What Are the Purported Benefits and Uses of PanAway Essential Oil?

For millennia, concentrated plant extracts known as essential oils have been utilized in remedies, perfumes, and rituals. With nearly 400 distinct essential oils derived from flora worldwide, determining which ones suit your needs can be overwhelming.

To simplify selection, some brands produce blended essential oil formulations aimed at particular concerns. PanAway is one such blend, promoted for easing muscle soreness and discomfort. Yet, at present there’s no peer-reviewed evidence to substantiate the manufacturer’s promotional assertions.

Below, we examine the principal components of PanAway oil, the claimed effects and applications, and alternative essential oils that may offer comparable benefits.

What is PanAway oil?

PanAway is a blended essential oil product sold by Young Living. Its composition includes these essential oils:

• wintergreen
• clove
• helichrysum
• peppermint

Claimed benefits and uses of PanAway oil

PanAway is intended for topical use to help relieve achy muscles following exercise or physical exertion. It is also promoted as a topical that can calm the skin and enhance its look. Nonetheless, clinical research validating these claims is lacking.

Precautions

Because some ingredients may increase photosensitivity, avoid direct sun exposure and UV light for as long as 12 hours after applying PanAway to the skin.

Can you make your own PanAway blend?

Since PanAway is a mixture of essential oils, you can recreate a similar blend by combining the listed ingredients yourself. You’ll need to adjust and test the proportions of each oil to match the desired scent and strength.

Alternatively, consider using single, pure essential oils that have evidence supporting their use for muscle discomfort and skin care. The next sections describe several such oils and what they may offer.

Essential oils for sore muscles

A variety of essential oils are commonly used to ease sore muscles. Some are also applied for joint discomfort and inflammatory issues linked with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Best practices for essential oils

Before experimenting with essential oils, follow these safety guidelines:

• Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (for example, coconut or jojoba) before applying them to skin.
• Conduct a patch test: apply a small amount to a discreet area and wait 24 hours to check for irritation.
• Many essential oils are toxic if swallowed — do not ingest them and keep them away from children and pets.
• Choose pure essential oils from trusted suppliers.
• Consult your physician to ensure a chosen oil won’t interact with any medications you take.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint is often recommended for reducing inflammation. It naturally contains menthol and limonene, compounds that can support healing. The oil may also help with muscle spasms, and some research  indicates potential benefit for headaches.

Peppermint oil exhibits anti-inflammatory , analgesic, antimicrobial , and antiseptic qualities. However, it can cause side effects like heartburn or nausea and may interact with certain drugs.

Orange oil

Orange essential oil is another option for addressing inflammation. It contains natural antioxidants but can also induce photosensitivity, so avoid applying it to exposed skin before sun exposure.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil comprises constituents such as cineole, aromadendrene, limonene, terpinene, cymene, phellandrene, and pinene. These components are thought to aid with headaches  and may also ease muscle and joint discomfort.

Eucalyptus has demonstrated antioxidant  activity and anti-inflammatory effects.

Lavender oil

Lavender shares some properties with eucalyptus and may relieve general aches and pains. It’s also believed to help ease headaches.

Essential oils for skin care

If your goal is to calm the skin and improve its appearance, several essential oils may help.

Lemon oil

Lemon essential oil  contains antioxidants that can refresh and brighten lackluster skin. It also offers antiseptic, astringent, and detoxifying properties  that may reduce blemishes linked to oily skin.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is often used to address oily skin. Tea tree extracts have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, and immune-stimulating attributes.

Clary sage oil

Clary sage essential oil is another option to consider — it may help with acne, fine lines, and even the appearance of cellulite.

Precautions

Exercise caution with any essential oils you try. These products are not strictly regulated, making it hard to know the precise concentrations of active constituents in each bottle.

You could be allergic to certain components, and oils can interact with prescription medications.

Always follow label instructions, store oils safely, and discontinue use if you develop a rash or other adverse skin reaction.

If an adult or child accidentally swallows an essential oil or a product containing one, seek medical care immediately.

Key takeaways

PanAway is marketed as a topical blend intended to relieve muscle discomfort and soothe skin, but there’s no scientific research confirming these specific claims.

As alternatives, single essential oils with some supporting research — such as lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree — may be useful for muscle soreness and skin issues.

Use essential oils responsibly:

• Conduct a patch test before widespread use to check for allergic responses.
• Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure the oil won’t interfere with your medications.
• Keep oils stored securely out of reach of children and pets.