Aromatherapy for Fibromyalgia Related Symptoms

Mar 10, 2011
Amy Clare Macdonald

Essential Oils Can Help Fibromyalgia Related Pain - Amy Clare Macdonald

Dysmenorrhea, anxiety and depression are commonly reported by sufferers of fibromyalgia. Research suggests that aromatherapy can help.

Dysmenorrhea, depression and anxiety are common symptoms and triggers in the pain syndrome fibromyalgia. Several studies indicate that aromatherapy can be helpful in the treatment of such symptoms as a complimentary and alternative therapy.

Supporting Research for Aromatherapy as a Treatment

Much of the research over the past five years has been consistent in reporting aromatherapy as a beneficial complimentary therapy.

A 2006 study into the effects of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea found that the topical use of the oils lavender, rose and clary sage is effective in decreasing the severity of menstrual cramps (Han, S, Hur, M, Buckle, J, Choi, J, & Lee, M, 2006).

A 2009 review of 2000 - 2008 studies on using essential oils for patients with depression or depressive symptoms concluded that some studies showed there were positive effects and recommended aromatherapy be used as a complimentary and alternative therapy (Yim, V, Ng, A, Tsang, H, & Leung, A, 2009)

A 2011 review 1990 - 2010 studies on the anxiolytic effects of aromatherapy in people with anxiety symptoms revealed that the studies reviewed indicated positive effects to quell anxiety. The study recommended aromatherapy be applied as a complimentary therapy to people with anxiety symptoms (Lee, Y.L, Wu, Y, Tsang H.W, Leung A.Y, & Cheung W.M, 2011).

Essential Oils Useful for Fibromyalgia

The following is a list of essential oils whose therapeutic properties relate to dysmenorrhea, depression, anxiety and other fibromyalgia symptoms such as fatigue, inflammation, spasm, insomnia, circulatory problems, memory problems and tension.

Basil: fatigue, anxiety and depression. Use sparingly and avoid during pregnancy.
Bay: soothes rheumatic aches and pains.
Chamomile: anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, relieves mentrual problems and rheumatism.
Cinnamon: useful for fatigue and depression. Advised to use in low doses.
Eucalyptus: anti-inflammatory and head clearing qualities. Useful for rheumatism.
Frankincense: aids concentration.
Geranium: eases nervous tension and depression.
Jasmine: a mood enhancer. Soothes menstrual cramps.
Lavender: balances nerves and emotions.
Marjoram: helps relieve spasms. Do not use during pregnancy or in high doses.
Melissa: uplifting and calming.
Neroli: anti-depressent properties, helps combat insomnia and PMT.
Orange: relieves anxiety and depression.
Patchouli: relieves anxiety and depression, uplifting properties.
Pine: relieves arthritis.
Rose: mood enhancer, good for circulatory problems, mental fatigue and menstrual problems.
Rosemary: good for memory and circulation.
Sage (and Clary Sage): useful for regulating menstrution, helps relieve arthritis. Use in low doses, avoid if you have epilepsy or are pregnant.
Sandalwood: relieves tension and depression, anti-spasmodic.
Thyme: relieves fatigue, anxiety and rheumatism.
Ylang ylang: useful for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Use sparingly.

Always use 100% essential oils. Synthetic oils can cause more harm than good. Synthetic oils do not have the same healing properites as their essential counterpart. The only exception is for rose, jasmine or chamomile oil, which are all very expensive and are diluted in a carrier oil. Even though they are diuluted they should still be diluted from a 100% essential oil (Chapman, 1998).

Tips to get Started With Aromatherapy

If you have never dabbled in aromatherapy before, here are a few tips to get you started.

You will need:

Oil burner: make sure the water dish is either ceramic or stainless steel. A porous material will aborb the smells of the essential oils, which is what you don't want!
Tea light candles: beeswax ones are the best, however any kind are fine
Essential Oils: again, make sure they are 100% essential oils. Store them in a cool dry place away from heat and sunlight.

Once you have the tools you need and have the oils you have decided will work for you simply fill the oil burner dish with water and set a lit tea candle underneath. Once the water has warmed add a combination of 6 drops. The scent will gradually fill the air and remain for as long as the candle burns.

Aromatherapy can be a relaxing and uplifting way to soothes many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is easy and relatively cost effective compared to more expensive and inaccessible treatments.

Have fun experimenting with different scents and discover the benefits for youself.