Post Work Out Aromatherapy Massage Oil Blend
Exercise does a body good but can leave one feeling quite sore. Whether you're training for a race, participating in a sport, hitting the gym, or just had a long weekend of yard work or cleaning an essential oil massage blend can help ease aches and inflammation.
There are a number of essential oils that work well to ease for massage blends and many vegetable oils that can be used as carriers. I'll suggest some of my favorites in a recipe below but it is not an exhaustive list or exclusive recipe.
If I'm creating a custom blend, understanding the nature of the aches and soreness as well as client aroma preferences, any allergies, and other information will guide which oils I choose. Often if you have a selection of essential oils on hand you can find two or three that will work well in a massage blend.
For example, many monoterpene or monoterpenol rich oils have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These include oils such as rosemary, black pepper, lavender, peppermint, basil, spike lavender, orange, and marjoram for example.
Sequiterpene and sesquiterpenol rich oils can have anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming effects. These include oils such as German chamomile, cedarwood, patchouli, ginger, balsam copaiba, and sandalwood*.
Likewise ester rich oils such as clary sage, lavender, Roman chamomile, and ylang-ylang can be soothing, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory.
And there are other chemical families that offer similar benefits as well and often there is an overlap in chemistry with two or more aromatic families present in a single oil.
As far as carriers go, I like to use jojoba oil if I want the blend to absorb quickly. If I need more slip I typically add sunflower or apricot kernel oil but in general whatever carrier oil you have on hand will work such as fractionated coconut oil, sesame oil, or each an unscented lotion.
Below are two recipes to get you started one is an invigorating massage oil the other a more relaxing blend.
Invigorating Massage Oil Blend:
This blend promotes circulation and helps ease muscle and joint aches. This blend also provide respiratory, fights germs, and supports focus and mental clarity as well.
4 oz jojoba oil or other carrier
20 drops Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil
10 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
10 drops Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) essential oil
4 oz glass or PET plastic bottle
Add carrier oil to bottle. Add essential oils to carrier oil. Cap and gently mix. Apply oil to sore muscles/areas as needed during massage.
Relaxing Massage Oil Blend:
This relaxing blend promotes a sense of calm, eases muscle aches, reduces inflammation, and may help promote a more restful sleep. I like using this oil to help relax muscles and increase the effectiveness of massage.
4 oz jojoba oil or other carrier
5 drops Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) essential oil
25 drops Lavender (Lavendula angustafolia) essential oil
5 drops Sandalwood*(Santalum album), cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), or patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oil
Add carrier oil to bottle. Add essential oils to carrier oil. Cap and gently mix. Apply oil to sore muscles/areas as needed during massage.
These massage blends can be further enhanced with the addition of cannabidiol and herbal infused oils such as arnica or trauma oil. Such a blend can be used at home or you can take to your massage therapist.
If you have questions about aromatherapy and massage or would like a custom massage oil blend contact me.
Enjoy these wonderful blends or stop by the Be Kekoa Apothecary for pre-made or custom blends, salves, and other therapeutic products.
Aromatic blessings,
Tricia
