How to Create Your Own Muscle Relief Rub

Many of the muscle relief gels on the market contain over 20 ingredients. Many of which you’ll be hard-pressed to pronounce.

You can make an all-natural version that works just as well with ingredients in your pantry. After a stressful day or an intense workout, you can soothe sore muscles with your very own homemade salve.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to make your own muscle relief ointment at home.

Muscle Relief Ointments

There are various types of muscle relief ointments you can use. Choose from a gel, an oil, or a lotion. It’s a matter of your personal preference.

Lotions tend to be less messy than oils and gels. However, oils are what is traditionally used in body rubs and massage parlors. If you prefer a massage, an oil-based ointment might be the way to go.

The thickness of the ointment depends on the base you choose.

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Essential Oils Muscle Salve or Oil

If you are looking for a lovely scented, cooling lotion, try this one.

You’ll need a carrier oil or a salve base. Check out this list of top 5 carrier oils. Whichever one you choose, you’ll need two ounces of it.

We recommend Doterra essential oils. These are ultra high-quality oils that are 100% extracted from the natural source with no additives.

To make your salve or oil, simply add 20 drops of each White Fir and Wintergreen essential oils to your base. Add in 10 drops each of Lemongrass and Peppermint.

Wintergreen is one of two plants that contain natural methyl salicylate. It has a warming effect when applied to the skin.

White Fir essential oil smells like a wooded forest. White Fir has the power to soothe skin and reduce stress.

The high menthol content in Peppermint oil will give this salve a cooling sensation that will make your muscles happy.

Store your muscle relief ointment in a glass jar in a cool place. Use as needed!

Cayenne Pepper and Ginger Muscle Rub

Capsaicin is a natural pain reliever that occurs in hot peppers. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. Use these natural foods to make a muscle relief rub.

You will need a measuring cup, saucepan, fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, and an 8-ounce glass jar with lid.

Ingredients

• 2 oz of coconut oil
• 1 oz almond oil or olive oil (if you don’t mind the smell)
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper (found in the spice aisle)
• 1/2 ounce grated beeswax (found at natural health stores)
• 5-10 drops each of your four favorite essential oils

Instructions

1. Pour all oils (but not the essential oils) into to a glass jar.
2. Add 2 inches of water to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
3. Place the jar into the pan and let everything melt. Stir to combine.
4. Add the cayenne and ginger powder
5. When mixed, allow the mixture to cool slightly then add in your essential oils. Mix well.
6. Pour mixture into metal tins or glass jars for storage and allow to set.

To use this rub, just place a bit in your palms. It will melt in your hands.Then rub over your sore muscles.

This muscle relief rub will stay good for months.

Caution: do not use on skin that is irritated or chapped. Test a small area first to make sure your skin can handle it. Do not use on children.

Warming Muscle Relief Salve

Here’s what you need for your own homemade warming muscle rub.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 20 drops of each of these essential oils:
  • Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus
  • Clove
  • Ginger (you can also use 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
  • Black Pepper (you can also use 1/4 tsp ground black pepper)

Other supplies you will need:

• a saucepot
• a heat-proof glass jar or metal bowl
• funnel
• coffee filter
• small bowl
• small container for storage

Step 1:

fill the pot with a 1/2 cup of water. Place the heat-proof jar/bowl inside the pot. Turn stove on to medium heat.

If you’re using powdered ginger and black pepper: Add the olive oil, coconut oil, ground ginger and ground pepper to the glass jar. Bring the water in the pot to a simmer and let the spices steep in the oils for about 20 minutes. Then add the beeswax.

If you’re using ginger and black pepper oils: Start by adding the olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax to the pyrex or bowl. Bring the water in the pot to a simmer and continue heating until the beeswax melts.

Step 2:

Put a coffee filter in a funnel. Place the funnel over a small bowl. Once the wax is totally melted, slowly pour the oil mixture through the funnel and coffee filter. The coffee filter will strain out any flakes.

Don’t worry if it is a slow process to strain. That’s normal.

Step 3:

Once strained, add 20 drops each of all of your essential oils. Do this step quickly before the wax hardens.

Step 4:

Pour the oil mixture into a mason jar or other airtight container. Allow it to set at room temperature until solid. This may take a few hours.

Enjoy!

Scoop a small dab of your homemade warming muscle rub out with a popsicle stick or spoon. Avoid using your fingers so you don’t contaminate the ointment.

Rub it on and enjoy the heat from the rub soothes your sore muscles.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed these recipes for muscle relief ointments.

Whether you prefer lotion or oil and whether you prefer a cooling or a warming sensation, there’s a recipe for you to try.

Muscle relief ointments can help your sore muscles loosen up after a stressful day, a vigorous workout or if you suffer from arthritis or chronic pain.

Making your own muscle relief rub means that you know exactly what’s in it (and you can pronounce the ingredients). Why not make a double batch and share? These make great gifts for family and friends.

Next, check out 7 different cardio workouts for weight loss you can try.