DIY Sore Muscle Rub
Soothe sore muscles with this homemade rub made from shea butter, coconut oil, ginger, cayenne, and essential oils.
Yield: 25 applications
Cost: $10
Equipment
- Glass measuring cup
- saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth
- 8-ounce glass jar with lid
Materials
- 2 ounces coconut oil
- 1 ounce almond oil (olive oil will also work)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne
- ½ ounce beeswax (white or yellow, chopped)
- 2 ounces shea butter
- 5–10 drops each: eucalyptus, peppermint, camphor, and clove essential oils
Instructions
- Gently heat coconut and olive oils in a glass measuring cup or jar in the microwave, or place it in a small pan of simmering water.
- Add the ground ginger and cayenne. Let stand for 30–60 minutes in a warm place.
- Place the the beeswax in a measuring cup and set that into a pan of simmering water. Allow the wax to melt. Be careful as it will be very, very hot after it melts. Add the shea butter and stir until melted. Keep warm.
- Strain the cayenne and ginger infused oil into the measuring cup with the beeswax and shea butter by running it through cheesecloth set over a mesh strainer. (Warm the oil again if it's too thick to strain.)
- Stir well. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding the essential oils. Stir gently until combined.
- Transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Let cool completely before using. To use, remove a small amount from the jar and place it in palms to melt the balm. Rub onto sore area in a circular motion. The skin will become red and feel warm to the touch. (See notes below.)
- Will keep for several months. Use as often as needed.
Notes
Do not use on children because it could cause skin irritation. Test on a small area of skin before using. If the rub creates extreme irritation, wash it off with water and soap. Wash hands well after applying, and be careful not to get it onto mucous membranes. Do not use on broken or irritated skin.