Herbal Massage Oils Recipe Summary
Important note: Below we’ve provided recipes and a list of herbs that we’ve used in the past… But you must consult with your doctor and do thorough research before attempting to use them or make them for yourself. We are not medical professionals and we are not giving this recipe in an attempt to offer medical advice. While we enjoy opening people up to the world of herbs, and we do our best to provide valuable insight, our instructions and information may be subject to error. These blends are not guaranteed or scientifically proven to be effective, and we are not qualified to say how they may or may not impact your health.
Directions:
- Place the dried herbs in a jar
- Cover the herbs with carrier oil
- Seal the jar, let sit four to six weeks
- Strain out the plant material
- Store infused oil
Note: This article talks about making herbal massage oils for pain and stiffness, but the directions are good for any herbs and remedies you might want for topical use.
Herbs have a plethora of uses, and there is a little bit of something out there for everyone when it comes to the plant kingdom (so long as you get the go-ahead from a trusted professional before attempting). If you suffer from achy, stiff muscles, there are many herbs out there that might provide you with relief. In this article, we will be focusing on the herbs that are believed to help with stiffness and are good for topical use.
The Infused Herbal Massage Oils Basics
Infused oils are sold at health and wellness stores throughout the world with a hefty price tag. This may have led you to believe that the process of making them is complicated. It’s actually very, very simple. When you purchase an infused massage oil at the store, you are paying for the manufactures time. With some patience, you can have your own for a fraction of the cost in four to six weeks.
Herbs Potentially Useful for Topical Pain Relief
- Arnica
- Clove
- Peppermint
- Cayenne
- Kava Kava
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Comfrey (some professionals caution against the use of comfrey. Use your own discernment, and do thorough research before working with this plant).
Below are a few combinations we’ve used in the past:
- Kava Kava root and Lavender might be useful for stiffness as a result of carrying emotional tension in the body.
- A combination of Arnica and Comfrey used topically is thought by some to be useful for promoting muscle and bone health (ask your doctor first).
- A blend of Cayenne and Peppermint is said to be a great alternative to some of the warming/cooling, all-purpose pain salves found on the store shelves.
How to Infuse Oils
The first step is to decide on a carrier oil to use. Some great choices are jojoba, rosehip seed, sunflower, apricot seed, and avocado oil. Any oil that is healthy for the skin should work well, but some oils have different consistencies than others, which is why you should test a small amount of the oil on your skin before moving forward. This step is also important to check for potential allergies/adverse reactions.
Once you Have Chosen a Carrier Oil
- Place the dried herbs you’re using in a jar
- Cover the herbs with the oil you’ve chosen
- Seal the jar and let it sit for four to six weeks
- Strain out the plant material
- Store the infused oil in the container of your choice
A Quick Note on Jar Size
When making infused oils, it is crucial not to choose a jar that is too big. Ideally, you should be using a 1:1 ratio of dried plant material to carrier oil. If you choose a jar that is too big, and only fill it half way, the plant material may float to the surface and become exposed to oxygen. If this happens, your oil can go bad. To avoid this, make sure the jar you’re using is filled to the very top with oil.
More Reading
If you decide to use less common herbs for healing your body inside or out, it’s best to know as much as you can about them. Kava kava is such an herb. Check out Healthline’s article outlining all of kava kava’s benefits and side effects here. –> Healthline – Kava Kava
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