11 Essential Oils for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Essential Oils for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to Fight Physical and Mental Exhaustion!

If you are looking for the best essential oils for chronic fatigue syndrome, then you are at the right place!

We all feel tired or exhausted once in a while. Remember feeling exhausted after a long busy day at work or after doing some domestic chores at home?

Or NOT wanting to get out of bed in the morning because you went to bed late the previous night!

Occasional exhaustion is normal and usually goes away when you get the rest or sleep you need!

However, for people who have chronic fatigue syndrome, the fatigue can be perpetual and does NOT IMPROVE with rest.

They feel exhausted after every little mental or physical activity and this can negatively affect their general well-being.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is characterized by extreme exhaustion that cannot be explained or linked t any underlying medical condition.

This is why it is a very complicated condition that is also difficult to diagnose. Many tests have to be diminished to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.

Even though the cause is unknown, many sufferers develop CFS after viral infection. Before discussing the essential oils for chronic fatigue syndrome, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms!

Some of the symptoms of CFS include:

• Long-term daily exhaustion that does not improve with rest
• Headache
• Pain in the jaw
• Debilitating muscle pain and soreness
• Joint pain
• Enlarged and tender lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Insomnia
• Tiredness even after sleep
• Loss of concentration and memory
• Confusion

Best Essential Oils for Chronic Fatigue

#1. Geranium: Geranium regulates and calms the nervous system. It relieves anxiety, stress and agitation as well as help with muscular aches and pains relief. Geranium can be very stimulating, so avoid using it close to bed time.

#2. Chamomile: Its calming and soothing effects can help with the insomnia associated with CFS.

#3. Lavender: Lavender has calming and relaxing properties that help to relieve stress and tension, making it very helpful for relieving mental fatigue. It also aids sleep,

#4. Juniper Berry: Emotionally uplifting, boosts energy and vitality, soothes aches and pains.

#5. Helichrysum Italicum: Great for healing emotional wound, restoring balance to your spirit and calming inflammation.

#6. Cypress: calming and relaxing, great for relieving anxiety. It also boosts energy and stimulates the feeling of happiness and ease.

#7. Cedarwood: Relaxing as well as uplifting, cedawood also helps to soothe the nervous system. It also can offer strength when you are feeling weak or sick!

#8. Eucalyptus: A comforting EO that boosts energy, focus and mental motivation. It also soothes sore muscles, relieves headaches and eases overall aches and pains.

#9. Peppermint: Uplifting, energizing, helps to sharpen your mind and improve your focus. It is also helpful for sore muscles and joints.

#10. Cardamom: Warm, supportive, comforting, energizing and uplifting! Soothes and relieves muscular fatigue.

#11. Sweet Orange: Comforts and calms physical and emotional tension. It’s vibrant and uplifting aroma helps to put your mind and body at ease.

Other essential oils for chronic fatigue syndrome include niaouli, clary sage, lemon, marjoram, vetiver, basil and rosemary.

How to Use Essential Oils for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

How to use essential oils for CFS depends on the symptoms you want to target. People experience CFS differently, but there are four symptoms that most sufferers experience that can be relieved with essential oils. These are muscular fatigue, insomnia, depression and memory loss.

Safety First When Using Essential Oils

If you have never used a certain essential oil it is important to do a skin patch test prior to topically using! See my sections on topical use and other essential oil safety concerns:

• 8 Essential Oil Dangers and Risks
• How to Dilute Essential Oils for Topical Use
• Essential Oils that are Safe for Kids
• Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

Here are 3 blend recipes to help with these symptoms:

Essential Oil Blend Recipe for Muscular Fatigue

• 2 drops cypress
• 8 drops sweet orange
• 10 drops cardamom
• 5 drops niaouli
• 6 drops Eucalyptus
• 3 drops peppermint

Directions

Blend the oils in a glass bottle. Then dilute 3-5 drops in a 5 ml of carrier oil.  You can use the blend to massage the aching area or just apply on the soles of your feet.

Insomnia Blend for CFS

If you are tired, but cannot sleep, then this blend may be what you need!

• 6 drops marjoram
• 2 drops vetiver
• 4 drops clary sage
• 2 drops lemon
• 2 drops basil
• 9 drops sweet orange

Directions

Blend the oils together in a glass bottle. Add 1-2 drops of the blend on a tissue and inhale or add 3-5 drops to a room diffuser.

You can also add 4 drops (diluted) into your bath water. Or add 2-3 drops to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and rub a small amount of this diluted blend on your chest and back.

Memory and Concentration Essential Oil Blend for Mental Fatigue

Most CFS sufferers experience foggy brain (a sign of metal fatigue), which makes it difficult for them to think straight or remember things.

This can be very frustrating, but there are essential oils that can help defog your brain and improve your memory and concentration!

Here is a blend recipe you can try!

• 8 drops basil
• 10 drops grapefruit
• 7 drops peppermint
• 5 drops rosemary

Direction

Blend the oils together in a bottle. Add 1-2 drops on a tissue and inhale or you can inhale directly from the bottle.

Difference Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Adrenal Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome is NOT the same as adrenal fatigue, even though a lot of people actually think that they are. Yes, both conditions are characterized by persistent feeling of exhaustion.

However, while the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown and is most often triggered by viral infection, adrenal fatigue is caused by intense chronic stress. Adrenal exhaustion is caused by the inability of the adrenals to handle intense prolonged stress.

Chronic fatigue can occur suddenly after a viral infection, while adrenal fatigues takes long to develop.

While exercise can help relieve adrenal exhaustion, it actually makes chronic fatigue worse.

Some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue that are not part of adrenal fatigue, chronic sore throat, swollen and tender lymph nodes, joint pains and sore muscles.

It is also important to note that chronic fatigue surfers may go on to develop adrenal exhaustion.

Other Natural Ways to Relieve Chronic Fatigue

• Relax – Stress depletes energy, so finding ways to relax is very vital to reducing stress (this post discusses natural ways to reduce stress). Get enough sleep, rest well and take things easy – one day at a time!
• Diet – Eat clean, avoid packaged/processed foods and opt for more of fresh foods. Cooking your meals from scratch is always better as it will help you avoid ingredients that are not good for you.
• Caffeine – Resist the urge to use caffeine to boost your energy as that will make matters worse. After the energy bust comes the terrible “crash”.
• Vitamins/Minerals – Ensure you are not deficient in any vitamin or mineral. If you are, then upping your vitamin/mineral intake could be very helpful

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose or treat any disease. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.

Recipes from: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood