Although the days of being hot and sweaty might be over, body odor can be a concern year-round. Likewise, muscle soreness after an intense workout isn’t confined to any particular season. Taiwanese aromatherapist Wei Chenjun recommends essential oil therapy to address both of these issues.

Commercially available muscle-fatigue relaxants, while potentially effective in relieving delayed-onset muscle soreness, may contain harmful chemicals. Although plant-based essential oils cannot wholly replace formal medical treatment, Wei believes they are always handy companions for quick muscle pain relief.

Essential Oils for Sports Enthusiasts

Wei recommends the following essential oils for active people and athletes.

Peppermint

The most common pain and soreness essential oil on the market is peppermint oil, taken from the oil sacs of peppermint leaves.

Wei says the cooling sensation of peppermint can effectively help reduce redness, swelling, heat, and pain during acute inflammation. It also has the effects of calming the nerves and relaxing, sedating, and strengthening the muscles.

Wintergreen

The mint-scented wintergreen essential oil, extracted from the leaves of creeping wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), contains methyl salicylate, has excellent soothing properties, and is widely used in pain ointments.

Wei said that wintergreen essential oil has a warm feeling and is suitable for use after the immediate acute period of sports injuries. Usually, immediately after an injury, the area is first treated with ice, and then heat is applied. At this time, the warming effect of wintergreen oil helps enhance muscle repair and effectively relieves long-term soreness.

Lavender

Lavender, well known for its sleep-inducing effect, also possesses nerve-relaxing properties and is suitable for soothing tight muscles after exercise.

Others

Three other common but overlooked essential oils that Wei says are effective for relieving muscle soreness are lemongrass, tea tree, and oregano oils.

• Lemongrass essential oil is an adversary of mosquitoes. It repels insects and helps expel lactic acid accumulated in the body.
• Tea tree essential oil is commonly used to prevent and treat acne. It relieves inflammation symptoms and relaxes tight muscles and bones.
• Oregano essential oil is an indispensable spice that also promotes muscle relaxation. Wei explained that oregano is often used to season steak because it can relax tendons and soften the meat, thus making the beef more tender. Oregano essential oil can achieve the same soothing effect when applied to stiff muscles.

How to Apply

Some commercial products contain camphor, which can cause allergic reactions and should be avoided by patients with acute hemolytic anemia, as it may cause respiratory distress in severe cases.

To reduce the skin’s exposure to unwanted chemicals, and because commercial formulas do not always mix well with other treatments, Wei suggests mixing your favorite essential oils, which can be applied in layers, with a carrier oil.

First, a carrier oil layer such as coconut or jojoba oil should be applied to the affected area to increase the spreadability of the essential oils. Then, rub one or two drops of the preferred essential oils on the affected area. Applying the essential oils in separate layers can help bring out the beneficial characteristics of each plant.

Wei recommends finishing the process with a touch of peppermint oil.

Deodorizing Smells

Essential oils can also be used to help dispel body odor.

Refreshing Spray

Mix 20 drops each of mint, rosemary, eucalyptus, and cypress, and for an extra boost, add some lavender essential oil. Put the mixture in an opaque glass spray bottle, and add some distilled water for body applications or 75 percent alcohol as a base for other uses. Then, swirl, and your freshener is ready to use.

This homemade combo can be sprayed directly onto sweaty parts of the body, on smelly shoes, or even in the air as an air freshener.

Lemon Oil

Wei also provided a simple way to deal with pungent shoe odors. Drip a few drops of lemon essential oil on a paper towel and put it in the shoe cabinet or the offending shoe to neutralize foul smells.

After-Sun Care

As for after-sun soothing, aloe vera is the best natural moisturizer. But it has a partner. Lavender can also relieve skin discomfort caused by sunburn.

Wei shared that you can add one or two drops of lavender essential oil to sliced ​​aloe vera and then apply it gently to sunburned skin. In place of aloe vera, you can use a carrier oil and apply the lavender and aloe directly to the skin. Repeating the treatment every two hours can help relieve discomfort for severe sunburns.