Olive Oil for Muscle Pain: Benefits, Properties and How to Use It
Does using olive oil for muscle pain really work? Yes, believe it or not! Among the thousands of health benefits of olive oil is its anti-inflammatory power. This is great news for anyone suffering from joint pain, back pain or muscle knots, because the root cause of that discomfort is often inflammation.
In this post we talk about the analgesic properties of olive oil. We’ll tell you, among other things, which EVOO compounds help reduce inflammation and how to apply olive oil to sore muscles. Ready to dive in?
Is olive oil really useful for relieving muscle pain?
As we already explained in a previous article, olive oil helps prevent diseases: cardiovascular issues, neurodegenerative conditions… and even some types of cancer! And not only that: olive oil and its anti-inflammatory effect also work wonderfully for arthritis and inflammatory diseases.
That’s why we can confidently say that yes, using olive oil for muscle pain is very beneficial.
What is oleocanthal and why does it act like a natural ibuprofen?
One of the key compounds in EVOO that helps reduce inflammation is called oleocanthal. Sound familiar?
Oleocanthal is a substance with anti-inflammatory properties very similar to those of ibuprofen. This explains its ability to reduce inflammation and therefore muscle pain. It’s fantastic!
The discovery of oleocanthal happened, interestingly enough, during an olive oil tasting at a gastronomy conference in Sicily. Scientist Gary Beauchamp, on tasting an EVOO, noticed a stinging sensation in his throat very similar to what he had felt when taking liquid ibuprofen.
He decided to dig deeper and eventually discovered that the compound responsible for that sensation was a natural molecule they named oleocanthal, capable of inhibiting the production of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, in the same way non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do. Incredible, right?
Main benefits of olive oil for muscle pain
So, to sum up: what are the main benefits of olive oil for muscle pain?
Natural anti-inflammatory effect
First of all, olive oil contains oleocanthal, a powerful and 100% natural anti-inflammatory. And the less inflamed a muscle is, the less it will hurt!
It’s true that the amounts of oleocanthal in olive oil are not comparable to a therapeutic dose of ibuprofen, but regular consumption can have cumulative anti-inflammatory effects, especially if the oil is high quality and rich in this compound. Just like the oil from BelOleum!
Improved circulation and muscle relaxation
On the other hand, using olive oil for muscle massage is very useful to relieve built-up tension in our muscles, help us relax and improve local blood circulation.
Plus, as you know, this “liquid gold” has a smooth texture that’s perfect for massage, as it allows your hands to glide easily over the skin.
Hydration and nourishment of the skin when applied
And last but not least, applying oil to the skin is always beneficial for nourishing and hydrating it. Besides providing a soothing sensation, it helps improve the elasticity of our tissues. It’s all advantages!
How to use olive oil to relieve muscle pain
Massages with olive oil for muscle knots and contractures are always a good idea thanks to the multiple benefits that liquid gold offers for our muscles.
But how should you apply olive oil to sore muscles? Is there any trick to it? Let’s take a look!
Topical application: massage and preparation
For topical use, you have several options:
- You can use warm olive oil to relieve pain. Just heat it gently in a bain-marie (careful not to overheat it!) and apply it directly to the painful area, massaging gently with circular motions for at least 10 minutes, until it’s absorbed. If you like, you can then cover the area with a warm towel so it penetrates even better.
- You can also make a cream with aloe vera and olive oil, a wonderful combo that nourishes, repairs and hydrates the skin and prevents all kinds of damage. Just like EVOO, aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals. If you use this cream for a muscle massage, the benefits are multiplied!
And how can you prepare for your relaxing, anti-inflammatory massage? Nothing better than a good shower beforehand with a soap made with olive oil!
Frequency, amount and precautions
As for how often to apply olive oil topically for muscle pain, we recommend giving yourself these massages once or twice a day while the discomfort lasts.
You can also use it regularly right after doing sport. It’s fantastic for helping your muscles recover after an intense workout! In fact, this remedy is nothing new: it goes back to ancient Greece, where athletes would anoint themselves with oil before competing to protect their skin and prepare their muscles.
Of course, first test it on a small area of your skin to see how it reacts. And needless to say, you shouldn’t apply it to irritations, open wounds or burns.
You’ll see that using olive oil topically is very effective, but it’s even more so if you also consume it in your diet—especially if it’s a high-quality, premium extra virgin olive oil like the one we offer at BelOleum.
Regular consumption of our EVOO helps you fight inflammation from the inside, because it’s rich in oleocanthal and also in polyphenols, which reduce inflammatory markers that cause chronic muscle pain or tension.
And how much olive oil per day should you have? Ideally, around 4 to 5 tablespoons raw. And remember: they should be BelOleum!
Combinations with rosemary, ginger or turmeric
Another great way to benefit from olive oil for joint and muscle pain is to mix it with other natural ingredients. For example:
- You can combine olive oil and rosemary for muscle pain, as rosemary also has analgesic properties and boosts circulation. Simply infuse a few sprigs of fresh rosemary in olive oil for about half an hour. Let the mixture sit for a day and then use it for your massages.
- You can also use olive oil with ginger for inflammation. Mix one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger with two tablespoons of EVOO, heat it gently and apply when it’s lukewarm. And why not also add some fresh ginger and BelOleum olive oil to your soups, salads or teas?
- At the top of our list of home remedies with olive oil for muscle pain is the combination of EVOO with turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory. You can mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with two tablespoons of oil and apply it as an ointment. And if you like the taste of turmeric, you can blend it with our liquid gold and a pinch of black pepper to dress your dishes. It’s spectacular!
Now that you know everything olive oil can do for you… leave muscle pain behind in the best possible way: stick with BelOleum!
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