Massage Oil Recipe for Pain

Many times the simple act of massage itself can do a great deal to relieve pain in muscles and joints. However, sometimes massage is not enough and needs a little bit of a boost. Using a massage oil recipe for pain can offer that boost in an all-natural way, and these are very easy to make yourself.

Carrier Oils

• You need a carrier oil to serve as the base of your massage oil, as it dilutes the essential oils and ensures that they are absorbed into the skin more effectively. The best carrier oils to use are olive oil, almond oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil and canola oil--many of which you can find at your local grocery or health food store.

  Note: Please be sure to take into consideration nut or seed allergies before choosing a carrier oil.

Essential Oils

• Essential oils are basically just oils infused with highly concentrated amounts of various herbs, which can have aromatherapy and/or medicinal properties as they are inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Because of this, you should never apply essential oils directly to the skin, but always mixed with a carrier oil. Generally, you only need 3 to 4 drops of an essential oil per cup of carrier oil. You can mix most essential oils (especially those used for massage) without any harmful effects, so you can use two or three different essential oils in your personal massage recipe.

  However, if you choose to use more than one essential oil, you should increase the amount of your carrier oil accordingly to make sure that the essential oils are still being properly diluted. For example, if you use 3 drops each of two essential oils, then you may want to use 1 1/2 or 2 cups of carrier oil to make sure that both essential oils are diluted enough for safe use on the skin.

Best Herbs for Pain

• One of the best herbs for both massage and pain is lavender. Lavender has very relaxing, soothing aromatherapy properties, as well as many sedating effects when applied topically (to the skin). Lavender essential oil is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin, but for massage purposes it is better to dilute it with a carrier oil. Lavender is anti-inflammatory, meaning that it can reduce swelling and muscle or joint pain at the same time that it helps your body to relax and thus regenerate itself better.

  Chamomile is also highly anti-inflammatory, and its soothing properties work in much the same way as lavender. Clary sage is also considered applicable for pain relief as it has sedating effects and works well for muscle spasm, muscle aches, and cramping, but is not recommended for those who drink alcohol as it can augment the effects of alcohol. Sweet marjoram is also indicated for relieving pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, and has been found by some to be useful in combating pain and stiffness related to rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.