I’ve been reaching for this DIY CBD body butter more and more lately, especially after long days or tension in my shoulders and lower back.

It’s one of those recipes that just works. Simple, deeply nourishing, and packed with plant allies that support pain relief in a gentle but effective way.

I have been using CBD for years to help with pain. I love the topical use and how well it truly helps relax my muscles.

So I am so excited to share this homemade CBD lotion recipe, so you can find relief too. Don’t worry, it’s way easier than you think!

DIY CBD body butter in a jar on the counter

Why I Love This Balm

Tallow is one of my favorite skincare ingredients. It’s incredibly close to our skin’s natural oils, which means it absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy or heavy.

When you whip it with castor oil and infuse it with CBD and menthol, you get this cooling, muscle-soothing blend that melts into your skin and gets to work fast.

Whether it’s sore muscles, tension headaches, or just the kind of general achiness that comes from being a mom, running a business, and doing all the things, this DIY CBD balm is what I grab.

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Ingredients I Use

½ cup beef tallow (learn how to render your own here!)
2 tablespoons castor oil
½ gram (500 mg) CBD isolate
¼ teaspoon menthol crystals
30 drops of essential oils (see my favorite blend below)

My Go-To Essential Oil Blend for Pain + Inflammation

I wanted this to be cooling and calming, but also deeply supportive of inflammation and tension.

Here’s what I used:

10 drops copaiba: gentle but powerfully anti-inflammatory; it also works beautifully alongside CBD
8 drops lavender: calming for both the skin and nervous system
6 drops peppermint: cooling, numbing, and works in synergy with the menthol
4 drops black pepper: warming and grounding; helps relieve stiffness
2 drops ginger: supports circulation and deep tissue relief

This blend has the right balance of cool and warm, which I’ve found works best for layered pain like tension that turns into inflammation.

How To Make DIY CBD Body Butter

Here is my step by step process:

Start by gently melting the tallow and castor oil in a double boiler. You don’t want to overheat it, just enough to fully melt the fats.

Once the oils are melted, I stir in the menthol crystals until fully dissolved. Then I add the CBD isolate and mix until it disappears completely. I always make sure everything is smooth before moving on.

Into the fridge it goes for 30-45 minutes. I wait until the edges start to firm up but the center is still soft.

I use my hand mixer to whip it into a fluffy balm. This step is so satisfying, watching it turn from a melted oil to a soft, airy texture is my favorite part.

Then I stir in my essential oil blend, breathing it in as I go (because that blend smells amazing).

I scoop it into jars and keep one in the bathroom, one in my herbal first aid kit, and usually end up giving one away to a friend who needs it.

Tips & Tricks

Always dissolve menthol crystals completely in the warm oils. Undissolved crystals can feel scratchy on the skin.
Use a jewelry scale to measure your CBD isolate for accuracy. Half a gram gives you 500 mg in the whole batch.
Melt your tallow and castor oil gently over low heat. If the mixture gets too hot, it can reduce the effectiveness of the CBD and essential oils.
Let the mixture cool slightly before adding essential oils. This helps preserve their therapeutic properties.
Chill the mixture until the edges are firm and the center is soft before whipping. This gives the balm that light, whipped texture.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If your home is very warm, keep the balm in the fridge to prevent melting.
You can skip the essential oils or reduce the amount if you have sensitive skin. The menthol and CBD still provide powerful relief on their own.
Always test a small area of skin before applying more broadly. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, especially to menthol or new essential oils.
Label your jars clearly so others know it’s for pain relief and not a general face or body butter. So important!

How To Use

A little truly goes a long way, trust me! Just a fingertip’s worth melts into the skin easily.

I love that instant cooling sensation from the menthol while the CBD and essential oils go to work deeper down.

Make your own clean, skin-loving tallow products with 20 step-by-step recipes anyone can follow.

Safety Notes

For adult use only. This balm contains CBD isolate, menthol crystals, and essential oils like peppermint and black pepper, none of which are recommended for use on babies, toddlers, or young children.
Avoid sensitive areas. Do not apply near the eyes, broken skin, mucous membranes, or sensitive areas of the body. Menthol and essential oils can cause a burning or stinging sensation in delicate tissue.
Wash hands after use. Especially if you’ve applied the balm to your neck, shoulders, or back, residual menthol can be irritating if rubbed into your eyes.
Not for internal use. This balm is for topical application only. Do not ingest.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Always consult your healthcare provider before using products containing CBD or essential oils during pregnancy or while nursing. Some oils (like peppermint) may not be recommended.
Allergy check. If you’ve never used tallow, CBD, or any of the essential oils in this recipe before, test a small amount on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to rule out any reactions.
CBD cautions. Although topical CBD typically stays local (doesn’t enter the bloodstream significantly), consult your doctor if you are on medications or have a condition where cannabinoids might be contraindicated. This balm uses CBD isolate, which is free from THC.

finger with some of the cbd body butter on it

Don’t Want to Make It?

That’s okay! You can buy a muscle whipped CBD tallow lotion from Humble Collective. It doesn’t have the same essential oils but it works SO great too!

Ways to Use Whipped CBD Body Butter

Here are a few of the many ways I use this CBD lotion:

Sore muscles: massage into tight or overworked areas after exercise or long days on your feet
Stiff joints: rub into knees, wrists, fingers, or other joints to ease inflammation and stiffness
Lower back pain: apply to the lumbar area for targeted support during flare-ups or fatigue
Neck and shoulder tension: use after working at a desk or carrying kids all day, it works wonders for me!
Foot pain: great for plantar fasciitis, tired arches, or swollen feet
Menstrual cramps: massage onto the lower abdomen for cramping and muscle relief
Headaches: apply a small amount to the neck, and shoulders (avoid the eyes and temple area) for cooling tension relief
Post-workout recovery: use as a natural muscle rub after intense activity
Arthritis and chronic pain: use regularly on affected areas for daily support
Tension from stress: the scent and cooling effect can help you unwind when emotions show up in the body
Nighttime support: rub into sore spots before bed to help your body relax and rest. This is also how I use it daily and it makes a big difference!
Travel balm: take it with you to soothe aches from long drives or flights
Massage balm: use it during a gentle massage to combine touch with therapeutic herbal support
Cold and flu body aches: helps soothe generalized body discomfort during illness
Pre-bed routine: rub into tired legs and feet as part of your evening wind-down

FAQs

Can I use this balm on my face?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The menthol and essential oils are too strong for delicate facial skin. This balm is best for sore muscles, joints, and tension areas like the back, neck, and feet. You can make one without the menthol crystals and choose skin-loving essential oils like lavender and frankincense for a face version!

Is this balm safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It’s always best to check with your provider first. Some essential oils (like peppermint) are not recommended during pregnancy.

Will CBD in this balm affect my medications or show up on a drug test?
This balm uses CBD isolate, which is free from THC. When used topically, CBD generally stays local and doesn’t enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. That said, if you’re on medication or drug testing is a concern, talk with your doctor first.

Make your own clean, skin-loving tallow products with 20 step-by-step recipes anyone can follow.

Can I make this without CBD?
Yes you can leave out the CBD and still get a soothing, effective balm from the menthol, tallow, and essential oils. It won’t have the same anti-inflammatory power as the CBD version, but it’s still very supportive.

What’s the shelf life of this balm?
Because it’s oil-based and contains no water, it should last around 6 to 12 months if stored in a cool, dry place. If it ever smells “off” or looks discolored, it’s time to make a new batch.

Can I swap out the essential oils?
Absolutely. Just be sure the oils you choose are skin-safe and fit the purpose of the balm. Oils like frankincense, helichrysum, or marjoram are also great for pain and inflammation.

Does this balm stain clothing?
It absorbs well, especially when applied in small amounts. I haven’t had issues with staining, but I always recommend letting it soak in fully before putting on tight or light-colored clothing, especially right after applying.

CBD Body Butter

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Materials

½ cup beef tallow (learn how to render your own here!)
2 tablespoons castor oil
½ gram (500 mg) CBD isolate
¼ teaspoon menthol crystals
10 drops copaiba: gentle but powerfully anti-inflammatory; it also works beautifully alongside CBD
8 drops lavender: calming for both the skin and nervous system
6 drops peppermint: cooling, numbing, and works in synergy with the menthol
4 drops black pepper: warming and grounding; helps relieve stiffness
2 drops ginger: supports circulation and deep tissue relief

Instructions

Start by gently melting the tallow and castor oil in a double boiler. You don’t want to overheat it, just enough to fully melt the fats.
Once the oils are melted, I stir in the menthol crystals until fully dissolved. Then I add the CBD isolate and mix until it disappears completely. I always make sure everything is smooth before moving on.
Into the fridge it goes for 30-45 minutes. I wait until the edges start to firm up but the center is still soft.
I use my hand mixer to whip it into a fluffy balm. This step is so satisfying, watching it turn from a melted oil to a soft, airy texture is my favorite part.
Then I stir in my essential oil blend, breathing it in as I go (because that blend smells amazing).
I scoop it into jars and keep one in the bathroom, one in my herbal first aid kit, and usually end up giving one away to a friend who needs it.

Notes

Always dissolve menthol crystals completely in the warm oils. Undissolved crystals can feel scratchy on the skin.
Use a jewelry scale to measure your CBD isolate for accuracy. Half a gram gives you 500 mg in the whole batch.
Melt your tallow and castor oil gently over low heat. If the mixture gets too hot, it can reduce the effectiveness of the CBD and essential oils.
Let the mixture cool slightly before adding essential oils. This helps preserve their therapeutic properties.
Chill the mixture until the edges are firm and the center is soft before whipping. This gives the balm that light, whipped texture.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If your home is very warm, keep the balm in the fridge to prevent melting.
You can skip the essential oils or reduce the amount if you have sensitive skin. The menthol and CBD still provide powerful relief on their own.
Always test a small area of skin before applying more broadly. Everyone's skin reacts differently, especially to menthol or new essential oils.
Label your jars clearly so others know it’s for pain relief and not a general face or body butter. So important!

Safety Notes

For adult use only. This balm contains CBD isolate, menthol crystals, and essential oils like peppermint and black pepper, none of which are recommended for use on babies, toddlers, or young children.
Avoid sensitive areas. Do not apply near the eyes, broken skin, mucous membranes, or sensitive areas of the body. Menthol and essential oils can cause a burning or stinging sensation in delicate tissue.
Wash hands after use. Especially if you’ve applied the balm to your neck, shoulders, or back, residual menthol can be irritating if rubbed into your eyes.
Not for internal use. This balm is for topical application only. Do not ingest.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Always consult your healthcare provider before using products containing CBD or essential oils during pregnancy or while nursing. Some oils (like peppermint) may not be recommended.
Allergy check. If you’ve never used tallow, CBD, or any of the essential oils in this recipe before, test a small amount on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to rule out any reactions.
CBD cautions. Although topical CBD typically stays local (doesn’t enter the bloodstream significantly), consult your doctor if you are on medications or have a condition where cannabinoids might be contraindicated. This balm uses CBD isolate, which is free from THC.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the best remedies are the simplest. This balm brings together traditional, nourishing fats with a few of my favorite plant allies for pain relief.

No fancy ingredients, no over-complicated process, just good, honest herbal support.

If you’re looking for something to support your body through inflammation and everyday aches, this whipped tallow balm is one I can wholeheartedly recommend. It’s easy to make, and even easier to fall in love with.

Let me know if you try it, or if you want to swap out oils or add your own twist. I always love hearing how others make these recipes their own!

DIY CBD Body Butter

Why I Love This Balm

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Ingredients I Use

My Go-To Essential Oil Blend for Pain + Inflammation