Weather changes and the pursuit of a healthy body
We all know it. A sore and strained body can really torment and make an otherwise beautiful day unpleasant. Sometimes it goes overboard in the gym as part of the hunt for a flawless body, then you work too long in the garden, and other times the pain is heard, for example, due to changes in the weather. Stiff, strained muscles do not allow the body to move without pain, ordinary activities are more strenuous than usual, and although we know that the tension and pain will disappear in a few days, even a little relief would be nice.
When it gets too much
Unfortunately (even for God's sake) it is not difficult to cause muscle pain. That is why it is useful to be prepared for cases when we are not feeling well, and to be able to intervene in time and relieve ourselves.
Bitter salt praise
Before we dive into the recipe for the warming salve, we can't help but say a few words about the miraculous Epsom salt. If your joints hurt, you have cramps, your muscles are swollen or if you just need a good rest and treat yourself to some love and care, fill a hot bath and add Epsom salt. Quietly minimalistic, on its own, or perhaps in effervescent regenerating bath salts. Bitter Epsom salt is one of the best and easiest ways to get rid of pain and cramps. And since magnesium is best absorbed into the body through the skin, you can also replenish the amount of this important mineral in the bath.
We have a whole article about this wonderful ingredient, if you are interested, see: Epsom salt - Bitter salt that does not salt anything.
After your bath, gently smear yourself with a fragrant ointment on sore muscles and you won't recognize your body! :)
Warming ointment for sore joints and strained muscles
We tried to mix the ointment so that it warms the muscles and joints well, but not uncomfortably, and then gradually induces a gently cooling and refreshing sensation. What will help with this?
Cayenne pepper, ginger and turmeric
Cayenne pepper hides a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is responsible for the hot taste of chili peppers and, more importantly for us, it is also a natural analgesic. Capsaicin is very good at fooling our brain - after taking capsaicin, the brain begins to think that the part of the body where we applied capsaicin is exposed to extreme heat, which causes certain neurotransmitters to be released from the brain, which dull the pain. Cayenne pepper is therefore an essential component of our ointment.
We added ginger to it, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves pain and, as we all know very well, warms up beautifully.
In turmeric we find another very interesting and effective substance, curcumin. Curcumin has very strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. That is why it has been used for centuries not only to treat colds, flu, colds and coughs, but also because it copes well with inflammation of all kinds, and also to relieve joint and muscle pain.
Vegetable butters, oil and beeswax
In addition to the fact that coconut oil, cocoa and almond butter work as carrier oils in the recipe, they also ensure that the skin does not remain irritated after using strongly warming substances. Olive squalene nourishes the skin and helps the absorption of ointment. We used beeswax mainly for the texture of the product, but we must not neglect its healing abilities either.
Essential oils for pain relief
All selected essential oils are anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and promote healing and regeneration.
When used locally, cloves can reduce pain, so it acts as an anesthetic and thus relieves unpleasant sensations.
Laurel is antispasmodic and antirheumatic, and its aroma also has a strong positive effect on the nervous system.
Thyme significantly relieves pain, accelerates regeneration after injuries and promotes healing.
Wintergreen is known as a soothing powerful pain reliever and is used for arthritis, muscle problems, spasms, tendinitis and rheumatism.
Eucalyptus is popular for its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to suppress muscle pain. It promotes healing and gives the ointment a beautiful cooling, refreshing balm scent.
Camphor stimulates and refreshes, relieves pain, is anti-inflammatory and relaxes stiff muscles. It works against fatigue and relieves tension.
What does it take?
- 30 g of coconut oil
- 20 g of olive squalane
- 20 g of almond butter
- 15 g of cocoa butter
- 10 g of beeswax (you can use soy wax for a completely plant-based version)
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 5 to 10 drops: EO Clove, EO Laurel, EO Thyme, EO Wintergreen, EO Eucalyptus, EO Camphor - definitely not all :)
How to do it?
Prepare a water bath - slide a smaller bowl or saucepan into a larger pot of water so that it does not touch the bottom. Melt the coconut oil in a bowl bathed in a water bath, add the olive squalene and mix in the cayenne pepper, ground ginger and turmeric. Let it macerate in a warm water bath for at least an hour. If we have time, let it macerate covered with a cloth for longer, maybe two weeks, in a warm, dry place - for example, on a windowsill. After the time that we give the pepper and ginger for maceration, strain the oil through a cheesecloth (if the oil solidifies, heat it). The spices that are left over can be used again to create another oil - for example, flavored olive oil, which will add zest to vegetable dishes.
Then melt both butters and beeswax in a water bath and add the prepared strained oil.
When everything is nicely dissolved and mixed, let the mixture cool slightly. Add essential oils and mix. Pour into a suitable closable glass or jar and allow to cool completely before use.
How to use it?
We take a small amount of ointment, dissolve it between our fingers and apply it to the painful area in a circular motion. We are kind to each other and treat ourselves to at least a short massage. The skin in the treated area will probably be slightly reddened and warm to the touch.
The ointment lasts for several months and we can use it as often as we need.
Important notes
The ointment is definitely not suitable for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Test the ointment on a small area before vigorously greasing the whole body due to possible irritation.
Always wash your hands properly after use and make sure that the ointment does not get into your eyes or mucous membranes.
We never use the ointment on damaged or injured skin.
The ointment does not stain the skin, but due to the turmeric content, it may leave yellow stains on light-colored clothing. If it is unpleasant for you, it is better to leave turmeric out of the recipe.
And we also have to note that we are not doctors, the ointment is definitely not a medicine and everything we write here is for informational purposes only. :)
How do you combat sore joints and strained muscles?
