Who here deals with stress, tense muscles, and occasional insomnia? If you’re like me, then this kava kava massage oil is just what you need to restore balance after a stressful day!

A Little About Kava Kava

If you’ve never heard of kava kava before, then you’re in for a real treat! This herb comes from various islands of the South Pacific such as Vanuatu and Hawaii but most especially Fiji, where it is regarded as a scared and spiritual herb. Kava’s use has strong traditional and recreational value and is often consumed at social gatherings where people “under the enchantment” of kava converse, share, and reminisce with one another. It is considered an herb of friendship and camaraderie and it’s said that “You can’t go to war when sharing kava kava”.

Kava kava is an incredible relaxant herb that is well suited for deep stress that settles into the musculature of the body. This type of stress may leave your neck muscles clenched or wound tight making it very difficult to relax and let go after an overwhelming and hectic day. Kava has the amazing ability, unlike any other relaxing nervine that I know of, to leave you feeling like you’re comfortably lying on the beach without a care in the world.

Don’t get confused though, stress relief doesn’t come as a result of sedation. The stress relief comes as a result of relaxation. Small amounts of kava, especially when used topically, keep your mind sharp while relaxing the body. Think of it more like an after work tonic, the kind you reach for after sitting in bumper to bumper traffic all the way home from work and the inability to physically let all of the tension go. That’s when you would use kava kava, not as a daily supplement.

Kava has a very interesting flavor peppery, slightly bitter, and has a tingly numbing quality. This is also transferred into deep tissues which makes it a perfect topical application for tight muscles, stress, and sports injuries as it relieves tension, pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.

So, I know what you may be thinking, and just to make things clear, no, kava kava is NOT a drug. You do not get high using it. Just putting that out there!

Learn about how kava kava is harvested below!

How to Make Stress Reducing Kava Kava Massage Oil

Infusing kava in carrier oil is simply incredible! It has a rich earthy aroma and goes on like a dream. I find it best when used on muscles that won’t “let go” after a hard day or even for chronically tense muscles. I have these in the neck and shoulders and all I can say is that this massage oil has changed my life!

This simple blend relaxes muscles and lowers stress BECAUSE you can relax. I have also added dried red rose petals to give it a floral aroma but also for rose’s relaxing nervine effects. It smells divine and I recommend you add them in for a sensuality sake. Not only that, your skin will love rose’s beautifying effects on the skin.

Here’s what you’re going to need:

1. Dried kava kava root
2. Dried rose petals (you can use fresh but make sure they are not sprayed with chemicals, clean, and wilted before adding them)
3. Your favorite carrier oil (I used fractionated coconut oil but you can use sweet almond, sesame, grapeseed, etc.)
4. A mason jar
5. a nut milk bag for straining (especially if you use powdered kava kava root)
6. Sunlight!

 

Loving Preparation- Stress Reducing Kava Kava Massage Oil

1. First, choose a mason jar you like and add enough kava kava root to fill it about a quarter to half way. I usually eye-ball it so I didn’t measure out anything.
2. Next, add a large pinch of dried rose petals.
3. Cover the herbs with the carrier oil you chose almost to the top.
4. Use a utensil to mix and then cap it tight.
5. Put the jar in a place where it will get plenty of direct sunlight for at least one week.
6. Strain the mark using the nut milk bag and pour the filtered kava kava massage oil into the container of your choice. I just put it back in the jar after removing all traces or rose petals and kava kava root.

This recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 months if kept in a cool dark place. Sesame and coconut oil lasts especially long.

To Use: Kava Kava Massage Oil

When your muscles feel tight, tense, and bunched up, simply apply a ½ tsp worth of oil to the affected area and massage deeply. You can use more oil as needed.

Use nightly before bed. You can use it during the day, but be aware that kava kava really relaxes you and it is not recommended to be operating any type of machinery while using it.

***Severe abuse of kava kava topically can cause serious dermatitis.

[yumprint-recipe id=’92’]Have you ever made your own kava kava massage oil?

 

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