There are so many causes to back pain. If you were to talk to a person about backaches their causes would sound so different than yours might. Everything from arthritis to pregnancy can cause back pain. Using a liniment for back pain can be very beneficial. So many essential oils have pain relieving and anti inflammatory properties, which can definitely help with things like back pain. Most pain issues with the back can be linked to trained muscles in the lower back.
What is a liniment?
A liniment is a remedy that is used topically which can be oil based or liquid based. Liniments are typically good fo bruising, sprains and any type of pain. I personally prefer the liquid base since the alcohol is absorbed quicker into the skin carrying with it the benefits of the essential oils.
The different oils which can be used vary tremendously on the persons physical condition such as pregnancy or postpartum. Also depending on the severity of the back problem to see how strong a remedy should be. When I make liniments for my clients, I take into consideration which scents they will like, how severe their issues are and also what state they are in physically. You can use herbs or oils when making a liniment. It really is a preference on which you are most comfortable working with.
Pain Relieving Oils
Focusing on some pain relieving oils when making a liniment some ones to consider are:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Fir Needle
- Black Pepper
- Cypress
- Spearmint
When it comes to pregnancy, the oils to use would be completely different than the ones used during postpartum. Some gentler oils during pregnancy can still work great while staying safe within pregnancy oils. During the postpartum time, oils such as rosemary and eucalyptus can even be used to help with backache which have a cooling effect. If one has sciatica then other oils to help with nerve pain an relax the muscles should be considered such as valerian. This is where working with a qualified aromatherapist can come in handy.
Making Liniment
It is really easy to make a liniment. All you need is your choice of food grade alcohol such as vodka or you can even use Witch Hazel. If you are making an oil liniment you would choose the oil of your choice such as olive oil. You will also need a glass bottle or container. I usually use a 4 oz mason jar. The general rule is 1 teaspoon of your chosen oil or oil mix per 1/2 cup of alcohol. Here is all you need to do:
- Mix oils together
- Measure out 1 teaspoon and put into glass jar
- Fill with 1/2 cup of alcohol
- Close the jar tightly
- Shake really well
- Steep for 14 days
Do not use rubbing alcohol as it would irritate the mucous membranes as well as the skin. The best way to put this on during times of pregnancy or general backache is to put it on the cotton ball and rub the effected area. During the postpartum time, I tend to like using liniments in a wash cloth. Dipping the preferred wash clothe in warm water and then using a little bit of the liniment mix and put on the lower back. This forces the mother to sit down and take a break during the much needed time of rest and recovery.
If you need help figuring out which essential oils to use for your own particular situation, it might be helpful for you to do an aromatherapy consultation. That is one of the ways I help women reach their wellness goals. If you need more safety information about oils, start by picking up a FREE essential oil guide to get your started on how to use oils safely.
Click here for the FREE guide.
