Make Your Own Essential Oil Sore Muscle Rub
Muscle stiffness and soreness are facts of life. Sometimes, it’s a good kind of hurt, like after an intense workout, a fulfilling hike, mind-blowing sex. Sometimes, though, it can be a debilitating and painful experience that can even make routine tasks impossible. However it happens, we need relief and fast. Skip the pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories or chemical products like Bengay and Icy Hot and opt instead for your very own and super effective essential oil sore muscle rubs.
Using essential oils on sore muscles has several benefits. Not only do the potent botanicals work deeply into the tissue to naturally relieve pain and inflammation, but the aromatherapeutic effects can help to calm and relieve stress associated with pain and discomfort. As an added bonus, this blend of essential oils is also excellent in relieving congestion. Simply rub a bit into the chest like Vick’s Vaporub.
You can turn this recipe into either a liniment, or make it into a salve. Note that essential oils, particularly the ones in these recipes are very powerful. Keep fingers away from eyes and nose after handling the oils. A little really does go a long way, so don’t overdo it, either. Once the finished products have been applied, it will take a few moments to feel the oils penetrate to the muscular level.
For liniment:
Ingredients
4 oz carrier oils such as jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, almond oil, sesame oil (untoasted) or a combination of oils
10 drops of each essential oils of: eucalyptus, cinnamon, peppermint, camphor, and rosemary.
5 drops of each essential oils of: ginger, lavender and black pepper.
Method
Add all ingredients into a tinted glass jar such as amber or cobalt. (Try to avoid using plastic whenever possible.) Give it a good shake before using. Apply sparingly—just a small amount will go along way. Slowly rub into sore areas.
For salve:
Ingredients
8 oz carrier oil (see above recipe choices)
1 oz beeswax or carnauba wax (vegan option)
10 drops of each essential oils of: eucalyptus, cinnamon, peppermint, camphor, rosemary and ginger.
5 drops of each essential oils of: ginger, lavender and black pepper.
Method
In a double boiler, slowly melt the wax and carrier oils together. Drop in your essential oils and pour into glass or tin jars. Let the mixture cool completely before using. Apply by scooping small amounts of the salve out with your finger and rubbing gently into affected areas several times a day.
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Image: Jill Ettinger
