There are two main approaches to dealing with muscle and body pain
Soothe, calm and reduce inflammation - this is the approach taken with Moon Haven's St John's Wort & Calendula Rub
Counter-irritate the area, excite the muscles and in turn, confuse the pain signals in the nerves to register something other than pain. This is the way liniments and mentholated sports rubs tend to work.
And we agree - there are times when a counterirritant, warming muscle rub like this can be comforting.
This easy to make formulation is wonderful to use on old stubborn injuries and muscle pain.
There are 3 Essential Oils that do this well:
Ginger Pure Essential Oil's warming and anti-inflammatory qualities help soothe tired, aching muscles and joints.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil is noted for its analgesic properties ( helps to relieve pain) , as well as for its ability to assist with congestion and respiratory issues Interestingly, eucalyptus leaves were used by indigenous Australians as a poultice to help relieve the muscle and joint pain of arthritis.
Peppermint Pure Essential Oil (Mentha arvensis) is a wonderful oil to use in a muscle rub as it contains around 80% menthol. Menthol is known as a counterirritant. It works by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles and joints.
Combining all three essential oils into one rub makes for a very potent concoction.
Here is a suggested formula to make at home.
Warming Muscle Rub Blend
In a 50 ml glass bottle mix:
10 drops Ginger Essential Oil
8 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
8 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Top up with Fractionated Coconut Oil.
How to use:
Massage a few drops into the affected area.
Apply as often as needed
Don't forget to wash your hands immediately after - You really wouldn't want any of this blend to get into and delicate areas.
In case of irritation:
Of course if you experience any burning or discomfort immediately wipe any excess product off your skin and dilute the area with any edible oil you have on hand. You can use any carrier oil, cooking oil you have on hand.
This article was written by Moon Haven’s aromatherapist and founder Leonie Gully and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject.
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Leonie Gully- Moon Haven's Aromatherapist
While any advice provided is general in nature, it is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are at all concerned about your condition, it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual consultation and treatment plan.
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Please note: Information in this article and on the moonhaven.com.au website represents the opinion of the author and as such is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
