Soothe achy muscles with a homemade salve that helps manage pain with natural oils and herbs!

This five-ingredient salve is easy to make and perfect to have on-hand. Use it on any muscle area to relieve minor aches and pains, while also keeping your skin moisturized.

Carrier oils like coconut oil and shea butter balance out the potency of the essential oils without diminishing their effectiveness. Along with being extremely moisturizing and gentle, they’re perfect for skin sensitivities and work hard to nourish your skin. You can also substitute with other popular carrier oils, like jojoba or sweet almond oil.

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The essential oils in this recipe include clove and peppermint to create an icy-hot combo that suppresses pain naturally. Clove oil is known for its high levels of antioxidants and numbing compounds while stimulating blood flow for a warm, soothing effect.  Peppermint oil offers a mild cooling sensation that offers relief from both headaches and joint pain. (1) Note: Although both oils are highly potent, take caution when handling undiluted oils and always pair with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritations or allergic reactions. 

Added ginger is another warming agent that helps deliver pain relief while increasing blood flow to affected areas. (2, 3)

To get started, melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes. Add the ginger and turn off the heat, then let it steep for 10 minutes. This will allow the ground ginger to infuse its warming properties into the oil.

When ready, remove from heat and add in the essential oil drops. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and pour into a small jar. Refrigerate for two hours, or until solid, and store in a dry cool spot. When ready to use, apply a small amount of salve onto the affected area for 10 seconds. The salve will melt as it makes contact with your skin for easy absorption. Note: Much like you wouldn’t put icy-hot anywhere near your eyes or mouth, strictly avoid facial contact with this salve.

Jennafer Ashley

Homemade Coconut Oil Salve for Sore Muscles

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Total time:2 hrs
15 mins

Inactive Time: 2 hrs 2 hours

Cook Time:10 mins 10 minutes

Prep Time: 5 mins 5 minutes

Serves:5 oz.

Homemade Coconut Oil Salve for Sore Muscles

Recipe by: Jennafer Ashley

Soothe achy muscles with a homemade salve that helps manage pain with natural oils and herbs.

Tools

• Double boiler
• Fine mesh strainer
• 6 oz jar

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/2 t ground ginger
• 5 drops clove essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions

• To Make: Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler over medium for about 7-10 minutes. Add the ginger and turn off the heat, then steep for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and add in essential oil drops. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and pour into a small jar.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours or until solid and store in a dry cool spot.
• To Use: Apply 1 teaspoon of salve on your fingertips and massage onto affected area for 10 seconds.
• Always wash hands after using and avoid contact with eyes.

Looking for Paleo ingredients? Here are a few we’d recommend:
Cold pressed coconut oil (Viva Naturals)
Ground ginger (Simply Organic)
Peppermint essential oil (Zongle Therapeutics)

(You’ll Also Love: Homemade Headache Salve with Coconut Oil)