Whether your joints and muscles ache from the damp and cold, bumps and bruises, or just from a bit of over-exertion, having a trusty and reliable pain relieving rub on hand to help sooth away discomfort is the perfect way to get back in the swing of things.

For the past 5 weeks, I've been following a 10-week fitness plan to help build muscle and increase strength and let me tell ya, my muscles have been so sore - in a good way. Since using my homemade joint and muscle ointment, I've been able to recover more quickly and ease tightness in my lower back allowing me to lift heavier and achieve more muscle growth. It's been a must have in my gym bag and I want to teach you how to make it.

Soothing Joint and Muscle Ointment for Aches, Pains, and Stagnation

This ointment is warming in nature allowing it to move fluids and stagnation so that your body can heal faster. It relieves pain, reduces swelling, and soothes muscular and joint discomfort like a dream!

Here's what you need to make my soothing joint and muscle ointment:

• 2oz tin
• 2oz herb infused sweet almond oil (you can also use coconut or olive oil as the carrier oil)
• .25oz beeswax (or carnauba wax for vegans)
• 20 drops of essential oil (I used 9 drops cayenne (can sub black pepper , camphor, or rosemary), 9 drops peppermint, and 2 drops birch)
• 1 large menthol crystal (optional but delightfully cooling)

For the herb infused oil:

• A pyrex measuring cup
• Cheesecloth or a nut milk bag
• 1oz each of solomon's seal, St. John's Wort, goldenrod, and cotton wood buds if you have them
• Enough carrier oil to cover the herbs (at least 1-2 inches of oil above the herbs)

Loving Preparation - Herb Infused Carrier Oil

1. Begin by adding the herbs and carrier oil the pyrex measuring cup.
2. Next, fill a sauce pan with about an inch of water.
3. Place the pyrex measuring cup in the pan and turn on the heat to low.
4. Gently heat the herbs and oil for at least one hour, checking the water level frequently to make sure it doesn't evaporate away otherwise you'll risk burning the herbs.
5. Add more water to the pan as needed.
6. Once the oil has taken on the aroma and color of the herbs, strain the infused oil through cheesecloth or a nut milk bag into a clean mason jar.
7. Store in a cool dry place for future use.

Now that you know how to make the infused oil, it time to make the ointment!

1. Begin by adding 4TB(2oz) of the infused oil to a pyrex measuring cup as well as the .25oz of beeswax.
2. Melt the two together on gentle heat in a water bath, stirring occasionally to combine.
3. Remove from the heat and place on a kitchen towel to cool a bit.
4. Next, add the essential oils and stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into two 1oz tins or a 2oz tin.
6. Allow to cool completely, cap closed, and label.

You can read this handy post for some great in depth information on making salves.

Joint and Muscle Ointment - Why These Ingredients Work

Cottonwood Buds

These unassuming tree buds are one of my favorite herbs for pain relief, inflammation, and stagnant fluids. It speeds up healing for both short-term and acute injuries making it perfect for post-workout soreness and joint pain.

Essential Oils

The essential oils I chose to use are all stimulating in nature. They help move stagnant fluid, soothe pain, and help relieve inflammation. Cayenne is especially beneficial for saturating tissues with its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving qualities. Birch bark is another favorite oil that relieves pain better than any other oil I've used (however, you can only use VERY small amounts).

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is an herb I reach for for my knee problems. It works wonder for chronic achiness in the joints, throbbing muscle tears, bruising, and general inflammation. It's a warming and circulation enhancing in nature making it perfect for joints and muscle aches.

Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal is one of the best herbs I've found for ligament and tendon injuries. Having tendonitis myself, I can tell you with a fact that this herb soothes, lengthens, and softens stiff, painful connective tissues.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is amazing for nerve pain, inflammation, and decreasing healing time. I find it especially helpful for my sciatica and loosening pinched nerves and muscles.

What have been your favorite joint and muscle recipes? please share them in the comments below!

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How to Make a Salve
Herbal Healing Oil Recipe
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