It’s November and with all the work with getting ready for the holidays, as well as the changing weather, I’m feeling achy and stiff. Add in a busy day at the pumpkin patch or apple orchard, and I’m worn out by dinnertime. But I don’t like the muscle rubs available in the stores. I don’t like the smell or the consistency. Luckily, Sarah Munro (the heroine of ONE DARK WISH, book 2 in the Deadly Force series) has been collecting 17th and 18th centuries herbal recipes and had this updated version of a warming muscle rub.
The peppermint oil is a natural muscle relaxant and painkiller that also stimulates blood circulation. Eucalyptus oil is a natural analgesic that has anti-inflammatory properties and improves circulation by helping to open veins. Clove oil, also a natural anti-inflammatory agent, increases blood circulation and can even reduce headaches. Add these ingredients to melted beeswax pellets (found at Amazon and other natural food stores) and you can make a wonderful, organic muscle rub that will help ease your autumn achiness and get you back on your feet faster.
Sarah Munro’s Warming Muscle Rub
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon beeswax
- 20 drops of each of essential peppermint oil
- 20 drops of each of essential eucalyptus oil
- 20 drops of each of essential clove oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Saucepan
- Two heat-proof glass bowls
- Kitchen funnel
- Coffee filter
- Airtight salve storage container
DIRECTIONS:
Add two inches of filtered water to the bottom of a saucepan and place on the stove. Place the heat-proof glass bowl into the saucepan to act as a double-boiler. Turn the heat to medium. Stir the olive oil, coconut oil, ground ginger and ground pepper the olive oil, coconut oil, ground ginger and ground pepper into the pyrex bowl.
Let the water boil and reduce temp to a simmer. Slowly stir the spices into the oil and stir continuously for 20 minutes. Slowly stir in the beeswax and heat until the beeswax melts. While the beeswax melts, place the funnel over the second glass bowl and then line the funnel with the coffee filter.
Once the beeswax is melted, carefully pour the oil mixture through the funnel and coffee filter to strain out any impurities. This will take a long time so be patient. Once all the wax goes through the filter, add 20 drops each of peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove oil to the mixture. Stir until it’s mixed but do it quickly as it will cool. Once the mixture is combined, pour into a small airtight container. Seal the container and let it rest at room temperature for four hours before using.
To use: when your muscles feel tight, rub a small amount of the rub on any painful muscles. The heat will start to work quickly!
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
