Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, are an unfortunate side effect of too much pressure on a particular skin area for too long.

These are deep ulcers and generally form over bony areas of the body or areas with persistent irritation. This pressure restricts circulation and can lead to tissue death of the affected areas.

The best solution is early prevention for bedsores by turning and moving as much as possible.

In this instance, movement truly is medicine. And once again, “motion is lotion”.

Once these skin ailments have formed, you can use essential oils for bed sores to help increase circulation, improve cellular and tissue healing, prevent or mitigate infection, and relieve the pain associated with these ulcers.

Essential oils alone aren’t likely to be the only tool you need. Bedsores are graded in stages, and in stages two and above, you will likely need additional medical intervention.

The Best Essential Oils for Bedsores

Usually, essential oil recommendations are given in singles or combination oils. For bedsores, it is recommended that all of these oils be used in combination together.

In other words, use ALL of the below as your recipe. Each one brings its own advantage, and when combined create the maximum benefit for healing.

Here’s the ingredient list:

1. Myrrh essential oil

Myrrh helps disinfect wounds and bring relief sooner than later.

It goes without saying how important this is when you have what amounts to a type of skin infections. I also recommend it for treating skin boils.

Myrrh comes from a tree resin. As such, it can be sticky and slow pouring.

For this one my biggest tips is to try warming it up in your hands first before attempting to use.

2. Clove essential oil

This one is terrific for helping with blood flow and is a fast pain reliever.

Just like with skin chafing and essential oils, you want something that can help reduce that burning sensation right at the surface.

3. Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary stimulates healing and is therapeutic for the body’s tissues. It is also antimicrobial.

Think of this one as an accelerator. Using it will reduce the amount of time the bed sores will need to heal, and it does it 100% naturally.

4. Frankincense essential oil

I love this one because it acts as a mild pain reliever, and its monoterpenes make it a true restoring oil.

I use it for treating topical problems including everything from calming hives, reducing skin tags to getting a dry nose back to feeling normal again.

5. Tea Tree (Melaleuca) essential oil

This one is critical to use any time there is a disruption of the skin’s surface or similar tissue (I suggest it for things like canker sore pain).

Tea tree oil is a potent infection preventer when it comes to vulnerable open wounds on our bodies – learn more here.

Helpful Tips for Applying and Mixing Oils

Essential oils are super concentrated oils extracted from plants, and they make really good home remedies because they are such a powerful natural remedy to so many bodily issues.

Their strength and potency are imperative to their healing properties, but it also makes it vital for you to know a few points before beginning.

First of all, since these plant essences are so potent, you must use them properly and particularly dilute them properly. This is extremely important for bedsores as you could cause a chemical type burn and worsen the problem.

Next, know that essential oils and water don’t mix. Essential oils are hydrophobic, meaning they don’t mix well with water.

And using water to try and ease the sensation they cause on the skin will make matters worse. You want to use a carrier oil – like olive oil – if the feeling becomes uncomfortable.

Finally, know that the most effective way to use essential oils for bed sores is to use them diluted and topically. Let’s dig into how to do that below.

Essential Oil and Application Methods

As mentioned, for the best results, we will use the topical method to apply essential oils. I will give you the exact steps below.

But first, I want to remind you that for this ailment, we are going to combine all of these essential oils together. They work best when used synergistically.

Safety first! Make sure you dilute your essential oil and have a lovely plant-based oil nearby if your skin starts to get warm or irritated.

Wound Compress

It can’t be said enough, safety first! Make sure you have a plant-based oil nearby in case of skin irritation.

Compresses can help relieve pain, inflammation and prevent further irritation on their own. Adding essential oil works to supercharge these well-established effects. Here’s how to use them:

Add one tablespoon of carrier oil to a glass bowl.
Add 1-2 drops of each oil listed above, for a total of 5-10 drops of essential oil, and stir it around a bit.
Apply the oil to your gauze.
Use the oil-soaked gauze to apply pressure to the ulcer.
You can tape or wrap it in place until the following dressing change and then repeat.
Adding a bit of manuka honey to this can also assist in the wound healing process.

Spray

If you have bedsores, you are likely under medical care, and your provider may have a preferred wound compress they would like to use on you.

If so, this spray can be applied anytime the bedsore is exposed to air. Try using it during dressing changes or restroom breaks.

Use 1 cup of extra virgin organic olive oil in an amber glass spray bottle. Make sure it is the kind with the larger sprayer and not the finger pump. You could even use oils meant for cooking.
Add 2-4 drops of each of the five listed essential oils for a total of 10-20 drops of oil.
Swirl to incorporate.
Spray the wound each time it is open to the air.

Bedsores are challenging to treat because of poor circulation to the area of the wound. The best medicine for bedsores is frequent movement.

If you or a loved one is suffering from bedsores, utilizing essential oils with the help of your wound care team can help the skin to heal faster and with less chance of infection.