DIY Natural Pain-Relieving Rub For Muscle Soreness

Muscle aches are common, but they’re not very fun. Daily tasks like walking or carrying groceries can feel
really uncomfortable. Instead of waiting it out, make yourself a muscle rub with essential oils.

What Causes Muscle Aches?

Typically, achy muscles aren’t a mystery. Normal activities like exercise, hiking, and gardening can bring on soreness. Do you stand all day at work? Is it the first day of your period?

Achiness is also likely. With a DIY (Do-it-yourself) sore muscle rub, you can ditch the ibuprofen and take the holistic route.

Essential Oils For Muscle Aches

These essential oils will make the magic happen. When making your homemade rub, feel free to use one, two, or more.

1. Ginger Oil

Ginger isn’t just for nausea. Its active compound gingerol fights inflammation and pain, making it useful for sore muscles.¹

In fact, in a 2014 study, low back pain patients felt better after getting a massage with ginger oil.² The same effect was seen for girls with menstrual pain.³

2. Lavender Oil

For centuries, lavender oil has been used to ease the pain. It works whether you apply it on the skin or inhale the aroma.

Feeling tense? Lavender also relaxes your muscles and body, helping relieve stress-induced pain.⁴

3. Rosemary Oil

Use rosemary essential oil if you prefer herby scents. According to the Maryland university, it relieves both muscle pain and spasms. You’ll even improve memory while you’re at it.⁵

How To Make DIY Sore Muscle Rub

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• ½ cup carrier oil (coconut, olive, grapeseed, etc.)
• 65 drops of essential oil

Equipment Required

• Small pot
• Heat-safe bowl
• Metal spoon
• Metal tin or glass jar
• Oven mitt and pot holders

The bowl should be slightly larger than pot. This will create a makeshift double boiler, letting you melt the ingredients safely and easily.

Directions

1. Fill the pot halfway with water. Place over medium-high heat.
2. Put the oil and beeswax into the heat-safe container, then place directly onto the pot.
3. Once the water boils, turn down to low-medium.
4. Continuously stir the oil and beeswax until melted together. Make sure there are no clumps.
5. With an oven mitt, remove the glass bowl and place it on the counter, on top of a pot holder.
6. Let cool for a few minutes.
7. Add a total of 65 drops of essential oils.
8. Carefully pour into a metal tin and leave to harden.

Individually, each oil has awesome analgesic benefits. You can use one, two, or a combination of all three. In any case, just be sure there is a total of 65 drops.

How To Use It

• When you’re feeling achy, apply the mixture with clean hands.
• Massage it right in.
• Keep the rub in a cool, dry place so it does not melt.

Safety Note

Is this your first time using these oils? Do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow. If irritation develops, avoid using the essential oil in your sore muscle rub.