The following essential oil blends will cover headaches (be it from congestion, stress or lack of sleep) as well as sore aching muscles. For diffusers with the standard capacity, 100ml, use 4-5 drops of essential oils. For 200ml water capacity, you may use 6-9 drops. For topical applications, make sure to carry out a patch test first.

Cardamom + Orange + Coffee  

If you’re experiencing headaches from congestion or mental fatigue, definitely try out this unique blend. Both cardamom and coffee’s distinctive and contrasting scents blend well together to create an uplifting environment that supports respiratory health. Orange promotes relaxation without being too sedating, and also helps with seasonal allergies.

• 100ml water
  • 2 drops cardamom/orange
  • 2 drops coffee
• 200ml water
  • 3 drops cardamom
  • 3 drops orange
  • 2 drops coffee

*You can choose to omit either cardamom or coffee from the blend

Coffee essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help with aching muscles. To use topically, dilute adequately with carrier oil (please don’t use topically on children, diffusing is okay).

Copaiba + Frankincense + Sweet Marjoram

When applied topically, copaiba’s analgesic and carminative abilities can reduce pain for aching muscles and joints as well as abdominal discomfort. Frankincense can help with flatulence, swelling and cuts and scrapes if you have them. Sweet marjoram is a vasodilator, helping in relaxing with relaxing blood vessels and allowing for improved circulation.

Combine 2 drops of copaiba + 1 drop frankincense + 1 drop of sweet marjoram with 10ml carrier oil in a glass roller bottle and roll on areas of pain and discomfort. (2% dilution)

Alternately, you can also combine 1 tablespoon of carrier oil with 2 drops each of copaiba, frankincense and sweet marjoram and massage over areas of pain and discomfort. (2% dilution)

Sweet Basil + Anise Seed + Cedarwood

Sweet basil’s crisp and herbaceous scent has a soothing effect to headaches, breathing discomfort, congestion, fatigue and emotional distress. The sweet and subtly spicy anise seed helps to calm the nerves. Cedarwood with its woody scent with citrusy undertones helps to quiet down the mind and ease tension.

• 100ml water
  • 2 drops sweet basil/anise seed
  • 2 drops cedarwood
• 200ml water
  • 2 drops thyme
  • 3 drops anise seed
  • 3 drops cedarwood

*You can substitute basil with thyme

Sage + Rosemary + Lavender

Sage on its own can help to soothe and relax sore muscles. You can use sage alone via topical application, in a warm compress or in a massage blend. Rosemary has been long used for medical and health care purposes. It is brilliant for aching muscles and digestive discomfort. Lavender is great for muscle spasms, tensions and bug bites.

Combine 1 drops of sage + 1 drop rosemary + 2 drops lavender with 10ml carrier oil in a glass roller bottle and roll on areas of pain and discomfort. (2% dilution)

Alternately, you can also combine 1 tablespoon of carrier oil with 1-2 drops each of sage, rosemary and lavender and massage over areas of pain and discomfort. (1-2% dilution)

Ginger + Grapefruit + Peppermint

To soothe nausea, abdominal discomfort, congestion and low moods, definitely try out this blend. Ginger can be potentially irritating when applied topically, but you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits by diffusing the warm and spicy oil. Grapefruit, zesty and lively, helps fight off sluggishness. Peppermint facilitates easier breathing while energizing the senses.

• 100ml water
  • 2 drops ginger/peppermint
  • 2 drops grapefruit
• 200ml water
  • 3 drops ginger
  • 3 drops lemon
  • 3 drops spearmint

*You can substitute peppermint with spearmint, and grapefruit with other citrus oils

Read more about essential oils which have pain relieving properties and how to apply them.

A friendly reminder, the blends are meant to provide temporary assistance and they are not a permanent alternative if you suffer from chronic pain. It is better to be safe than sorry by asking for a second or third opinion from a qualified medical professional or aromatherapist, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have a medical condition.