This herbal massage oil, infused with herbs and essential oils, will blow your mind! It helps soothe sore muscles and also promotes healing.
As a person who tends to hold tension in her shoulders, I enjoy a good massage. Ok, I’d enjoy a massage no matter what. But who wouldn’t? And while there are several massage oils for sale, I prefer to make my own.
Not only do I like to personalize my recipe with my favorite essential oils, but I like to infuse the oil with herbs that will help soothe those sore muscles and promote healing.
Herbal Massage Oil Choices
While there’s a vast number of herbs I could use, I prefer two – arnica and comfrey – for the sake of simplicity and because they make such a great team.
Arnica
Arnica is an herb that’s often used for sprains, sore muscles, and pain relief. It’s also great for bruising, so whenever you get a bruise, keep this oil in mind, because it will help it heal much faster.
Many natural salves you’ll find in stores for muscle pain will contain arnica because it’s so effective and infusing arnica in your herbal massage oil will give it a nice therapeutic touch. If you want a separate arnica balm for everyday aches and pains, here’s a simple recipe. (Find dried arnica flowers here.)
Comfrey
Comfrey leaf is a staple in our home because it’s a great healer and pain reliever. Its mucilaginous property will give your herbal massage oil an extra skin-soothing boost. (Find dried comfrey leaf here.)
Essential Oils for Herbal Massage Oil
Each essential oil has its own set of therapeutic properties. This particular blend is great for relieving pain, stress, and anxiety. (Tip: when you have a headache, rub a bit of this oil on your temples, forehead, and the back of your neck for relief.)
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil helps soothe stress and anxiety. It’s also recommended for back and joint pain, so be sure to add some if you can, whether your herbal massage oil is just for relaxation or to help with the pain. (Find 100% pure wild-harvested frankincense essential oil here.)
Lavender Essential Oil
Soothing for the skin and the nerves, lavender is the perfect addition to a relaxing herbal massage oil. In addition to its calming and lifting effects on mood, lavender essential oil is also anti-inflammatory. (Find 100% pure organic lavender essential oil here.)
Herbal Massage Oil: An Herb-Infused Massage Oil
This herbal massage oil, infused with herbs and essential oils, will blow your mind! It helps soothe sore muscles and also promotes healing.
- Prep Time
- 30 minutes
- Active Time
- 30 minutes
- Steeping Time
- 4 hours
- Total Time
- 5 hours
- Servings
- 12 ounces
- Estimated Cost
- $5
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups coconut oil (or another oil like jojoba or almond oil)
- ¼ cup dried arnica flowers
- ¼ cup dried comfrey leaf
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops frankincense essential oil
Instructions
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Turn your oven on to 200°, then turn it off when it's fully preheated. You want to steep your herbs in a warm environment without cooking them.
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Measure out your herbs and oil into an oven-safe dish, jar, or bowl, mix them together and set them in your warmed oven. Let them steep for at least four hours (you may have to heat the coconut oil a bit if it solidifies at the end).
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Using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the infused oil into a glass jar that will allow you to easily dip out your herbal massage oil (if using coconut oil), or a squeeze bottle if using liquid oil. Discard or compost the spent herbs.
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Add the essential oils to the mixture and stir to combine. Cap your jar and stick it on a label so you know what's in there. With a pretty label, this infused herbal massage oil makes a great gift!
Notes
To Use
When using your herbal massage oil, start with a small amount, a couple of teaspoons or one tablespoon. I find that a little goes a long way, especially with coconut oil. The coconut oil also rubs in nicely so you don’t feel greasy.
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Bonus Content
Have you ever made herbal massage oil? What is your favorite recipe?
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Trisha says
I LOVE this! Could you write some more on this subject? THANK YOU!