overall anxiety and helping them to sleep better.
3. They Grow Your Body’s Ability to Cope With Stress & Pain
One of the most empowering ways essential oils and crystals can help you cope with pain is by growing your mental stamina. The mind is so powerful!
This is where crystals and aromatherapy both come in. Whether you believe in crystal’s healing energies or not, crystals definitely make great meditation tools at the very least, and meditation has been proven to help people handle pain and stress much more effectively.
If you do believe in the healing power of crystals (and more and more people do, especially as they learn more about and experience different healing modalities like acupuncture and Reiki), then you’ll find that crystals and essential oils make really great pairs, similar to yoga and meditation.
Our Favorite Oils for Physical Aches & Pains
We really love combining essential oils and crystals for pain relief.
Here are some of our favorite oils for aches and pains:
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Clary sage
- Eucalyptus
- Helichrysum
- Frankincense
- Ginger
- Black Pepper Oil
- Marjoram
- Chamomile
- Bergamot
- Clove
1. Peppermint
Peppermint (like lavender, which we’ll discuss shortly) is an essential oil that’s been studied quite a bit by modern science. As it turns out, peppermint is a powerful analgesic (pain-reliever) that’s totally and completely natural.
It’s used right now for everything from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to sore muscles (menthol, the “cooling” ingredient in peppermint oil, is an active ingredient in Icy Hot) to migraines.
In fact, peppermint is one of my go-to’s when it comes to relieving bad headaches and migraines. I’ll roll some on the back of my neck and my lower spine, and I’ll put some on my hands and breathe deeply a few times. I literally feel the pain in my head lifting away!
Peppermint also has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help calm overworked or sore muscles.
2. Rosemary
I have rosemary in my garden and I LOVE the way it smells, but the oil from the rosemary plant also has fantastic benefits when it comes to relieving pain.
This 2015 study found 29 chemical compounds in rosemary essential oil, three of which seemed to have an analgesic effect compared to the control group that did not get rosemary essential oil.
A 2016 review also found that rosemary essential oil was effective for pain relief, especially when used for treating postoperative pain and obstetrical and gynecological pain.
Rosemary is also anti-inflammatory, and (I find) pairs well with other essential oils, which makes it a great choice for making your own pain-relief essential oil roller bottle.
3. Lavender
Lavender is something of a superhero in the essential oil world. It’s extremely gentle, the scent is pleasing to most people, it’s inexpensive and easy to find, and it has so. many. uses.
Remember how the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding would spray Windex on everything? That’s how I feel about lavender!
Lavender has been shown to effectively treat pain after childhood tonsillectomies, during migraines, and even more general experiences of pain thanks to analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s also been shown to help with menstrual pain when combined with clary sage and marjoram, and it’s also been shown to help with menstrual discomfort and bleeding when combined with rose, cinnamon, and clove.
Lavender also helps with soothing and calming anxiety and depression, and it also can markedly improve sleep (which, in turn, can help relieve pain and speed healing).
Note: If you’re struggling with sleep, here’s a list of diffuser blend recipes that can help.
4. Clary Sage
Clary sage is actually part of the mint family and like peppermint (and rosemary and lavender), it’s been used since ancient times as a natural medicine. Clary sage essential oil is a go-to for women who are dealing with women-specific issues like painful periods, disruptive hormones, low libido, and so much more.
Clary sage has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and calm anxiety. In fact, in this study in 2013, scientists found that inhaling clary sage helped women undergoing stressful medical procedures so much that their blood pressures were actually lowered.
Clary sage may also be able to help with menopause symptoms (such as hot flashes), perhaps because it contains sclareol, which acts like estrogen in the body (estrogen drops significantly during menopause).
5. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil is another of my favorites, partly because it has so many different uses (I love diluting it and using it on the bottoms of my little ones’ feet when they’re congested and having trouble breathing at night!), and partly because it’s so gentle and affordable.
Eucalyptus has been used in Brazil for hundreds of years as a remedy for colds and flues, and it’s used by Aboriginal peoples of Australia for wounds thanks to its analgesic and antiseptic properties.
And, Eucalyptus oil has been shown to be an effective pain reliever and an effective anti-inflammatory!
One specific type of pain that eucalyptus may really help with is joint pain.
Many modern medicine makers use eucalyptus in joint pain relief creams and topical applications for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and that’s because of how effective it is! It can definitely be an acquired smell, but I’ve grown to love it since it means relief is on the way.
6. Helichrysum
Helichrysum is a European herb that’s sometimes called the curry plant because of the curry-like smell of its leaves. This oil hasn’t been studied as much as oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus, but scientists have confirmed properties in the oil that reduce inflammation.
The other thing we know about helichrysum is that it’s been used traditionally for a very long time; ancient wisdom points to its ability to help with digestion problems (including gallbladder disorders), respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and a lot more.
Many people also report that helichrysum plays a powerful role in reducing swelling, on top of reducing pain and inflammation.
7. Frankincense
If you grew up singing “We Three Kings” every Christmas, you’ve probably heard of frankincense (it was one of the priceless gifts the three wise men gave the baby Jesus). It’s an ancient oil that’s filled with some of the most powerful components of any essential oil (there’s evidence that it may even help fight cancer).
Frankincense is also a great oil to reach for when it comes to relieving pain. In fact, in addition to peppermint, it’s one of my go-to oils for helping with migraines.
Frankincense is also a very powerful anti-inflammatory that can help address both the symptoms and the roots of the symptoms, themselves. It’s been used to treat diseases like IBS, arthritis, asthma, and more. It can also be a powerful pain-reliever for muscle soreness or other aches and pains.
These seven oils are the most studied and some of the most powerful, but they’re by no means all the oils you can use for aches and pains. The following oils are less studied but often just as effective, and they typically work really well when used with other oils.
8. Ginger
Ginger is a spicy oil, and considered warming in traditions like Traditional Chinese Medicine. It will help increase blood flow which can speed up healing, and its warmth may help relieve pain as well.
9. Black Pepper Oil
Black pepper oil may work in similar fashion to ginger, by increasing blood flow thereby speeding the healing process and helping to release pressure from swelling.
10. Marjoram
Marjoram (like chamomile) is a traditional remedy for pain relief. People look to it to help ease pain and inflammation, especially when it comes to muscle aches.
11. Chamomile
Chamomile is probably one of the absolutely most gentle essential oils you could use, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not helpful! It’s extremely calming, soothing, and relaxing, which makes it a great choice for kids and adults, especially when the pain is causing stress or anxiety.
12. Bergamot
Bergamot is a focusing oil, so if pain is causing you to have trouble focusing or you feel like you have brain fog, bergamot is a good choice. It’s also excellent if you’re dealing with nerve pain or neuropathy, pains that are often resistant to treatment with traditional medications.
13. Clove Oil
Clove oil is also warming, and extremely stimulating. It has significant antimicrobial properties, which is why it’s often used in toothpaste. One study also found that clove oil was just as effective as benzocaine for topical pain relief.
Our Favorite Crystals for Aches and Pains
Using crystals is very intuitive; your body knows and will be attracted to the crystals it needs. But, here are some great crystals to start with, to find healing:
1. Selenite
Selenite is a master cleansing crystal and can play a huge role in helping you release negative energy or unblocking chakras. It pairs really well with frankincense, lavender, eucalyptus, and clary sage.
2. Amethyst
Amethyst is known as a master healer and is believed to unblock the third eye chakra. The third eye chakra is associated with inner wisdom and intuition, and if this chakra is blocked, you might struggle to find the help you need and be able to discern your options.
Amethyst is also very soothing and balancing–if you feel peace when you look at it, you know it’s probably the right stone for you.
Amethyst pairs well with clove, frankincense, and lavender.
3. Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a beautiful blue and earth-toned gemstone that’s known for its clarifying influence on the mind, including migraines and headaches. It’s also used for PMS (particularly for hormonal headaches and migraines) and menstrual pain.
Lapis lazuli pairs well with rosemary, bergamot, eucalyptus, and frankincense.
4. Chrysocolla
Chrysocolla is a popular choice for joint pain (including arthritis). It also encourages self-forgiveness and compassion, and filters out judgment. I struggle to be kind and compassionate with my body when it’s hurting, so chrysocolla is one of my favorites to reach for.
You can pair chrysocolla with ylang ylang, helichrysum, and lavender.
5. Aquamarine
Aquamarine is incredible at soothing and beautiful to look at or hold. It can help you calm your anxiety over your pain, lower your stress levels, and center your being.
Pair aquamarine with chamomile.
6. Bloodstone
Ancient peoples instinctively looked to bloodstone for healing and pain relief, especially when it came to things like menstruation, fertility, childbirth, and menopause. Keep bloodstone nearby to help with symptoms during any of these periods.
Bloodstone also helps to unblock the root chakra, which can help release fear. It pairs well with clary sage.
7. Turquoise
Turquoise jewelry is so popular, there’s a good chance you already have some nearby! It’s gorgeous, but it’s also a really good choice for pain relief.
Turquoise’s blue-green color points to its ability to stimulate life and its calming, soothing presence. It’s also a very spiritual stone and can help you find meaning and purpose in your pain.
Pair turquoise with clove, frankincense, or rosemary.
How to Use Crystals for Physical Aches & Pains
There are lots of ways to use crystals (you can see our complete guide here), but one of our favorite ways is to use them with essential oils in a roller bottle.
You can use them inside the roller bottle, as the gemstone roller top, or both!
This essential oil and crystal pain relief chart PDF download shows which crystals pair well together. You can save or download the chart below, or click here to download your pdf!
Essential Oils & Crystals for Pain Relief Chart (PDF)
| Type of Pain | Essential Oils | Crystals |
| Muscle pain or soreness | Peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger, black pepper, marjoram, clove, helichrysum | Amethyst, chrysocolla, aquamarine |
| IBS/digestive pain | Peppermint, helichrysum, frankincense, ginger | Selenite, turquoise |
| Joint pain | Rosemary, frankincense, marjoram | Selenite, amethyst, chrysocolla |
| PMS, menstrual pain, or menopause symptoms | Clary sage, lavender, rosemary, clove | Bloodstone, amethyst, chrysocolla, lapis lazuli |
| Headaches, migraines | Peppermint, frankincense, rosemary | Selenite, lapis lazuli |
| Anti-inflammatory (for wound recovery, swelling, or overall pain relief) | Peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, helichrysum, frankincense | Turquoise, selenite, amethyst |
| Post-surgery recovery | Lavender, marjoram, chamomile | Aquamarine |
| Stress, anxiety, or insomnia due to pain | Lavender, bergamot, chamomile | Lapis lazuli, aquamarine, amethyst |
DIY Pain Relief Recipes
The best way to use essential oils for pain is to make a roller bottle.
Roller bottles help you get relief quickly, and they make it easy for you to use them frequently (consistent use is key when it comes to essential oils).
You can make a roller bottle with any of the single oils listed above, or make your own blend. Or, you can use any of the DIY recipes we’re sharing below!
You can use carrier oils like:
- Jojoba oil
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Vitamin E
- Rosehip oil
(Note: Here’s a great post on how to make your own essential oil roller bottle, and here’s a guide to using essential oils and crystals together.)
That Time of the Month Roller Bottle Blend
Roll this blend onto your lower abdomen and massage gently every day for a week before your period to help lessen painful cramps and regulate blood flow. This combination can also help with brain fog, fatigue, and hormonal ups and downs.
Plus, many of these oils (like ylang ylang and rose) are known for helping to nourish a woman’s overall health and wellbeing, including low libido or difficulty sleeping.
Note: This blend is extremely flexible. Feel free to omit oils you don’t have or don’t like.
- 5 drops clary sage
- 4 drops rosemary
- 3 drops marjoram
- 3 drops lavender
- 1 drop rose
- 1 drop bergamot
- 1 drop geranium
- 1 drop ylang ylang
Add oils to 10ml roller bottle and top off with carrier oil. Place roller ball on top, and shake gently to combine.
Pair with: Bloodstone, amethyst, chrysocolla, lapis lazuli
I Can Feel My Head and I Don’t Like It (Migraine Pain Relief) Roller Bottle Blend
This blend combines several of my favorite migraine-busters to bring huge relief. Roll this blend onto your temples (be REALLY careful around your eyes!), the base of your spine, or the back of your neck.
Inhale deeply. You’ll find the most support if you can use these oils as soon as you sense a migraine coming on; keep a roller bottle handy for this purpose!
- 5 drops frankincense
- 5 drops helichrysum
- 5 drops peppermint
Add oils to 10ml roller bottle and top off with carrier oil. Place roller ball on top, and shake gently to combine.
Pair with: Selenite, amethyst, chrysocolla
Oh My Aching Back (Sore Muscle Relief) Blend
This blend is great if you’re sore from a workout or a run or hike, or if you just woke up with a crick in your neck! The combination of oils means it goes on cool and then warms up, for a ton of relief. Roll it on several times until you feel better.
- 3 drops peppermint
- 3 drops eucalyptus
- 3 drops wintergreen
- 3 drops helichrysum
- 3 drops ylang ylang
- 3 drops chamomile
Add oils to 10ml roller bottle and top off with carrier oil. Place roller ball on top, and shake gently to combine.
Pair with: Amethyst, chrysocolla, aquamarine
Joint Oil (Arthritis and Pain in Joints) Blend
People with joint pain love this really soothing blend of essential oils. Rub directly on your aching joints several times a day for relief.
- 6 drops lavender
- 6 drops frankincense
- 6 drops juniper berry or cypress
Add oils to 10ml roller bottle and top off with carrier oil. Place roller ball on top, and shake gently to combine.
Pair with: Selenite, amethyst, chrysocolla
