Stiff Achy Joints Herbal Infused Salve
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How to Make A Herbal Infused Salve for Stiff Achy Joints using Nourishing Butters and a Herb Infused Oil!
This homemade body butter salve recipe with nourishing butters and a herb infused oil is one I find works great for my achy stiff joint concerns!
If you have chronic joint pain (perhaps from osteoarthritis) like I do then you may find this a helpful recipe for you.
Ask anyone who suffers from chronic joint pain and they may tell you they have tried multiple over the counter medications, as well as, home remedies to try and find some relief.
For me, I always look beyond popping a pill and use other natural ways to help with my achy stiff joints.
This is one blend I find works for me. If you ready to give this salve a try, then keep reading!
So Why Do I like This Stiff Achy Joints Herbal Infused Salve? Because of the ingredients used!!
SHEA BUTTER
Shea butter is a great moisturizer for dry and damaged skin. It contains vitamins A and E as well as essential fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals. It is considered by many as having healing qualities to it.
It can be used in just about any skin care product. Unrefined shea butter has a somewhat nutty odor to it, which some people do not like. If you prefer you can use refined shea butter which is odorless instead.
KOMBO BUTTER
Unrefined kombo butter keeps its myristoleic acid component. Myristoleic acid is thought to be useful for treating muscle and joint pain. (It is important to buy unrefined kombo butter!)
Kombo butter is used also for nourishing, calming and softening the skin. It has a non greasy, yet very moisturizing feel to it.
I love it’s beautiful color. Kombo butter has a naturally rich, dark cocoa brown color. Some brands may appear to be a dark dark blue shade, but mine is the lovely deep brown color.
For me kombo butter doesn’t stain, but I always massage it thoroughly into the area for a few minutes.
Note: Occasionally some people find that kombo butter causes skin irritation. I suggest trying only a small amount first on your skin to see if you react.
SUBSTITUTE FOR KOMBO BUTTER: COCONUT OIL
Even though kombo butter is used in this recipe you may be wondering what you can substitute if you cannot obtain it. Unrefined cold pressed virgin coconut oil is one that I have found works in a pinch.
Here is one study that was done which suggests virgin coconut oil has “anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties”.
HERBAL INFUSED OIL
You can use a carrier oil of your choice to make a herbal infused oil. I chose jojoba oil (aka wax) because it is one oil that most everyone (different skin types) can use).
Calendula and lavender infused oil is my recommendation for this recipe as both are considered useful for body aches. You could also use bee balm, or chamomile, or a blend.
Instead of me repeating instructions on how to infuse oils you can find the information here. Use 50/50 of dried calendula and lavender. You will use jojoba, or oil of your choice to infuse with.
An alternative to making infused calendula-lavender oil is trauma oil. Trauma oil is also a herbal-infused oil blend. It combines arnica, St. John’s wort and calendula which are usually mixed in olive oil.
Each herb adds to the blend. Calendula adds the skin nourishing and healing component. Arnica gives the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and tissue healing actions. St. John’s wort provides relief for nerve pain and injury.
Note: Important not to put on broken or open skin! In general I don’t recommend using for children under the age of 12. (This depends on the company – important to read instructions on the bottle!)
The brand I purchase from Amazon is Herb Pharm Trauma Oil. You can also purchase trauma oil through another reputable company: www.aromatics.com.
ESSENTIAL OILS (OPTIONAL)
This recipe includes an option for using essential oils. You can use just one essential oil, such as, lavender, or a blend of essential oils of your choice. Some other essential oils that I have found helpful for joint aches and stiffness are geranium, juniper berry, German chamomile, and cardamon. You can find the amount for each that I recommend in the recipe below.
You don’t have to add essential oils. The other ingredients in this salve have components in them that help pain.
You can also use your own blend of essential oils, or use an already made blend. Here is one for aches and pains called Edens Garden Aches & Pains Blend.
Safety When Using this Recipe/Especially if using Essential Oils
Always consult a physician first regarding your pain! It is also important to reach out to your doctor if you have never checked out the persistent joint pain you are have, or if you have chronic medical problems, or are on any prescription medications before using essential oils!
Note: Use care regarding essential oils (if using) if pregnant or nursing baby.
Be aware of your allergies to plants. Make sure the herbs you have chosen are not on your allergy list!
Always, do a skin patch test prior to topically using any new essential oil or body butter or carrier oil! See my sections on essential oil safety:
Stiff Achy Joints Herbal Infused Salve Recipe
You will Need
- 0.25 oz (7 gm) organic beeswax
- 0.25 oz (7 gm) kombo butter, or unrefined coconut oil
- 0.5 oz (14 gm) shea butter
- 0.75 fl oz (22 ml) infused calendula and lavender jojoba oil
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vitamin E oil
- 30 to 36 drops essential oil blend of choice (Optional). I used: 9 drops geranium, 9 drops juniper berry, 9 drops German chamomile, and 6 drops cardamon)
- 1 – 2 oz glass container, or 2 – 1 oz cardboard push up salve containers
This recipe makes approximately 2 ounces.
Recommendations if using the Essential Oils in this Recipe
I am showing a 3% essential oil blend that you can add to the recipe if you would like. If you use the essential oils at this percentage I recommend that it be used short term. No more than 14 days.
You can always decrease the amount of essential oils (say use half the total amount) if you intend to use it for a longer time frame.
Instructions
- Melt beeswax in a double boiler on stove over low heat
- Add kombo butter (or unrefined coconut oil), shea butter or (palm kernel oil), and calendula/lavender infused oil and stir until melted
- Remove from heat source
- Next, add the vitamin E (and essential oils if using) and stir thoroughly
- Pour into clean glass jar or pushup cardboard containers
- Cool before placing on lid
- Allow to completely harden before using
- Store at room temperature for best results (if you live in a very hot environment you may refrigerate)
Just use a small amount of this salve to massage the affected area as needed to help relieve the discomfort!
By making this homemade herbal infused salve, you will always have something on hand to help those stiff achy joints.
OTHER SIMILAR RECIPES TO TRY
For other great recipes for body aches and pains check out How to Make a Homemade Pain Relief Salve. and Homemade Kombo Butter Salve.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.
