If you recently started a weight training program at home to lose weight or to strengthen your muscles after giving birth, you may experience stressed knee joints. Although your knees may eventually get used to the new exercise program, you can use massage oils to help ease the tension in them. Peppermint oil is one essential oil you can use alone, or you can add it to your bath water. Here's what you need to know about peppermint oil, its benefits and precautions.

Why Use Peppermint Oil for Your Knees?

Weight-lifting is an excellent way to get back your body's strength, but it can also create stress on your knees. Your knees help support the weight of your entire upper body, including your hips, spine and spine, when you walk, run or lift heavy objects. If you lift weights daily, you may experience swelling and inflammation in your knee joints until they get used to your workout regime. Peppermint oil may ease this discomfort and help your knee joints become stronger over time.

Many people use peppermint oil as a home-remedy for joint and muscle pain. The essential oil comes from the peppermint plant, which gives off a scent similar to menthol. Peppermint oil also produces a cooling sensation when applied directly to the skin over your knees. In addition, the oil's aroma may relax the tendons, ligaments and muscles that support both knees.

Where Can You Buy Peppermint Oil and How Do You Use It?

You can purchase the oil online, or you can get it quicker when you buy the oil directly from a natural herbal supplier in your local area. Your local massage therapists may offer peppermint oil to their clients as well.

Using peppermint oil as a home-massage remedy isn't difficult. The oil typically comes with a handy dropper that releases one drop of oil at a time. Some essential oil providers may recommend using one drop of peppermint oil when you first buy or use the product. Peppermint oil isn't diluted with water, which allows it to work faster on your sore knees.

After you have your oil, here's what you do:

• Take a soothing hot shower or bath after your strength-training sessions
• Place one drop of oil in your wet hands, then rub them together to heat up the oil
• Apply the oil directly to your wet or moist knees and massage gently
• Use light, circular motions with your hands and fingertips to avoid damaging the joints of your knees, or the skin on your knees

If you prefer to enjoy the soothing aroma of your peppermint oil, add a drop-full of the oil to your bath water and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. The scented water may alleviate stress and tension on the other muscles of your body, including your back, buttocks and hips. 

What Precautions Should You Take With Peppermint Oil?

If you plan to use peppermint oil as a natural flavoring for your food or as a nutritional supplement, there are some precautions you should be aware of before you do so. You can use peppermint oil in your food, beverages and desserts as a flavoring, but it's best to avoid doing so if you're nursing your baby. It could upset your baby's digestive system if you consume too much. You should speak with your doctor or a massage therapist for more information about using peppermint oil while breastfeeding.

In addition, if you experience skin irritation around your knees or anywhere else, stop using the product and consult with your physician. Do a skin test before applying the oil directly to your knees or using in your bath water. To do the skin test, drop a small amount of oil on a cotton swab, then dab the swab on a small area of skin anywhere on your arm. If you develop a rash, swelling or redness in your skin, discontinue using the oil. However, peppermint oil is considered a safe essential oil, so you may not experience any skin irritation when you use it.

For additional tips on how to ease your sore knees, consult with a professional massage therapist in your area.