13 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Postoperative Recovery

Herbal essential oils for postoperative recovery are a type of natural remedy that can aid in the healing process after surgery, reducing pain, inflammation, and stress.
These oils are derived from plants and have been used for centuries to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms associated with postoperative recovery.
Examples of herbal essential oils that can be beneficial for postoperative recovery include lavender oil, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, peppermint oil, which eases nausea and digestive issues, chamomile oil, which soothes and calms the mind and body, eucalyptus oil, which reduces inflammation and eases breathing, ginger oil, which alleviates nausea and digestive issues, and frankincense oil, which reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing.
By incorporating these oils into aromatherapy, massage, or topical applications, patients can experience reduced pain, improved mood, and accelerated recovery times.
According to "Heliyon", essential oils for postoperative recovery, specifically chamomile aromatherapy, when used in combination with oxygen therapy, may be more effective in reducing pain intensity in women following cesarean section surgery with spinal anesthesia compared to using either therapy alone.
Below there's a list of the 13 best herbal essential oils for postoperative recovery.
- 1. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 2. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 3. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 4. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
- 5. Curcuma longa essential oils
- 6. Melissa officinalis essential oils
- 7. Mentha x piperita essential oils
- 8. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
- 9. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
- 10. Valeriana officinalis essential oils
- 11. Salvia officinalis essential oils
- 12. Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils
- 13. Cinnamomum verum essential oils
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1. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils

Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been traditionally used to aid in the postoperative recovery process by reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and alleviating pain.
The sedative and analgesic properties of this herbal preparation are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system and reduce inflammation.
By reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being, Lavandula angustifolia essential oils can help to alleviate postoperative recovery ailments, such as nausea, insomnia, and muscle tension.
The benefits of using Lavandula angustifolia essential oils for postoperative recovery include improved mood, reduced risk of complications, and a faster return to normal activities.
Related Study
According to "Applied nursing research : ANR", Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, specifically through inhalation, have been found to reduce pain intensity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).
2. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils

Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils have been widely studied for their potential to aid in the postoperative recovery process, alleviating symptoms of nausea, pain, and fatigue.
The herbal preparation's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to the presence of bioactive constituents such as camphor, bornyl acetate, and borneol, help to reduce discomfort and promote relaxation.
By promoting the body's natural healing processes and reducing the risk of complications, Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils have been shown to facilitate a smoother and more comfortable recovery for patients.
The benefits of using these essential oils in postoperative care include reduced opioid use, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to the study published in "Planta medica", Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils may be beneficial for postoperative recovery by notably ameliorating adhesion scores and reducing inflammatory cytokines, oxidative factors, fibrosis, and angiogenesis biomarkers while increasing antioxidative factors.
3. Zingiber officinale essential oils

Zingiber officinale essential oils have been traditionally used to alleviate postoperative recovery ailments, such as nausea and vomiting, due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-emetic properties.
The herbal preparation's ability to help treat postoperative recovery ailments is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
These constituents help to reduce pain and inflammation, thereby alleviating the discomfort associated with postoperative recovery.
The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat postoperative recovery ailments include reduced recovery time, improved patient outcomes, and a lower risk of complications, making it a valuable adjunct to conventional medical treatments.
Related Study
According to the study published in "Anaesthesia", Zingiber officinale essential oils, or more specifically, ginger root, may be effective in reducing nausea and the administration of antiemetic after surgery.
4. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils

Eucalyptus globulus essential oils have been traditionally used to aid in the postoperative recovery process due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties.
The menthol and eucalyptol present in this essential oil help to reduce pain, swelling, and congestion, promoting a smoother recovery.
By reducing inflammation and relieving respiratory issues, Eucalyptus globulus essential oils can help alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation, making it easier for patients to recover from surgery.
The benefits of using Eucalyptus globulus essential oils in postoperative recovery include reduced pain, improved respiratory function, and faster recovery times, making it a valuable natural remedy in healthcare settings.
Related Study
According to "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", Eucalyptus globulus essential oils may aid in postoperative recovery by exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects and inhibiting hypersecretion of airway mucins.
5. Curcuma longa essential oils

Curcuma longa essential oils have been traditionally used to aid in the postoperative recovery process due to their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The bioactive constituents of Curcuma longa essential oils, including turmerones and ar-turmerone, help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, thereby promoting faster recovery.
By reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, Curcuma longa essential oils facilitate a smoother and more efficient postoperative recovery process.
The benefits of using Curcuma longa essential oils in postoperative recovery include reduced pain, minimized scarring, and accelerated healing, making it a valuable adjunctive therapy in modern medicine.
Related Study
According to "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Curcuma longa essential oils may have potential benefits for postoperative recovery due to its active ingredients and bioactivities that support wound healing.
6. Melissa officinalis essential oils

Melissa officinalis essential oils, also known as lemon balm, have been traditionally used to treat postoperative recovery ailments, such as nausea and stress.
The properties of Melissa officinalis essential oils, including its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it an effective treatment for postoperative recovery.
The bioactive constituents of Melissa officinalis essential oils, including rosmarinic acid, linalool, and limonene, contribute to its therapeutic effects by modulating the body's response to stress and inflammation.
The benefits of using Melissa officinalis essential oils to treat postoperative recovery ailments include reduced nausea, anxiety, and stress, as well as improved sleep quality and overall well-being.
7. Mentha x piperita essential oils

Mentha x piperita essential oils, also known as peppermint oil, have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of postoperative recovery, including nausea, pain, and anxiety.
The analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties of this herbal preparation help to treat postoperative recovery ailments by reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting relaxation.
The bioactive constituents of Mentha x piperita essential oils, including menthol, menthone, and limonene, contribute to its therapeutic effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, reducing muscle spasms, and modulating the nervous system.
The benefits of using Mentha x piperita essential oils for postoperative recovery include reduced recovery time, improved pain management, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry", Mentha x piperita essential oils may exhibit radioprotective properties to alleviate side effects of radiotherapy and support postoperative recovery in cancer patients.
8. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils

Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, also known as lemongrass essential oil, have been traditionally used to aid in the postoperative recovery process due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
The bioactive constituents of this oil, including citral, geraniol, and limonene, help to reduce pain, inflammation, and the risk of infection associated with surgical wounds.
This herbal preparation helps to treat postoperative recovery ailments by promoting wound healing, reducing the risk of complications, and alleviating symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
The benefits of using Cymbopogon citratus essential oils in postoperative recovery include reduced recovery time, improved wound outcomes, and a lower risk of complications, making it a valuable adjunct to conventional medical treatment.
9. Thymus vulgaris essential oils

Thymus vulgaris essential oils, also known as thyme oil, have been traditionally used to treat postoperative recovery ailments due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
The bioactive constituents of thyme oil, including thymol and carvacrol, help to reduce the risk of surgical site infections and promote wound healing by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
The benefits of using thymus vulgaris essential oils in postoperative recovery include reduced risk of complications, accelerated wound healing, and improved overall patient outcomes.
Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of thyme oil help to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it a valuable natural remedy for postoperative care.
Related Study
According to "Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)", Thymus vulgaris essential oils, with its properties as a spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant agent, may have potential benefits in supporting postoperative recovery.
10. Valeriana officinalis essential oils

Valeriana officinalis essential oils are widely used to treat postoperative recovery ailments due to their sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties, which help to alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and pain.
The bioactive constituents, including valerenic acid, valeranone, and isovaleranone, play a crucial role in modulating the nervous system, thereby promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation.
By reducing stress and promoting restful sleep, Valeriana officinalis essential oils help to accelerate the recovery process, making it an effective natural remedy for postoperative patients.
The benefits of using Valeriana officinalis essential oils include reduced pain, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall well-being, leading to a faster and more comfortable recovery.
Related Study
According to "World journal of plastic surgery", Valeriana officinalis essential oils for postoperative recovery, Valerian root extract, in comparison to its use in combination with turnip extract, has shown a significant decrease in pain score in the acute phase, suggesting its potential analgesic effects in postoperative recovery.
11. Salvia officinalis essential oils

Salvia officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to aid in the postoperative recovery process due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by reducing swelling and pain, preventing infection, and relaxing muscle spasms, thereby promoting a faster and smoother recovery.
The bioactive constituents of Salvia officinalis essential oils, including carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid, contribute to its therapeutic effects, with carnosic acid exhibiting potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The benefits of using Salvia officinalis essential oils for postoperative recovery include reduced recovery time, minimized risk of infection, and improved overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", Salvia officinalis essential oils for postoperative recovery may be beneficial as they can accelerate wound healing by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and antioxidant properties, ultimately promoting faster recovery and healing after surgery.
12. Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils

Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils, derived from the roots of the licorice plant, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in the treatment of postoperative recovery ailments.
These properties help to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, thus facilitating a smoother recovery process.
The bioactive constituents of Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils, including glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, play a crucial role in reducing pain and swelling, as well as promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
The benefits of using Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils to treat postoperative recovery ailments include reduced recovery time, minimized risk of complications, and improved overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences", Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils, which exhibited no cytotoxic effects and showed a 23.33% increase in the healing process of the cell line in an in vitro scratch assay, may have potential therapeutic benefits for postoperative recovery.
13. Cinnamomum verum essential oils

Cinnamomum verum essential oils have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are beneficial in treating the postoperative recovery ailment characterized by pain and swelling.
The bioactive constituents of Cinnamomum verum, such as cinnamaldehyde and linalool, contribute to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to alleviate postoperative pain and discomfort.
By reducing inflammation and modulating the nervous system, Cinnamomum verum essential oils help to promote a smooth and comfortable recovery after surgery.
The benefits of using Cinnamomum verum essential oils for postoperative recovery include reduced pain, minimized inflammation, and a shorter recovery time, making it a valuable natural remedy for postoperative care.