Are you frequently dealing with musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood issues? If yes, you may be dealing with fibromyalgia pain. It is complex and multifaceted, involving abnormalities in the central nervous system's processing of pain signals. The good news is that you can manage its symptoms with the help of lavender oil. We spoke to our expert Dr Santoshi Kurada, Co-Founder, Alleviate Pain Clinic, Bengaluru, who explained how lavender oil helps in treating fibromyalgia pain.
What Is Fibromyalgia Pain
According to StatPearls, fibromyalgia is a condition marked by persistent, widespread musculoskeletal discomfort. It is often accompanied by fatigue, cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms, and various somatic complaints.
Individuals with fibromyalgia experience increased sensitivity to pain, known as hyperalgesia, and an increased response to non-painful stimuli, termed allodynia. Also, factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances contribute to the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia.
Also Read: Fighting Fibromyalgia: Navigating Life With Invisible Pain
Lavender Oil For Fibromyalgia
Lavender contains various bioactive compounds, including linalool, linalyl acetate, and terpenes, which possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Here's how lavender oil may help in treating fibromyalgia pain:
Pain Relief
"Lavender oil has emerged as a promising adjunct in the treatment of fibromyalgia pain, offering immediate relief and short-term benefits. Its efficacy in reducing knee osteoarthritis-related pain has been noted, with notable decreases observed immediately post-treatment, persisting for up to a week", said Dr Kurada.
This oil exhibits analgesic properties that may help alleviate fibromyalgia pain. This oil can modulate pain perception by interacting with neurotransmitter pathways involved in pain processing, such as the opioid and serotonin systems.
A study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lavender oil massage significantly reduced pain intensity and improved quality of life in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Lavender oil contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and mitigate pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Muscle Relaxation
You can ease your muscle stiffness and tension with the help of lavender oil. It possesses muscle relaxant properties, which may help ease muscle pain and improve flexibility in individuals with fibromyalgia.
Improved Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are prevalent among individuals with fibromyalgia and can exacerbate pain and fatigue. Lavender oil has been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, thereby indirectly alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms.
Stress Reduction
Stress and anxiety often exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. Lavender oil has anxiolytic properties that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, potentially improving overall well-being in individuals with fibromyalgia.
"Moreover, the absence of adverse effects and the potential for ongoing benefits underscore its safety and utility. Additionally, lavender oil's capacity to alleviate pre-surgery stress and anxiety suggests its relevance for fibromyalgia patients who commonly experience these symptoms", said Dr Kurada.
How to Use Lavender Oil for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
There are several ways to add lavender oil into your fibromyalgia pain management regimen.
- Aromatherapy: Diffuse lavender oil in your home or workplace to create a calming atmosphere and promote relaxation.
- Massage: Dilute lavender oil with carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and massage it into sore or tender areas to alleviate muscle pain and tension.
- Topical Application: Apply diluted lavender oil directly to painful areas or add it to a warm bath to soothe achy muscles and joints.
- Inhalation: Inhale the aroma of lavender oil directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a tissue or pillow to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Precautions and Considerations
- Always dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin to avoid irritation or allergic reactions.
- Perform a patch test before using lavender oil topically to ensure you do not have a sensitivity or allergy to the oil.
- You should consult a healthcare professional before using lavender oil, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying medical conditions.