Herbal Recipes for Sore Muscles

Planting an herbal garden is very rewarding, but spending the day getting garden plots and pots planted to keep them looking good can be hard work.

After a day of digging and planting, treat your body to a natural way to relieve your sore, aching muscles with herbal oils and lotions and take a long soak in a scented tub.

Several herbs can be used to warm and soothe sore muscles and joints. Thyme, marjoram, bay and lavender all stimulate your circulation and comfort tired muscles. Arnica and rosemary are pain relievers and can be added to creams and oils. Passionflower, chamomile and lemon balm have antiflammatory properties and are useful when made into a warm cup of tea.

In one of my other post, I gave some recipes on herbal recipes for skin care. Here are some recipes for sore, aching muscles and joints.

Ache-Soothing Balm
This rich and buttery balm is easy to use and conditioning to your skin and muscles.

1/4 cup grated cocoa butter
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon grated beeswax
1 to 2 drops peppermint essential oil
1 to 2 drops rosemary essential oil

1. Place all ingredients except the essential oils in a heat resistant container. In the
microwave or on the stove top, gently heat until all ingredients begin to melt.
2. Remove from heat and stir until blended and melted. Add essential oils and stir.
3. Pour into a clean container(or for small bars, pour into a clean ice tray). Let cool
completely. To use; Rub the balm over your skin, focusing on sore muscle areas.

Body-Restoring Soak
This fragrant bath is a welcome retreat. Bay and marjoram are known for stimulating
circulation and comfort muscle aches and pains.

1/4 cup dried bay leaves or
2 tablespoons dried
1 cup baking soda
2 cups sea salt
1 or 2 drops lavender essential oil(optional)

1. Crush dried herbs in a coffee grinder until fine.( I guess you could also use a blender or
food processor). In a bowl, combine ingredients and stir.
2. Store in an airtight container. To use; Pour 1/2 cup of this blend into a warm bath and
stir well. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

Muscle-Repair Massage Oil
Ginger and thyme are warming herbs that help boost your circulation and repair aching
muscles.

1/2 cup sunflower oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or
1/2 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, crushed, or
1/2 teaspoon dried
1 to 2 drops lavender essential oil

1. Mix all ingredients and pour into a clean bottle. Shake gently.
2. Let sit for 2 days, then strain into another clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid. To use;
Massage onto your body, paying special attention to sore areas.

If you don't have time to make your own recipes, try buying balms, massage oils and soaks from a natural food store or I have listed some websites that sell natural products.
www.weleda.com , www.woodspriteorganicbody.com . or www.sunfeather.com .