Best DIY Herbal Muscle Rub Recipe
Looking for a natural and effective way to soothe sore muscles, ease muscle tension, and reduce inflammation? Here is a super easy DIY herbal muscle rub recipe for you!
Using a blend of natural ingredients, including essential oils and herbs, this easy homemade muscle rub recipe is a simple and affordable way to create your own natural muscle relaxant.
While over-the-counter pain relievers and muscle creams can offer temporary relief, herbal natural remedies have been used for centuries to provide natural muscle pain relief. Herbal muscle salves are a great way to soothe sore muscles and joints without harsh chemicals or side effects.
The benefits of using herbal remedies include not only pain relief, but also the added benefits of relaxation and stress relief.
Here is a homemade muscle rub with essential oils filled with natural muscle relaxant herbs your body will love.
I am not a doctor/physician, nurse, or any other medical professional. This is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ways to Ease Sore Muscle Pains
Sore muscle pains can be a common occurrence for many people, whether they are athletes or individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle. As moms, we definitely always have tight muscles!
While there are many over-the-counter creams and medications available to alleviate the pain, many people prefer a more natural approach. One effective method is to use a herbal muscle salve.
This salve is composed of carefully selected natural and herbal ingredients that have been proven to help soothe sore muscles. By making this salve at home, you’re able to control the ingredients and ensure that only high-quality items are used.
This homemade anti-inflammatory cream mentioned below is a simple yet effective herbal muscle salve recipe that you can easily make at home to help alleviate muscle pains.
Alternating ice and heat can also help your sore muscles as well as massages. Heating pads are amazing for this. Plus, massages with a DIY pain cream with essential oils will even help you out even more!
How Does This Homemade Muscle Rub Salve Work
The homemade muscle rub salve is an herbal remedy for muscle aches and pain that relies on the power of natural ingredients to provide effective relief.
The salve is made of a blend of essential oils and herbs with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as carrier oils that nourish and soothe the skin.
When applied to the affected area, the salve penetrates deeply into the muscles and joints, reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, and relieving pain.
The essential oils also have a warming effect that helps to relax tense muscles and promote healing. The recipe for this muscle rub salve can be easily customized to suit individual needs and preferences, making it an excellent natural alternative to commercial muscle pain relief products.
With regular use, this herbal muscle salve can help you manage your muscle pain and improve your overall well being! I use it all the time and feel so much better. Whenever I forget to use it, my muscles start hurting once again.
What’s in This DIY Sore Muscle Rub?
There are a few herbs and essential oils in this natural muscle rub recipe that are worth talking about. Here are just some of the benefits of the ingredients inside this DIY sore muscle rub.
Helichrysum
Helichrysum is a plant with powerful healing properties that can benefit muscles and joints. It contains high levels of flavonoids and other compounds that are anti-inflammatory and analgesic, making it an excellent ingredient in a muscle salve recipe.
Helichrysum oil has been traditionally used to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote healing of bruises and sprains. The plant also contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, which protect the skin from free radical damage and help prevent infections.
Incorporating helichrysum oil into a muscle salve recipe can be an effective way to harness these benefits for soothing muscles after exercise or when experiencing tension and soreness from the demands of motherhood.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is an herb commonly used in traditional medicine for its healing properties. One of its lesser-known benefits is its positive effects on muscles. This herb contains compounds called triterpenoids, which have been shown to stimulate collagen production and increase blood circulation.
These properties make Gotu Kola a valuable ingredient in a muscle salve recipe, as it can help reduce inflammation, improve muscle tone and promote tissue regeneration.
When combined with other natural ingredients such as arnica, ginger, and peppermint, Gotu Kola can create a powerful salve that can be beneficial for anyone with muscle strain or injury.
Ginger Root
Ginger root has long been known for its various therapeutic properties, and it can work wonders for muscle pain and soreness. This medicinal herb contains compounds such as gingerols and shogaols which inhibit inflammation and reduce muscle soreness.
Additionally, ginger root can increase blood flow to the affected area, which helps to speed up the recovery process. For these reasons, ginger root is commonly included in herbal muscle salve recipes.
By incorporating this herb into your salve, you can enhance its effectiveness and potentially provide relief to those experiencing muscle aches and pain.
I use both ginger root and ginger root essential oil in my herbal salve recipe down below.
Arnica
Arnica is a plant that has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential benefits on muscle soreness and inflammation. When applied topically, it may help to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising.
Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help with a variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as arthritis, strains, sprains, and sore muscles.
Studies have found that arnica can be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing pain and inflammation, but without the potential side effects [source].
For individuals looking for a natural alternative to relieve muscle discomfort, incorporating arnica into a homemade herbal muscle salve recipe is crucial! This is the ingredient I NEVER leave out!
Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen essential oil is a popular choice for its many benefits for muscles. It contains methyl salicylate, a natural pain reliever that can help reduce inflammation and soreness when applied topically to the skin.
When combined with other herbal ingredients, like arnica and cayenne pepper, wintergreen essential oil can provide an even more potent relief for muscle aches and pains.
Copaiba Essential Oil
Copaiba essential oil is a powerful and effective natural remedy for soothing sore and tense muscles. Its main active compound, beta-caryophyllene, is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making it an ideal ingredient in a muscle salve recipe.
When applied topically, copaiba essential oil can help reduce inflammation and pain in muscles, joints, and other tissues.
I use copaiba for just about anything. I worked miracles for my teething baby, and whenever my teeth and jaw are hurting too.
Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil is an all-natural and effective remedy that offers numerous benefits for muscles. The oil has a warming effect that promotes blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and relieves muscle pain, making it a valuable ingredient in the herbal muscle salve recipe.
Clove oil contains high levels of eugenol, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help soothe muscle aches and pains. Additionally, the oil contains analgesic and antispasmodic properties, which can help muscles to relax and relieve tension.
When used topically, clove oil has been shown to be effective at improving joint mobility and reducing muscle soreness after exercising or engaging in other physical activities. Overall, incorporating clove essential oil into your muscle salve recipe can provide numerous benefits for sore or painful muscles.
DIY Herbal Muscle Rub Recipe
Here is my favorite herbal salve for sore muscles that I make all the time for my family. It is one of the only things that works! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
First you will need to make this homemade massage oil for sore muscles before the herbal salve.
This recipe makes 3 2 oz tins
Supplies for this DIY Muscle Salve Recipe
- Glass jar
- Double boiler or small pot
- Strainer, unbleached coffee filter, or cheesecloth
- Microwave safe bowl
- Spatula
- 3 2-ounce tins
Homemade Massage Oil for Sore Muscles Ingredients
- ~¼ cup Helichrysum flowers
- ~¼ cup Gotu Kola
- ~¼ cup Ginger root
- ~¼ cup Arnica
- ~1 ½ cup avocado oil
Herbal Salve for Sore Muscles Ingredients
- 1 cup infused oil
- 1 ½ -3 tablespoons beeswax pellets (depending on how thick you want them)
- 5-10 drops of wintergreen essential oil
- 5-10 drops of copaiba essential oil
- 5 drops of ginger root essential oil
- 5-10 drops of clove essential oil
Instructions for Sore Muscle Massage Oil
- Combine the helichrysum, gotu kola, ginger root, and arnica into your glass jar.
- Pour the avocado oil into the glass jar to completely cover the herbs and have about an inch over the herbs. You might need to use more or less oil and herbs to get them fully covered.
- Use a double boiler or a pot and a little bit of water to heat the infused oil on your stove. Use a low setting for about 4-6 hours. Allow it to cool. Or, you can keep it in a dark cupboard for 4-6 weeks if you don’t want to use the heat method.
- Put the coffee filter on top of another glass jar and strain the herbs from the oil. You can also use a strainer as well. I recently found these mason jar strainer lids that I LOVE!
Instructions for DIY Sore Muscle Rub
- Combine the beeswax and infused oil and heat on the double boiler until melted. Alternatively, you can also heat it in the microwave at 30-second intervals until it all melts.
- Add in 5 to 10 drops of each of the following essential oils, wintergreen, copaiba, ginger root, and clove essential oils. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the oil into your three tin containers.
- Allow them to sit uncovered for 4-6 hours or overnight until they harden up. Then you can put on the lid.
Notes
- The infused oil can be made with any type of carrier oil. This recipe used avocado oil. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc. I prefer avocado oil for its incredible properties. I’ve also used it with hemp seed oil which has added benefits for muscles!
- If you don’t want to use beeswax, swap for candelilla wax, soy wax, carnauba wax, or coconut oil.
- Use more beeswax pellets if you want a harder salve and less if you want a softer balm. I like this one super soft so I can rub it like a massage oil!
How to Use DIY Sore Muscle Rub with Essential Oils
To use, simply rub a small amount of the homemade muscle rub onto the affected area and massage into the skin. You can massage as little or as much as you want or need.
All Natural Muscle Rub FAQs
What herbs help relax muscles?
Natural herbal muscle relaxants are great to use! Some great herbs that help relax your muscles include helichrysum, lavender, gotu kola, ginger root, arnica, and a few others. These would be perfect for a DIY muscle rub.
What is the best thing to rub on sore muscles?
An organic muscle rub is the best thing to rub on sore muscles. You can even use a homemade massage oil for sore muscles too!
How to make a sore muscle rub without beeswax?
A homemade massage oil for pain can help with sore muscles if you don’t want to use beeswax. You can also make an essential oil muscle rub recipe that uses alternatives to beeswax, which include soy wax, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax. Even coconut oil would work well since it thickens up when heated.
What is the best homeopathic muscle relaxant?
Arnica is usually one of the best homeopathic muscle relaxants and most well-known, which is why I use it in my homemade muscle relaxant recipe!
What actually happens to a muscle and its related tissues when you massage out a knot?
The exact mechanisms behind muscle knots are not fully understood, but they are believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including muscle tension, inflammation, and reduced blood flow to the affected area. When you massage out a knot, you are applying pressure to the area, which can help increase blood flow and oxygen to the affected muscle, and may help break up any adhesions or scar tissue that may be contributing to the knot.
In addition to increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, massage can also help stimulate the nervous system and trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. This can help reduce pain and promote relaxation in the affected muscle.
Is Vicks Vapor rub good for leg cramps?
While Vicks Vapor Rub is often used for its soothing effects on congestion and coughs, there is no conclusive evidence that it is effective for treating leg cramps. However, some people report finding relief from leg cramps by massaging the affected area with Vicks Vapor Rub. I would suggest using homemade pain relief cream recipes like the one above!
Can a chiropractor get rid of muscle knots?
Chiropractors can help alleviate muscle knots through a variety of techniques, such as manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and stretching exercises. Chiropractors are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, and they may use a combination of techniques to help relieve tension and pain in the affected muscle.
Herbal Muscle Salve Recipe
Materials
- ~¼ cup Helichrysum flowers
- ~¼ cup Gotu Kola
- ~¼ cup Ginger root
- ~¼ cup Arnica
- ~1 ½ cup avocado oil
- 1 cup infused oil
- 1 ½ -3 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 5-10 drops of wintergreen essential oil
- 5-10 drops of copaiba essential oil
- 5 drops of ginger root essential oil
- 5-10 drops of clove essential oil
Tools
- Glass jar
- Double boiler or small pot
- Strainer, unbleached coffee filter, or cheesecloth
- Microwave safe bowl
- Spatula
- 3 2-ounce tins
Instructions
- Combine the helichrysum, gotu kola, ginger root, and arnica into your glass jar.
- Pour the avocado oil into the glass jar to completely cover the herbs and have about an inch over the herbs. You might need to use more or less oil and herbs to get them fully covered.
- Use a double boiler or a pot and a little bit of water to heat the infused oil on your stove. Use a low setting for about 4-6 hours. Allow it to cool. Or, you can keep it in a dark cupboard for 4-6 weeks if you don’t want to use the heat method.
- Put the coffee filter on top of another glass jar and strain the herbs from the oil. You can also use a strainer as well.
- Combine the beeswax and infused oil and heat on the double boiler until melted. Alternatively, you can also heat it in the microwave at 30-second intervals until it all melts.
- Add in 5 to 10 drops of each of the following essential oils, wintergreen, copaiba, ginger root, and clove essential oils. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the oil into your three tin containers.
- Allow them to sit uncovered for 4-6 hours or overnight until they harden up. Then you can put on the lid.
Notes
- The infused oil can be made with any type of carrier oil. This recipe used avocado oil. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc. I prefer avocado oil for its incredible properties. I’ve also used it with hemp seed oil which has added benefits for muscles!
- If you don't want to use beeswax, swap for candelilla wax, soy wax, carnauba wax, or coconut oil.
- Use more beeswax pellets if you want a harder salve and less if you want a softer balm. I like this one super soft so I can rub it like a massage oil!
Sore Muscle Salve Recipe Wrap Up
This DIY sore muscle rub is an easy and affordable way to create your own all-natural muscle relaxant at home. With the added benefits of organic, natural ingredients and essential oils, it is a great option for those looking for a safe and effective way to ease muscle tension and soothe sore muscles.
Creating a muscle salve is easy to do, providing an effective solution to muscle pain while avoiding chemical additives or synthetic ingredients that may have adverse effects.
Herbal muscle salve is an excellent choice to alleviate muscle pain and tension caused by exercise, injury, or overuse. Using a combination of essential oils and natural ingredients, you can create your own DIY sore muscle rub and save money compared to store-bought alternatives.
You will love these other great natural recipes:
- Chocolate Soap
- Coffee Bath Bomb
- Coffee Soap
- Eucalyptus Bar Soap
- Turmeric Soap
- Simple Organic Lotion Bar
- Oatmeal Soap
- Lavender Salve
- Cotton Candy Soap
- Lavender Bath Salts
- Lemongrass Lotion Bars
- Herbal Muscle Rub
- Period Pain Relief Cream
- Whipped Sugar Scrub
- Himalayan Bath Salt Fizzy Powder
- Rose Sugar Scrub
- Calendula Salve
- DIY Makeup Remover Pads
- Rose petal salve
I just found your website and subscribed to your site. I am very interested in making your salve recipes, especially this muscle one. Is there a big difference by doing the heat infusion vs the cold infusion. I’m quite brand new to making things like this. Thanks!
So glad you are here! The only real difference is that you will be done infusing faster with the heat infusion and can make your salve a lot quicker than the cold infusion. But both methods give the same benefits!