A simple, all-natural, homemade muscle rub recipe for all fit mamas! This DIY muscle rub recipe uses only basic ingredients plus a blend of essential oils to help relax tense muscles.
Plus, it adds a whole new element to your pampering routine (just like this whipped body butter for feet)! Whip up a batch, massage it in and give your muscles some love!
Your muscles are overworked, overtired, and under-appreciated. However, this homemade muscle rub with essential oils can help all of that!
This DIY lotion works wonders on overused muscles. Moreover, it helps relieve unwanted tension.
I love making my own spa and pampering products (like stress-relieving bath bombs or even things like natural homemade deodorant) because it's just so easy. Likewise, I adore making homemade remedies for common problems (like these honey lemon cough drops).
Furthermore, being able to use only natural products is a huge relief and helps in eliminating hormone-altering chemicals.
Most homemade body butter recipes are pretty simple and this DIY muscle rub recipe is no exception!
Note: I am not a doctor, herbalist, aromatherapist, or chemist. I'm just an everyday mom trying to figure out how to live naturally. This recipe is one that works for myself and my family. Please consult your doctor before using any DIY recipe or essential oils to confirm that they are safe for you. This holds especially important if you are currently pregnant.
When To Use The DIY Muscle Rub
This muscle rub recipe is simple to make and works perfectly on stiff or sore muscles. Thus, it's ideal for any mamas carrying babes all day 😛
I personally love using it after a sea soak bath. Similarly, the clay in the sea soak is another way to help ease sore muscles.
Keep in mind that this essential oil blend is slightly milder than ones with infused cayenne so you may not feel as much of a "tingling" sensation.
However, it does work wonders massaged into stiff muscles and the oils themselves help promote circulation and healing.
Another option would be something like a wintergreen oil salve which is handy to have on hand too!
Essential Oil Options
If you're a fit mom, this natural muscle rub fits perfectly into your routine- along with this DIY foaming handsoap.
In addition to the DIY muscle rub, foam rolling and a few awesome stretches can go a long way toward relieving sore muscles.
Clove oil - has been shown to reduce pain and is naturally antiviral.
Deep Blue - is a specific blend made by DoTerra for muscle relief but in a pinch peppermint also works! In fact, peppermint has a cooling sensation and naturally helps relieve inflammation.
Note: deep blue does contain wintergreen so keep that in mind if allergic. If that's the case, use peppermint essential oil in its place!
Lavender - helps calm the body, reduce irritation, and promote blood circulation.
Eucalyptus - is anti-inflammatory by nature and has been shown to help relieve pain specifically in muscles and tendons
Rosemary - helps relieve aches and pain making it a great addition to a muscle rub!
Keeping in mind, I use these oils as I see fit. I urge you to do your own research regarding essential oils safety before you start using your own!
Personally, I try to go with a 5% dilution rate which means 1 teaspoon of carrier oil to 1 drop of essential oil.
Note: this homemade muscle rub also uses both coconut oil and almond oil. While this makes the rub seems a bit greasy at first. However, it's wonderful once it's massaged into the skin- so don't skip that step!
How To Make It
- Heat a double boiler over medium heat. In the double boiler combine the almond oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Heat until melted and fully combined (whisk every few minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool on the counter very briefly- for about three minutes. (you don't want to heat the oils and risk damage). Add the oils to the mixture and whisk to combine fully.
- Let sit on the counter for 45-60min until mixture is mostly solidified. You're ready to go!
This rub should last roughly 6 months in the cupboard only if no water has gotten into it as water causes mold, similar to this DIY sleep salve.
Other DIY Recipes You'll Love
- How to make homemade bath bombs (the biggest secrets!)
- Mini bath bombs for sleepy kids
- The do's and don't of homemade lotion
- DIY tinted lip balm
- Easy homemade lotion
- How to make lotion bars
Don't forget to pin this homemade muscle rub with essential oils!
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Homemade Silky Rub For Sore Muscles
Equipment
- Double boiler or mason jar
- Mini Whisk
- Mini Mason Jars
Ingredients
- ¼ cup almond oil
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 tbs beeswax
- 5 drops Clove
- 5 drops Deep blue or peppermint
- 5 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Eucalyptus
- 5 drops Rosemary
Instructions
- Heat a double boiler over medium heat. In the double boiler combine the almond oil, coconut oil and beeswax. Heat until melted and fully combined (whisk every few minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool on the counter very briefly- for about three minutes. (you don't want to heat the essential oils and risk damage). Add the essential oils to the mixture and whisk to combine fully.
- Let sit on the counter for 45-60min until mixture is mostly solidified. You're ready to go!
- This rub should last roughly 6 months in the cupboard only if no water has gotten into it as water causes mold.
Notes
- Not sure where to grab ingredients? Here's a roundup list of my favorite products (and brands) for DIY beauty products and where to buy them!
- You can also check out the essential oils I use most in my Amazon Store.
Looking for help easing the tension from your muscles? Give this natural muscle rub a try!
Perfect for stiff muscles after a rough sleep (hello mamas!) or tired muscles from a workout. This soothing rub makes the perfect addition to your pampering routine or a super thoughtful gift.
Mary says
This would be great to have on hand for workout days.
Ella says
I need to make this for my husband's back.
fitasamamabear says
Doooo it! I use it on sore hamstrings a lot lol
Mary says
I definitely need this.
fitasamamabear says
Haha how I feel alll the time!
Nancy says
I saw a video which said to use a preservative when making homemade salves. Should this be added in the pan?
Just getting started in the wonderful world of essential oils!
fitasamamabear says
So to be honest the only preservative I typically use is Vitamin E oil. I find that as long as no water gets into it, it lasts just fine for a few months (but that's just me!). Water however, causes mold. If adding something I would add it AFTER you've removed it from heat so that it doesn't burn and reduce the effectiveness!
Tessa Zundel says
This is a great recipe! Do you think I could make this with jojoba instead of almond oil and get the same results? It seems to me that I could, but I was curious if you've tried other oils.
fitasamamabear says
You definitely can! I've done it with almond, jojoba, apricot, and rosehip! They all work. Recently I made bombs without oil (slightly different recipe though) and it was nice not having a slippery tub haha but a little less luxurious.
Rain says
Sounds great but for those that don’t know deep blue contains wintergreen so if you are allergic go with the peppermint.
fitasamamabear says
I hadn't thought to include that- thank you for the tip!
Shawnii says
Hello! I have a tree nut allergy. What can I use in place of the almond oil? Thank you!
fitasamamabear says
Oh no! That's not a fun allergy 😛 You should be just fine using jojoba oil or apricot kernal oil!
Shawnii says
Thank you!
Crystal says
Just came across this today on Pinterest and I'm so excited to try it. I do, however, have a question about the cayenne pepper infusion. How would I do that? I am pretty new to homeopathic diy so I want to get it right for the hubs. He's in construction and I think this balm would be AMAZING for him! Thanks in advance!
fitasamamabear says
Aw yay, I'm so excited for you to make muscle rub! Haha fun thing to note/remind is that this particular muscle rub is a bit oily. I love this because it forces you to actually rub it in but some people like it firmer in which case add a teeny bit more beeswax 🙂 Okay cayenne pepper: I am most definitely not an herbalist or homeopath but for myself, I would mix in 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper into the ingredients before boiling. This way, it infuses/boils into the mixture. Another (but longer) option is to infuse the cayenne pepper (I would do this with actual peppers) into the almond oil for 4-6 weeks in the sun and then strain and use the almond oil. I do this with my calming baby lotion (infuse the lavender into the oil for weeks before making) and it's amazing. I've only ever used ground cayenne in my rub but now I want to try the infused version.... I hope this helps!
Leni says
I only had small jars so I yielded 3. Will it still be effective? Also how many times would you use it on the same area in a day?
Thank you for sharing this recipe it's smells divine.
fitasamamabear says
Glad you like the smell! No biggie on the jars, the lotion will still be effective- you should feel a slight warming when you apply/rub it in. As for how many times, I've applied up to five times in a day. That said, I'll be the first to admit that I don't know much about essential oil absorption rates so use your best judgement! And keep me posted on how you like it!
Sabine says
This is so cool...bookmarked it right away. I wanted to try something like this out since ever and I am doing so much sport that I really love anything against sore muscles...so going to try this...thank you =)
fitasamamabear says
Thanks Sabine! I hope it works for you 🙂 If you're heavy into sports you may want to try infusing a bit of cayenne pepper into it also which helps with muscle soreness really well. Good luck xx
Mary says
I've used a variety of scrubs, but never made or used this one! I definitely need it and it doesn't look too difficult to make. I like the idea that it will keep for 6 months!
fitasamamabear says
I think half the reason I like this is it just reminds me to massage my muscles haha Yes, as long as you don't get water into the mixture (water causes mold) it lasts for a while. I've actually had ones in my bathroom for up to a year (I know I know use it more lol)
Dee says
Heat a double boiler over medium heat. In the double boiler combine the almond oil, coconut oil and beeswax. Heat until melted and fully combined (whisk every few minutes).
Remove from heat and let cool on the counter very briefly- for about three minutes. (you don't want to heat the oils and risk damage). Add the oils to the mixture and whisk to combine fully... first time making a homemade rub.. do I add the beeswax and oil together or do I add the oil afterwards.. I don’t want to mess up
fitasamamabear says
My apologies: I should be more clear! You want to add the almond oil in with the beeswax to heat/melt but you don't want to add the essential oils until after everything is heated. I'll make a note of this in the card now for anyone else- thank you!
Janet Earling-Bencivenni says
I could totally use this after a hard workout. Is there any alternative to the coconut oil? I have an allergy/sensitivity to coconut.
fitasamamabear says
Hey Janet! I think I would try that two ways: double up on the almond oil and add a bit more beeswax to make sure it's not just liquid. Or I would use shae butter in place of coconut oil in which case I'd cut the beeswax in half because shae is thicker. If you do try... good luck! It will be a bit of experimentation so keep me posted!
Krysten says
YES. I totally need to make this!
fitasamamabear says
Doo it! It;s pretty simple and rubs on so nicely!
Barbara says
What type of eucalyptus? Euc. Globus, Euc. Radiata or Euc. Blue? Also do you know what a Young living equivalent of Deep Blue would be? Perhaps Panaway? This sounds like a wonderful muscle balm.
fitasamamabear says
Honestly whatever you have on hand, I've used a few Eucalyptus and have found they all kind of work. As for YL, I've never used their oils! It's a blend of peppermint, wintergreen, Ylang Ylang, Chammomille etc. So if young living has a blend with those kinds fo oils, rock it!