Sore muscles and joints are a pain- literally. They can make normal activities like sitting down and walking feel like a really unpleasant full time job. While there are plenty of reasons different people suffer from joint and muscle tension and pain, there are some things you can do to help alleviate some of the discomfort. Some people take pain relievers, some like to soak in a hot Epsom salt bath, and others like to use some form of a muscle rub.
If you’re in the muscle rub camp, you know how easy it is to simply go out and buy a ready to go salve. There’s a good chance you might even have a favorite already. And while it’s great that it’s so convenient to find and purchase when you need, it’s also worth noting that it can be just as convenient, not to mention fun, to make your own DIY muscle and joint rub for use at home.
With a creamy and moisturizing Shea butter base and a couple analgesic essential oils added in, this easy to use and make aromatic muscle rub can be made in minutes and used indefinitely. You will need:
- ½ cup warm raw Shea butter
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon for mixing
- Container of choice for storing
In your mixing bowl pour and then mix your Shea butter and coconut oil until thoroughly incorporated. It’s important that both oils be soft enough to easily mix. Add to this 15 drops of Peppermint and 15 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil, then mix once again. If you find you have sensitive skin or a delicate nose, then keep the amount of essential oils here. If you would like it to be stronger, go ahead and add more essential oil, starting with 5 drops of each at a time, until your desired strength is reached. When you’re done, transfer your muscle rub to your container of choice and store in a cool dry place.
You can use this rub any time you feel you need some relief, and it has the added bonus of smelling great and moisturizing your skin while your pain melts away. Additionally, both essential oils have aroma therapeutic benefits that you get to enjoy whenever you use this, most notably their ability to help with energizing your mind when it’s feeling sluggish.