OHH My Aching Back

Hello all!! Today I'm feeling more like myself. Up for writing away on this dreary Wednesday day. The recent rains have brought in a cool front that I'm actually happy to have arrive. The last week has been a scorcher and hard on the newly planted seedlings. So thank you Mother Nature for this milder weather!! A real treat! Yesterday I shoveled mulch, into all the vegetable beds..last night I felt like I had a pinched nerve in my neck, I guess its a pulled muscle. I've never experienced a pulled muscle there before. Today it hurts when I turn my neck to the right...so I've been looking online for some homemade herbal remedies for just such a affliction. Gardeners really do need certain things..muscle rub, hand salve for those dry cracked hands, and something to get the dirt out from under your nails..lol I found this great article on mommypottamus.com..a cool site! Maybe I will try this out...Now that I'm writing this I'm remembering a friend of mine made me some comfry salve last year..I need to dig that out and use some of it..and let her know how it worked.. Bless Be

Have You Been Lifting Cars . . .

To save trapped kittens again? Bench pressing two year-olds who keep flinging themselves onto you while you read a book? Well then, I have just the thing for you. This homemade rub is a relaxing treat that soothes tired, achy muscles, menstrual cramps, psoriasis, arthritis pain, shingles, nerve pain and more. (source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4)
The best part? Most of the items for this recipe are probably sitting in your pantry right now . . .

• Cayenne Powder – Contains capsaicin, which reduces the amount of Substance P – a chemical pain transmitter in the body. Obviously, pain is good thing because it’s our body’s way of communicating that we need to slow down and take time to heal, but I’m fine with turning off the signal once I’ve gotten the message. Cayenne also stimulates the circulation and increases blood flow to affected area, which may speed healing.

• Ginger Root Powder - “A study conducted at the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology in Milan, Italy suggests that ginger root may be effective as a topical anti-inflammatory. Results of the study published in a 2007 issue of ‘Planta Medica,’ showed that ginger-root extract in the form of a paste reduced inflammation in mice and had the potential to penetrate human skin. Paola Minghetti and her colleagues, the authors of the study, concluded that topical applications of ginger-root extract could improve swelling and pain in humans, as well.” (source 1, source 2)

• Essential Oils - Peppermint oil is a natural muscle relaxant and painkiller, while clove oil contains eugenol – another painkiller. Likewise, eucalyptus has long been used to soothe sore mucles (source 1, source 2, source 3)
  10 drops essential oil of eucalyptus
  5 drops essential oil of clove

• Coconut Oil & Cocoa Butter - Serves as a base for your balm. Omitting the use of water – like in this homemade lotion – extends the shelf life of this recipe considerably.

• Arrowroot/non-GMO Cornstarch - Because this is an oil-based recipe, I prefer to use arrowroot to reduce the oily texture

Now, are you ready to get started?

How To Make A DIY Warming Rub For Sore Muscles

Ingredients

• about 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 1/4 cups finely grated, packed cocoa butter (I used a cheese grater)*
• 2 tablespoons cayenne powder
• 2 teaspoons ginger powder
• 15 drops peppermint oil**
• 15 drops eucalyptus oil
• 8 drops clove oil***
• 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder or non-GMO cornstarch (optional – reduces oily finish)

* If you prefer to skip grating and use weight to measure the total should be about 2 oz
** Omit if using on children under five
*** Clove oil is used in teething products for babies so it is probably okay for children, but it is very strong. You may consider cutting it in half or omitting it based on your child’s feedback.
Equipment

• double boiler (or a pot that fits inside another pot)
• cheesecloth or old t-shirt
• chilled bowl
• mixer (click here to see one of my favorites)

Instructions
1. Place coconut oil, cayenne and ginger powder in a double boiler and gently warm the oil. Be careful not to let it get hot because the smell of cayenne will fill the room and make you cough. (Not that I would know that from experience – ahem).

2. Once the oil is slightly warm give it a stir and then turn off the burner. Allow it to sit for half an hour and then repeat the process. Do this a couple of more times (2 hours total) and then remove from heat completely. Set aside the oil to infuse for longer (I prefer overnight) or move on to step three – it’s up to you!
3. Place bowl in freezer so it will be nice and cold when needed
4. Using a cheesecloth or old t-shirt, strain the mixture mixture over a measuring cup. After straining out the spices, add enough coconut oil so that the final amount is 1/2 cup.

5. Add the arrowroot powder and mix thoroughly.
6. Place the infused coconut oil in the fridge/freezer until it is cool/semi-solid on top. Don’t let it harden all the way through or it will be very difficult to whip!
7. Place the infused coconut oil and cocoa butter in chilled bowl and add your essential oils. Mix on highest setting until peaks form (a stand mixer or old-fashioned hand mixer will both do the trick).

8. Store in an airtight jar – Amber or cobalt are best but a clear jar is fine if kept out of direct sunlight (which promotes oxidation).

A Few Notes:
Discomfort: Though many people don’t notice anything at all, capsaicin infused creams can cause a burning sensation when applied. Oil infusions tend to be more gentle, which is why I’ve chosen to use that method for this recipe. While you may feel a little heat, it tends to be mild and goes away pretty quickly. However, don’t use a heating pad or take a hot/bath following application because it will intensify the heat!
Use in children: According to this article, capsaicin should not be given to children under two and should be used with caution in older children for no more than a couple of days at a time.
Use in pregnant/nursing women: Capsaicin is listed as a Category B by the FDA, which means that “Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.” In other words, toxicity has not been established but it is recommended that pregnant/breastfeeding women avoid using cayenne medicinally as a precaution.
Shelf life: This recipe contains no preservatives, but coconut oil is naturally antimicrobial. Cold-pressed, high quality oil is recommended as a lower quality oil can go rancid quickly. This body butter can be expected to stay fresh at room temp for at least one year. Always use clean hands when scooping out a little whipped decadence!
Storage: If this salve is stored in a very warm environment it will melt. No fear, though, just chill and re-whip into decadent body care goodness!
This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition and cannot be considered medical advice – none of the statements made have been evaluated by the FDA. See my full disclaimer here.