have a long history of use for reduction of pain and inflammation. For example, menthol, camphor and methyl salicylate, all compounds found in essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary camphor type, and Anti-Inflammatory & PainRelieving Essential Oils by Jimm Harrison | www.massagemag.com | September 2015 | MASSAGE Magazine | 45 wintergreen, are widely used in pain-relieving lotions, rubs and creams; these oils are responsible for the familiar sharp odors of many topical over-the-counter remedies for sports injuries and pain. Clove is a familiar odor in dentistry due to its use as an analgesic. Research studies, such as “Citral, a component of lemongrass oil, activates PPARα and γ and suppresses COX-2 expression” (Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2010), have found that essential oils and their components have an ability to inhibit compounds triggered by the body to induce inflammation and pain. It’s been suggested that analgesic essential oils, eucalyptus as an example, can affect both peripheral and central neural pathways. In several studies the action of essential oils was shown to effect the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, as well as expression of inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, thus inhibiting the expression or formation production of these pro-inflammatory mediators. Chemistry of essential oils Methyleugenol—found in clove, cinnamon leaf and bay laurel—and alpha-terpineol, found in ravensare, fir and Melaleuca quinquenervia viridiflora, have been reported, via research on rodents, to be central and peripheral neural depressants, respectively, which suggests they might act as anti-nociceptive (pain-blocking) agents. (There are, unfortunately, very few human studies that view the biological activity of essential oils.) Two compounds found in many anti-inflammatory essential oils are the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons humulene and caryophyllene. Some essential oils that contain one or both of these compounds are Helichrysum italicum, copaiba, black pepper and kunzea. The list of available anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving essential oils is extensive and allows for some diversity in action and fragrance. Geranial, an aldehyde compound with a distinct lemon fragrance, is an effective anti-inflammatory; the essential oil of lemongrass, high in geranial content, is an excellent anti-inflammatory oil. Another lemony aldehyde, citronellal, provides anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to Eucalyptus citriodora and citronella. Methyl salicylate, a well-known pain reliever, is used in many over-the-counter lotions and balms. Wintergreen and birch are good essential oil sources of this compound. Spearmint is a fragrantly uplifting, pain-relieving oil due to its carvone content. Choosing essential oils There is a long list of ideal essential oils in therapeutic practice for treatment of pain and inflammation. The criteria for choosing essential oils may be based on several parameters, including desired fragrance, availability and cost. Common essential oils used for pain are clove, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint and wintergreen. Here is a list of essential oils with proven antiinflammatory properties: • Balsam poplar: deep resiny, sweet and balsamic • Black pepper: spicy with a resinous, woody undertone • Copaiba: light, resinous, woody • Eucalyptus citriodora: lemongrassy and sweet green • Eucalyptus globulus: eucalyptus-like with fruity, leafy notes • German chamomile: herbaceous, hay-like with light, fruity notes • Katrafay: green-woody and mossy • Kunzea ambigua: fresh, with balsamic and spice undertones • Lemongrass: lemony and herbaceous • Myrrh: warm, sweet, resiny and balsamic Formulas The following blends are calculated, by drops, for use in a 1-ounce (30-milliliter) carrier base. Sore Muscle Relief 4 drops birch 11 drops katrafay 4 drops rosemary ct. camphor 11 drops spearmint Arthritis and Joint Pain 5 drops Eucalyptus citriodora 6 drops black pepper 5 drops kunzea 4 drops Melaleuca quinquenervia viridiflora 6 drops vetiver 3 drops wintergreen Inflammation 4 drops Eucalyptus globulus 6 drops German chamomile 4 drops ginger CO2 extract 3 drops peppermint 7 drops copaiba Soothing Bath Add drops to unscented soap or vodka carrier 8 drops frankincense 8 drops lavender 4 drops lemongrass 5 drops myrrh —Jimm Harrison 46 | MASSAGE Magazine | September 2015 | www.massagemag.com | • Patchouli: rich-earthy, woody and balsamic with slight animalistic notes • Tanacetum annuum: slightly sweet and fruity, with haylike undertones • Vetiver: earthy and smoky Several oils may be added to this list. Along with the essential oils, there are supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extracts, an alternate extraction of plant oils offering increased anti-inflammatory benefit; these include turmeric CO2 extract and ginger CO2 extract. These extracts contain compounds not available in essential oils, such as curcumin in turmeric CO2 extract and gingerol in ginger CO2 extract. Essential oils used topically Essential oils have a variety of application methods. A number of topical application options are appropriate and effective for dealing with pain and inflammation. Single essential oils or blends may be used during massage sessions, as spot treatments applied to areas of pain and inflammation, in body lotion or in