Essential Oils for Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia symptoms include chronic, sporadic pain in various parts of the body and tender spots that may or may not change from time to time.  This condition is thought to be caused by problems in the way the brain responds to pain.  There may be a genetic factor involved.  Many medical tests may be done to rule out other diseases and pinpoint the diagnosis.  There is no cure for fibromyalgia symptoms.

Living with Fibromyalgia

The stress from chronic pain, fatigue from interrupted sleep and general anxiety about this condition can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.  There are many things you can do to take control and learn to live more comfortably with fibromyalgia.

With fibromyalgia you can have good days and bad days.  One way to have more good days is to stop working past your comfort zone.  Don’t overdo the housework or gardening or exercise.  Ask for help with tasks that are too much for you.  Moderate your exercise so it is mild and regular.  Take frequent rests when you are working.  Eat a healthy diet and keep hydrated.

Join a support group for fibromyalgia in your community or online.  It can be very helpful to talk with others who really understand what you are going through.  You may also learn some very valuable tips from others who share your fibromyalgia symptoms.  If there is no support group available to you, work to build your own support team among your friends and relatives.  Don’t forget your doctor.  Find a doctor who truly understands and wants to work with you to relieve your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Anxiety and Insomnia

Anxiety can cause insomnia and insomnia can cause anxiety.   Here are some ways to deal with both symptoms at once using essential oils.
Lavender is a calming scent and the essential oil of lavender has been used for many years to calm anxiety and promote sleep.  Mix two cups of Epsom salts with 5 drops each of lavender, chamomile and rose essential oils.  Use ½ cup of salts in a warm bath before bed.

Make a room spray using 5 to 20 drops of lavender oil in 2 to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle.  Using this mild and unobtrusive spray in your bedroom can be very effective when you find sleep elusive.

Easing Pain

Put one ounce of fresh rosemary into one pint of boiling water.  When cooled and strained, this liquid can be used two or three times a day on sore muscles.   An oil such as sesame or olive can be mixed with 4 drops each of rosemary and eucalyptus essential oil and used to massage the painful areas.

Adding two cups of apple cider vinegar to a bath is an old home remedy for muscle aches and pains.