Natural Support for Pain

Addressing Pain with Herbs, Essential Oils & Carrier Oils

Pain may be part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to hold you back!

Pain is part of life, but that does not mean we must suffer without support. Whether it’s a sore neck after a long day in front of the computer, achy joints from arthritis, or nerve pain that flares without warning, there are natural ways to ease discomfort.

I often get asked what herbs or oils are good for pain, and the honest answer is: it depends. Different types of pain need different approaches. A tension headache isn’t the same as arthritis in the knees, gout in the foot, or pulled muscles in the back. The good news is that with the right herbal allies, essential oils, and nourishing carriers, you can put together targeted blends that meet your body where it hurts.

Let’s walk through the common types of pain and explore simple, effective ways to work with them, naturally and safely. I have listed a few herbs and oils that are helpful for each type of pain, but these are by no means exhaustive lists, just a starting point.

Understanding Pain

Pain can be categorized as acute (short-term, often from injury) or chronic (persistent, often from inflammation or nerve damage). It can be sharp, dull, tight, tingling, or throbbing—sometimes all at once. Pain might come from inflammation (swollen joints), muscle tension (tight shoulders), or nerve irritation (burning or zapping sensations). Understanding the root cause helps you choose remedies that provide real support.

Here are six common pain types addressed below:

• Headaches & Tension

• Muscle Aches & Soreness

• Joint Pain & Arthritis

• Nerve Pain

• Cramps & Menstrual Pain

• Gout

Jump to the recipes

willow tree by the water

Headaches & Tension

Headaches can arise from a variety of causes—stress, dehydration, hormonal shifts, muscular tension, or sinus congestion. While conventional pain relievers may offer temporary relief, many people turn to natural options for long-term support that aligns with the body’s rhythms.

Herbs

• White willow bark (Salix alba): Natural source of salicin, supporting inflammation relief; avoid if allergic to aspirin

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):  Linalool relaxes the nervous system and eases tension

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosmarinic acid enhances circulation, helpful for tension or sinus headaches

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): Contains parthenolide, which may reduce migraine frequency and tension by calming inflammation

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Rich in apigenin, it promotes relaxation to ease stress-related headaches

• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): Calms nervous tension, ideal for headaches tied to anxiety or overwork

  
  

Essential Oils

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Menthol provides a cooling sensation, relieving tension and migraine pain

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Linalool and linalyl acetate soothe stress and promote calm, easing tension headaches

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Camphor and 1,8-cineole boost circulation, relieving tension and improving focus

• Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Contains eugenol, which supports muscle relaxation and reduces head tension

  
  

Carrier Oils

• Apricot kernel oil: Gentle, light, ideal for temples and forehead

• Jojoba oil: Lightweight and non-greasy, mimics skin’s natural oils for smooth application

hops

Muscle Aches & Soreness

Muscle soreness can occur after physical activity or due to poor posture. Thankfully, several natural remedies can help ease the discomfort of achy, tight, or stiff muscles.

Herbs

• Hops (Humulus lupulus): Humulone and lupulone relax muscles and calm tension, ideal for stress-related soreness

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Potassium and anti-inflammatory compounds support muscle recovery by reducing inflammation

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Sesquiterpenes and flavonoids reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing, great for strained muscles

• Arnica (Arnica montana): Topical use reduces bruising and muscle soreness by improving circulation

• Cayenne (Capsicum annuum): Capsaicin blocks pain signals and warms muscles, boosting blood flow

• Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): Allantoin soothes tissue, ideal for topical muscle relief (avoid open wounds)

  
  

Essential Oils

• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Boswellic acids support inflammation relief, reducing muscle soreness and stiffness

• Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis): Beta-caryophyllene mimics cannabinoids, calming muscle discomfort, and promoting relaxation

• Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Linalool and terpinen-4-ol relax tight muscles and ease spasms

• Black pepper (Piper nigrum): Piperine warms and stimulates circulation, relieving soreness

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): 1,8-cineole cools and supports inflammation relief for overworked muscles

  
  

Carrier Oils

• Grapeseed oil: Lightweight, anti-inflammatory, perfect for inflamed or oily skin

• Castor oil: Ricinoleic acid penetrates deeply, supporting inflammation relief and muscle relaxation

pain-soothing ginger-mint lemonade

Joint Pain & Arthritis

Tension often builds up in response to stress and can lead to both physical and emotional discomfort. Arthritis can involve stiffness, swelling, and pain in joints, worsened by cold or movement. Properly addressing this tension can restore balance and promote well-being.

Herbs

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thymol supports inflammation relief and muscle relaxation, easing arthritic joint pain

• Nettle (Urtica dioica): Anti-inflammatory compounds and minerals reduce swelling and support joint health

• Pine resin (Pinus spp.): Terpenes like pinene provide warming, anti-inflammatory effects, soothing stiff joints topically

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin reduces inflammation, easing arthritic swelling and pain

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Gingerols warm joints and support inflammation relief, improving mobility

• White willow bark (Salix alba): Salicin supports pain relief, but avoid if allergic to aspirin

  
  

Essential Oils

• Juniper berry (Juniperus communis): Terpinen-4-ol supports detoxification and inflammation relief, easing joint pain

• Lemon (Citrus limon): Limonene promotes circulation and reduces inflammation, refreshing stiff joints

• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): Sesquiterpenes support inflammation relief and tissue repair, ideal for chronic joint pain

• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Boswellic acids support inflammation relief, soothing joint stiffness

• Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis): Beta-caryophyllene mimics cannabinoids, calming joint discomfort

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Camphor and 1,8-cineole boost circulation, easing joint pain

Carrier Oils

• Kombo butter: Deeply anti-inflammatory, penetrates well for inflamed joints

• Coconut oil: Nourishing and supportive of inflammation relief, with a smooth texture

St. John's wort

Nerve Pain

Tingling, burning, shooting pain—often chronic and difficult to treat.

Herbs

• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Eugenol and adaptogenic compounds calm nerve irritation and stress-related pain

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Rosmarinic acid soothes nerve tension, easing tingling or burning sensations

• Linden (Tilia spp.): Flavonoids and volatile oils relax the nervous system, reducing stress-induced nerve discomfort

• St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum): Hypericin and hyperforin soothe nerve irritation when used topically

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): Flavonoids calm overactive nerves, reducing tingling sensations

• California poppy (Eschscholzia californica): Alkaloids provide mild analgesic support for nerve discomfort

  
  

Essential Oils

• Black pepper (Piper nigrum): Piperine warms and stimulates circulation, reducing nerve pain and stiffness

• Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata): Linalool and benzyl acetate promote relaxation, calming nerve-related tension

• Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum): Neryl acetate supports nerve regeneration and reduces pain

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Linalool calms nerve irritation and promotes relaxation

• German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Bisabolol supports inflammation relief, soothing nerve-related discomfort

Carrier Oils

• Hemp seed oil: Light and anti-inflammatory, ideal for sensitive, irritated skin

• Apricot kernel oil: Gentle and balanced, supports absorption for sensitive skin

raspberry plant

Cramps & Menstrual Pain

Sharp, achy, or deep cramping in the lower abdomen during menstruation or spasms in other muscles from fatigue, dehydration, or overuse.

Herbs

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Gingerols relax smooth muscles and reduce inflammation, easing uterine spasms

• Wood betony (Stachys officinalis): Glycosides calm muscle tension and nervous irritation, supporting cramp relief

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Anethole acts as an antispasmodic, soothing uterine contractions and digestive discomfort (Avoid fennel if pregnant or breastfeeding)

• Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus): Viburnin relaxes uterine muscles, easing spasms

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Apigenin calms muscle spasms and promotes relaxation

• Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus): Flavonoids support uterine tone, reducing cramp intensity

  
  

Essential Oils

• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata): Limonene and gamma-terpinene promote relaxation and reduce muscle spasms, uplifting during cramps

• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin): Patchoulol supports inflammation relief and calms muscle tension, grounding the body

• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea): Sclareol supports hormone balance, relieving menstrual cramps

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Linalool relaxes muscles and eases tension

• Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Terpinen-4-ol warms and soothes cramping muscles

Carrier Oils

• Apricot kernel oil: Gentle and balanced, perfect for sensitive abdominal skin

• Castor oil: Ricinoleic acid penetrates deeply, supporting cramp relief

fresh corn silk on the cob

Gout

Intense, throbbing pain and swelling, often in the big toe or other joints, caused by uric acid buildup.

Herbs

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Rosmarinic acid reduces inflammation and calms nervous tension, supporting gout pain relief

• Corn silk (Zea mays): Flavonoids and potassium promote diuresis, aiding uric acid excretion to reduce gout flares

• Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria): Salicylates provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, but avoid if allergic to aspirin

• Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus): Anthocyanins and antioxidants reduce inflammation and support joint health

• Nettle (Urtica dioica): Uric acid-binding compounds support elimination, reducing gout flares (internal use)

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin supports inflammation relief, easing joint swelling.

• Celery seed (Apium graveolens): 3-n-butylphthalide supports uric acid excretion, but use cautiously (avoid in pregnancy)

Essential Oils

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Camphor and 1,8-cineole boost circulation and reduce inflammation, easing joint pain

• Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum): Eugenol supports inflammation relief and muscle relaxation, soothing gout discomfort

• Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata): Linalool and benzyl acetate promote relaxation, calming nerve-related tension

• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Boswellic acids support inflammation relief, reducing gout pain

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Menthol cools and relieves throbbing joint pain

• Juniper berry (Juniperus communis): Terpinen-4-ol supports detoxification, aiding uric acid clearance

Carrier Oils

• Kombo butter: Deeply anti-inflammatory, penetrates well for inflamed joints

• Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory, supports joint comfort

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and trust. Thank you for supporting Clover Ridge Herbs.

Recipes

Willow Bark Tincture (Headaches, Joint Pain, Cramps)

• dried white willow bark

• 80–100 proof vodka or Everclear

Fill a mason jar about half full with willow bark, then top off with alcohol up to the shoulder of the jar. Place the lid on, and allow to infuse for about four weeks.

Use: 1–3 dropperfuls every 4 hours as needed for aches, cramps, arthritis, or headaches

Note: Contains salicylates; use caution if on blood thinners, avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sinus Headache Inhaler

• 7 drops lavender

• 5 drops peppermint

• 2 drops rosemary

• personal aromatherapy inhaler

Place essential oil drops onto the cotton wick, place the wick in the inhaler, and snap on the bottom cap. Label. Unscrew the top and inhale as needed for relief. Use cautiously in those with asthma or respiratory sensitivities. Not for children under the age of 10.

Ache Away Soak

• 1 part hops

• 1 part calendula

• 1 part Epsom salt

Mix herbs and salt together, and store in an airtight glass container. Fill a muslin bag with the blend and toss it into the bathtub as it is filling with water (alternatively, use as a foot soak). Soak for 15-30 minutes

Arnica-Comfrey Recovery Oil (Muscle Aches, Joint Pain)

• 2 Tbsp dried arnica flowers

• 2 Tbsp dried comfrey leaves

• apricot or almond oil

In a 4-oz jar, add the dried herbs and top off with carrier oil. Place the lid securely on the jar, and shake. Allow to infuse for about 4 weeks, with periodic shaking. Strain off the herbs. Use this oil as a massage oil, or use beeswax to create a pain-relieving salve. Do not use on open wounds or broken skin.

Pain-Away Roll-On (3% dilution)

• 3 drops frankincense

• 2 drops copaiba

• 1 drop sweet marjoram

• 10 ml grapeseed oil or Arnica-Comfrey Recovery Oil

• roller bottle

Place essential oil drops into the roller bottle, add carrier oil up to the shoulder, snap in the roller cap, and shake gently. Be sure to label the bottle. Shake gently before each use, then roll over sore muscles as needed. Do not use on open wounds or broken skin.

Lemon Ginger Salve (Joint Pain, Cramps)

• 4 Tbsp cut and dried ginger

• 4 oz coconut oil

• 1 oz beeswax

• 20 drops lemon essential oil

In a 4-oz jar, add the coconut oil and heat over low heat in a double boiler to melt the coconut oil. Once soft, add in the dried ginger. Allow to warm over low heat for 4-6 hours. Strain out the ginger, and return the infused coconut oil to the double boiler, adding in the beeswax. Heat until the beeswax is melted, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before blending in the lemon essential oil. Pour into salve tins or small jars. Be sure to label.

Nerve Tea

• 1 Tbsp dried tulsi

• 1 Tbsp dried lemon balm

• 1 Tbsp dried linden

• 1 tsp dried lemon peel

• 1 tsp dried ginger

Adjust amounts per your preferences. Blend together and store in an airtight container. Use 2-3 tsp per 8oz of hot water, steeping covered for 10-15 minutes to create a nerve-soothing tea. Can be enjoyed daily, but if on medications, check with your provider first.

Gout Relief Tea

• 1 Tbsp dried nettle leaves

• 1 Tbsp dried corn silk

• 1 Tbsp dried lemon balm

• 1 tsp dried lemon peel

Adjust amounts per your preferences. Blend together and store in an airtight container. Use 2-3 tsp per 8oz of hot water, steeping covered for 10-15 minutes to create a soothing, anti-inflammatory tea. Can be enjoyed daily, but if on medications, check with your provider first.

Taking a walk in the woods can be very therapeutic

Where to Start

New to herbal remedies? Begin with easy-to-find ingredients like dried herbs (lavender, ginger, chamomile), essential oils (lavender, peppermint), and carrier oils (coconut, olive) from trusted suppliers. Tools like mason jars, muslin bags (reusable cloth pouches for bath herbs), and personal aromatherapy inhalers are simple to use. It's a good idea to patch-test new herbs and oils, and consult a healthcare provider if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications.

Realistic Goals

Herbs and oils can support comfort and healing, but may not fully resolve chronic pain or gout flares. Pair with rest, hydration, and professional medical advice as needed.

Pair remedies with lifestyle habits:

• Hydration: Drink water (sodas don't count as water, and their pro-inflammatory ingredient make things worse)

• Heat/Cold: Use a heating pad with Lemon Ginger Salve for cramps or joints, or ice for acute muscle soreness

• Rest: Prioritize sleep, keep a nightly relaxation routine, and go to bed at the same time every night

• Movement: Gentle movements complement Pain-Away Roll-On for muscle relief

• Always seek professional medical advice for persistent pain

Final Thoughts

Don’t let pain ruin your day! God has supplied us with the tools to find relief. With provisions of herbs and oils, we can craft simple, natural remedies like Gout Relief Tea for flares, Sinus Headache Inhaler for throbbing pain, or Pain-Away Roll-On for sore muscles. Pick a recipe, start small, and share your creations in the comments.