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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Massage oil for aching muscles

Arnica, camphor and cypress for stiff muscles.

Used for

Time
5 minutes (or 25 minutes with juniper)
Makes
About 295 ml
Grape

A massage oil with arnica, camphor and cypress oil; if you like, steep juniper berries in it first. Not on broken skin.

Ingredients

  • 235 ml grape seed oil
  • 60 ml wheat germ oil
  • 1 tablespoon arnica oil
  • 15 drops camphor oil
  • 15 drops cypress oil
  • Optionally 25 g juniper berries

Step by step

  1. Mix everything in a clean bottle. Keeps 3–6 months tightly closed.
  2. Extra effective: heat the grape seed oil with the juniper berries over low heat for 15–20 minutes, strain and then add the rest.
  3. Massage with slow circles; with heated oil, test the temperature first.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 245

    Grape

    Vitis vinifera

    Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, laxative, cooling, stomachic, diuretic; for bilious indigestion, bleeding, painful urination, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, gout; juice for constipation in children.

    Folk magic and herbal magic+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 268

    Wheat

    Triticum aestivum

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens, rejuvenates, soothes ulcers, stimulates appetite, promotes healing of fractures, gives stability, healthy complexion; mildly aphrodisiac; anti-stress breakfast.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 114

    Arnica

    Arnica montana

    Used externally for bruises and muscle aches. Studies give mixed results. Homeopathic arnica is so diluted that it contains no active substance.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Other · № 141

    Camphor

    Cinnamomum camphora

    Used externally in rubs for muscle pain, itching and blocked noses; it gives a cooling, numbing feeling. There is some evidence of short-term relief.

    Ayurveda+3
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 233

    Cypress

    Cupressus sempervirens

    Traditionally attributed effects: antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, diuretic.

    Greco-Roman medicine+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 81

    Juniper

    Juniperus communis

    The berries are traditionally used as a diuretic, for digestive complaints and externally for joint pain. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Western herbal medicine+5Folklore

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.