Warming Muscle Rub
Updated: Sep 18
This warming herbal salve combines arnica, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and jalapeño with nourishing coconut and olive oils.
The combination creates a beautiful warming preparation that can be used as part of a soothing body-care ritual. I especially enjoy making herbal oils and salves because they allow you to spend time with the plants and transform simple ingredients into something you can keep on hand.
For topical use only. Do not use this preparation on broken or irritated skin, and avoid contact with the eyes. Arnica preparations should not be taken internally.
Ingredients
● 1 cup coconut oil
● 1 cup olive oil
● ½ cup dried arnica
● 1 jalapeño
● 3 tablespoons dried ginger root
● 3 tablespoons dried turmeric root
● 3 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
● ¼ cup beeswax
About the Ingredients
I recommend using dried ginger and dried turmeric whenever possible. If you cannot find dried root, powdered ginger or turmeric can be substituted. The finished oil may be somewhat cloudy when using powdered herbs, but this is perfectly fine.
For the jalapeño, using a fresh pepper adds heat to the preparation. Because fresh peppers contain water, they can also make an infused oil more susceptible to spoilage. For longer storage, a thoroughly dried pepper is a better option.
1. Combine the oils.
Add the coconut oil and olive oil to a heat-safe glass container.
2. Prepare the jalapeño.
If using a fresh jalapeño, carefully poke several holes throughout the pepper to allow the oil to come into contact with the pepper.
Add the jalapeño, arnica, ginger, turmeric, and black peppercorns to the oils.
3. Create a gentle double boiler.
Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and come partway up the outside of your infusion container. You don’t want so much water that it can bubble into the container.
Place a heat-safe lid, trivet, or other suitable support in the center of the pan to keep the glass container elevated from the bottom.
4. Slowly infuse.
Place the container on the support and gently heat the water.
Allow the herbs to infuse into the oils over low heat for a minimum of 4 hours.
Keep an eye on the water level throughout the process and add more water as needed. Do not allow the pan to boil dry.
5. Cool.
Remove the infusion from the heat and allow it to cool enough to handle safely.
Place a piece of cheesecloth over a clean bowl and carefully pour the infused oil through it, allowing the cheesecloth to catch the herbs and other plant material. You may also use a strainer or anything that will help to fully strain the oil.
Once most of the oil has drained, gather the cheesecloth and gently squeeze it to release the remaining oil.
Be careful when handling the jalapeño. The infused oil can carry some of its heat, and squeezing the pepper into the oil can make that heat more noticeable. If you prefer a milder salve, remove the jalapeño before straining.
You can also use a fine metal strainer. Press the herbs gently with a wooden spoon to release additional oil.
Adding the Beeswax
Return the strained oil to your heat-safe container and place it back into your gentle double boiler.
Add the beeswax and allow it to melt completely into the infused oil.
How to Test the Consistency
If you’re unsure how firm you want your salve, there is an easy way to test it before committing to the entire batch.
Place a spoon in the freezer and allow it to become cold.
When you’re ready to test the salve, place a small drop of the warm oil-and-wax mixture onto the chilled spoon. The mixture will cool almost immediately and take shape.
Once cooled, rub the sample between your fingers or onto your skin to see whether you like the consistency.
If you want a firmer salve, add a little more beeswax. If you prefer something softer, use less.
Storing Your Salve
Once the beeswax has completely melted, carefully pour the mixture into a clean, dry glass container.
Allow the salve to cool and solidify before placing the lid on the container.
For the best quality and longevity, store your finished salve in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is also an option, especially if you used any fresh plant material.
Always use clean, dry hands when removing salve from the container, and discard it if you notice mold, an unusual odor, or other signs of spoilage.
Make It Your Own
One of my favorite things about making herbal oils and salves is how adaptable the process can be.
Once you understand the basic method, you can experiment with different dried herbs and carrier oils to create preparations that suit your own preferences.
Just remember that every plant brings its own properties and safety considerations. Research an herb before adding it to a preparation, particularly when you’re making something intended for topical use.
Note: This recipe is intended as a traditional herbal body-care preparation and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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