arnica Archives - Soap Deli News

CBD Natural Pain Relief Salve Recipe

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September 29, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

Learn how CBD oil can help with fibromyalgia and other types of chronic pain, including arthritis. Beneficial for both people and their pets alike, CBD oil is an important adaptogen that helps to regulate our bodies state of balance. Plus learn how you can use CBD oil to make your own CBD natural pain relief salve recipe for everyday aches and pains.

CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia.

Not all CBD oil is created equal. Trust me, I know. In my quest to find natural alternatives to pain relief for my fibromyalgia, I tried more than six different brands of CBD oil. While they all worked great at reducing anxiety and inflammation, finding one that tackled my worst pain was a challenge.

In part, this was because not all brands of CBD oil were geared specifically toward fighting pain. On the other side of that, fibromyalgia pain is tricky. This is because pinpointing the origin of fibromyalgia pain is challenging. Fibro pain moves throughout various points of the body. It’s not specifically in your joints. Or your muscles. It’s widespread and goes where it pleases.

What causes fibromyalgia?

It’s theorized that fibromyalgia, in layman’s terms, is caused by the brain misinterpreting signals from our body. So when we are particularly stressed, or in fear of a negative or painful outcome (whether physical or emotional,) our brains react to that stress or fear by sending out pain signals to various parts of our body. This is why, the majority (if not all) of the people who experience fibromyalgia pain, have experienced either a physical or emotional trauma at some point in their lives. The prior (or ongoing) abuse changes the way our brain handles stress and pain. (Source.)

This is also why, reducing stress and practicing meditation, can help fibromyalgia pain. And why, when we get upset, our pain increases. It’s also why the practices you learn through alternative treatments, such as the Curable app, can help reduce that pain. The methods primarily focus on retraining how your brain thinks and handles stress. It’s also why some fibromyalgia sufferers find relief with SSRI drugs. SSRI’s are able to reduce our stress and anxiety chemically. For others, however, an infection or an illness can also lead to the development of fibromyalgia.

Fibro is not well understood and many doctors are still uncertain about how to treat it. However, short and even long term use of synthetic opioid pain relievers, such as Tramadol, are both addictive and cause worsening severity of pain over time. I’ve found, personally, that pain killers absolutely do lead to increased sensitivity to pain. Therefore, when I stopped taking pain killers and instead focused on natural supplements that targeted inflammation, anxiety and healthy stress response, my pain actually decreased.

How does CBD oil benefit the body?

This is what led me to explore adaptogens. Like adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, maca and holy basil, CBD oil is also an adaptogen. Or, basically, a non-specific remedy that increases our bodies resistance to a broad spectrum of harmful factors of different physical, chemical and biological natures.

CBD oil works because it interacts with our bodies through the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) or endocannabinoid system. Discovered in the 1980’s, the endocannabinoid system regulates the body’s general state of balance. It has a positive impact on mood, sleep, appetite and hormone regulation as well as our bodies pain and immune response. As such, the endocannabinoid system is an extremely important regulator within our bodies. However, few of us take steps to support this system as cannabinoids are not a part of our normal daily diet. (Learn more about the endocannabinoid system.)

In addition to its benefit as an herbal supplement, CBD oil also has numerous medical indications including anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, cancer and chronic pain. And it’s not just for people either. All mammals, including dogs and cats, benefit in the same way we do. My 9 1/2 year old dachshund has been able to jump onto the couch again despite arthritis in his front knees since taking CBD oil for pets. You can even find CBD oil infused edible treats for both cats and dogs so even picky eaters can get the endocannabinoids they benefit from.

How much CBD oil do I need?

I’ve found that taking a daily CBD oil supplement at a lower dose works best for long term maintenance of my fibromyalgia. It helps with anxiety, stress and insomnia. However, when I have a pain flare up, that maintenance dosage isn’t enough to bring my pain level back down. Therefore, for flare ups, I have typically take between a 50 mg to 100 mg serving twice a day until the pain dissipates.

The packaging of your CBD oil should indicate on the back how many mg are in a serving. Most oils offer between 6 mg and 35 mg per serving. The amount of CBD oil per serving is also indicative of how much more you’ll pay for your CBD oil.

If you can’t find the amount of CBD oil per serving on your packaging, you can determine the amount yourself. For example, if a 30 ml bottle of CBD oil contains 700 mg of CBD oil, simply divide the total amount of CBD in mg by the number of ml of oil in the bottle. Therefore, 700mg divided 30ml equals 24 mg per 1 ml dose, or one dropper full. While CBD 1500 mg will have 50 mg of CBD per 1 ml serving.

How you will react to CBD oil varies. It is different for everyone. Factors such as age, sex, weight and diet all determine how CBD oil influences your body. As does the way in which CBD oil is administered. Women tend to experience more pain relief from CBD oil than men. And applying CBD oil under your tongue versus consuming it by way of an edible product changes the time frame in which your body processes and reacts to it. However, for most people, you’ll notice the full effects of your CBD oil dosage about 45 minutes to an hour after consumption.

Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil

I recently had the opportunity to try the new full spectrum hemp CBD oil from Spark Naturals. I am really pleased at how much this product helps with my pain compared to other CBD oils. Not only does it tackle my fibro flare ups, I was also able to use less of this CBD oil than other brands and yet also experience better pain relief.

Their full strength CBD oil comes in strengths of 1000 mg and 1500 mg. These offer 33.3% CBD oil and 50mg CBD per 1 mL dose. In addition, they also offer a sample size dram for those interested in trying CBD oil. This sample size makes it affordable to try to CBD oil for the first time to see if it’s right for you.

All of the CBD oil from Spark Naturals comes in a base of MCT oil (also known as fractionated coconut oil.) MCT is quickly absorbed in the body. It also has its own benefits for the body as it is stored as fuel and is a natural source of energy. In addition, their CBD oil is free of synthetic fillers or preservatives. Spark Naturals Full Strength Premium CBD Oil is also 100% Vegan, contains a legal amount of THC, is gluten-free, non-GMO and contains no alcohol.

Make your own CBD natural pain relief salve recipe.

In addition to purchasing premade pain relief products, you can also make your own CBD natural pain relief salve recipe. My CBD natural pain relief salve recipe is extremely easy to make. Formulated with neem oil, a natural analgesic (pain relieving) carrier oil, CBD oil and anti-inflammatory andiroba oil, this simple natural remedy is perfect for relieving joint pain and tension topically.

CBD Natural Pain Relief Salve Recipe

Ingredients:

.25 oz. neem oil
.25 oz. andiroba oil (or arnica herbal oil)
.25 oz. Spark Naturals CBD Oil (in strength of choice)
.25 oz. white cosmetic beeswax
12 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions:

You will need a digital scale to weigh out the ingredients for this CBD natural pain relief salve recipe.

Weigh out and combine the beeswax, neem oil and andiroba oil in a small glass Pyrex measuring cup or similar. Slowly heat over low using the double boiler method.

Once all of the beeswax has melted, remove from heat. Then weigh out and stir in the CBD oil. Using a dropper or graduated plastic transfer pipette, add 12 drops of rosemary essential oil.

Mix again, then pour into two .5 oz. containers of your choice. I used two 1/2 oz. white polypropylene double wall radius jars for my CBD natural pain relief salve recipe. (You can find these containers at SKS Bottle & Packaging here.)

Once your CBD natural pain relief salve cools, screw the lids onto the jars and label as desired for personal use or gifting. (I used labels with a fake company name simply for demonstration purposes.)

To use, simply massage onto areas of pain as desired.

More Natural Pain Relief Salve Recipes

If you like my CBD natural pain relief salve recipe, then you you’ll also love my other pain relief salve recipes.

Have you tried Spark Naturals CBD oil for your chronic pain? I’d love to hear your experiences! Also be sure to let me know how you like my CBD natural pain relief salve recipe. Simply share your thoughts in the comments.

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Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: andiroba oil, arnica, cbd oil, essential oils, health and wellness, healthy living, herbal salve recipe, home remedies, home remedy, natural alternative, natural remedy, neem oil, pain relief, pain relief salve, salve recipe

Natural Pain Relief Salve Recipe with Arnica & Ginger Essential Oil

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May 2, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

This natural pain relief salve recipe with arnica and ginger essential oil is made with just four simple ingredients. So whether you’re short on money or simply need a quick and “painless” DIY, then this natural pain remedy was created just for you.

Formulated to relieve inflammation and ease pain, this natural pain relief salve recipe combines the medicinal skin care properties of arnica flowers with the warming sensation of ginger essential oil. Both arnica and ginger essential oil are powerhouses at reducing inflammation when applied topically. Therefore this natural pain relief salve recipe is able to fight pain associated not only with bumps and bruises, but it’s also able to target muscle pain, arthritis, sprains and carpal tunnel.

Learn more about the properties of arnica here.

I personally use this natural pain relief salve to ease muscle tension associated with my fibromyalgia. It doesn’t irritate my skin like capsicum (or cayenne) pain relief salves do. And I can apply it pretty much anywhere I need it without the unfortunate side effects that occur if it accidentally comes in contact with nasal passages or other sensitive areas.

Similar in some aspects to my arnica pain relief salve recipe, this natural pain relief salve recipe calls for just four simple ingredients. So you’re able to spend less money if you’re on a budget. Additionally you’ll find that you can whip up my natural pain relief salve recipe in just ten minutes or less. This makes my natural pain relief salve recipe perfect for busy families.

If you or your children are involved in sports, you will definitely appreciate not only the simplicity of my natural pain relief salve recipe, but also the effectiveness. This recipe is perfect for both adults and children (age 12 and over) who are experiencing sore muscles due to workouts, sports or an otherwise active lifestyle.

Natural Pain Relief Salve Recipe

Ingredients:

3 oz. arnica infused fractionated coconut oil (or arnica herbal oil)
1 oz. white cosmetic beeswax (or natural beeswax)
48 drops (about 2 mL) ginger or fresh ginger essential oil

Instructions:

Begin by infusing arnica flowers in fractionated coconut oil to create an herbal infused oil. To do this you can use either the solar infused method or the quick heat method to create your arnica infused coconut oil. (You can find a tutorial for both methods at the Mountain Rose Herbs blog here.)

Once the arnica infused fractionated coconut oil is ready, you can make my natural pain relief salve recipe. To do this, weigh out the arnica infused oil and beeswax using a digital scale. Then combine in a small 1- cup glass Pyrex measuring cup.

Gently heat the oil and beeswax in a double boiler until melted. Once melted, remove from heat.

Now add the ginger essential oil. You can do this by either measuring out 2 mL essential oil with a transfer pipette, or by using a dropper to add the amount of drops called for.

Stir to combine, then evenly pour into three 2 oz. glass jars or metal tins of your choice. (I used 2.3 oz. clear glass thick wall cosmetic jar from SKS Bottle & Packaging. If you double my natural pain relief salve recipe you will be able to fill around five of these jars.)

Allow the pain salve to cool completely. Then screw on the lids and label as desired for personal use or gifting.

Notes on making ingredient substitutions to my natural pain relief salve recipe.

I chose to use fractionated coconut oil in my natural pain relief salve recipe so it would absorb quickly and not feel greasy. However you’re welcome to use another carrier oil of your choice or simply purchase pre-made arnica herbal oil.

Alternately, you can also use Mountain Rose Herbs Warming Ginger Massage Oil in place of the fractionated coconut oil and omit the ginger essential oil entirely. However you will still need to infuse the arnica in the warming ginger massage oil if you choose to make this substitution.

Additionally, if your skin is easily irritated, I highly recommend using Mountain Rose Herbs fresh ginger essential oil over their ginger essential oil which is extracted from the dried, rather than a fresh root and doesn’t cause skin irritation.

A caution on the use of arnica.

Due to the nature of arnica and its compounds, never use arnica on broken skin. Best suited for occasional topical use, you should avoid using arnica for extended periods of time. It is important to note as well, that if you are allergic or sensitive to ragweed, daisies, marigolds and other flowers in the Asteraceae or Compositae family, arnica may cause an allergic reaction. Or, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, arnica should simply be avoided all together.

If you are sensitive or allergic to arnica there are a number of other typically non-irritating herbs that can help to reduce pain caused by inflammation. These include St. John’s Wort, green tea, rosemary, sage and turmeric. (You may also be interested in Mountain Rose Herbs Arnica St. John’s Herbal Oil.) Additionally, herbs such as neem leaf, St. John’s Wort, lavender, peppermint, marjoram, chamomile and eucalyptus are all also effective at relieving pain symptoms. You can simply infuse one or more of these organic herbs into your carrier oil in place of the arnica.

Easy ways to decorate the jars for your pain relief salve.

I used round cactus stickers to decorate the lids of my jars. You can also use washi tape to “seal” the jars closed, running the washi tape across the lid and down the sides of the jar. Then place a round sticker label over the washi tape on top of the lid. Alternately wrapping washi tape around your jars is another easy idea.

If you’re looking for cute stickers, I’m currently crushing on this collection of succulents stickers from Art by Sharell. Sharell incidentally just happens to live in my hometown of Roanoke, VA. I met her at an indie craft fair last year that raises money for a local non-profit, Girls Rock Roanoke. In addition to her lovely illustrated stickers, Sharell also paints beautiful nature inspired wood wall art.

More natural pain relief recipes & home remedies.

Want to explore other home remedies for natural pain relief options in addition to my natural pain relief salve recipe? Check out these other natural pain remedies you can make at home.

You’ll also want to check this collection of summertime remedies from the garden for recipes that include a sunburn relief spray, herbal liniment, herbal massage oil and more.

Where to buy natural pain relief salves.

If you’re not quite ready to make my natural pain relief salve recipe, you can purchase natural artisan pain relief salves from a number of sellers on Etsy. Following are a few of my favorites.

Pain Salve with Turmeric, Cayenne, Arnica & St. John’s Wort from Herbal Moon Apothecary (Pictured above.)
Ginger Kelp Arthritis Pain Relief Balm from Momma B’s Naturals
Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relaxer Cream from Adorani Organics
Peace Out Pain Relief Balm from In The Weeds Apothecary
Sore Muscle & Joint Rub from Morning Song Gardens
Arnica & Belladonna Salve from Soaps & Beyond
Natural Headache Balm with Pine & Peppermint from Body & Soul Goods

For more pain relief salves and natural home remedies you can buy, be sure to explore my collection of favorite handmade natural home remedies here.

Discover more natural skin care recipes.

Follow my best homemade salve recipes board and my natural home remedies & herbal health care board on Pinterest for more natural skin care recipes similar to my natural pain relief salve recipe.

You can also follow Soap Deli News across all of your favorite social media platforms! Find and follow me on G+, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and skin care recipes.

This article is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Information on products mentioned are based on my own personal experience and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult a physician prior to making any changes that may impact your health.

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: arnica, diy, ginger essential oil, health and wellness, herbal salve recipe, home remedies, home remedy, natural alternative, natural remedy, pain relief salve, pain remedy, salve recipe, skin care

Epsom Salt Bath Bombs Recipe for Chronic Pain

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January 17, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

This Epsom salt bath bombs recipe is an easy and natural way to flush toxins from your body, reduce stress and ease muscle aches and pains. And, because an Epsom salt bath also helps to increase the body’s magnesium levels, you don’t have to be in pain to reap the benefits of this amazing salt.

Recently I had the opportunity to give an app called Curable a test run. This app basically walks you through a series of articles and exercises, including meditation, with the idea that many of those suffering from chronic pain (such a fibromyalgia and migraines) are incorrectly receiving pain signals to their brain based on previous traumatic experiences – basically a pain response to fear, not an illness.

This theory in fact would explain why many chronic pain sufferers find that during periods of stress, their pain level increases. What Curable does is address pain through a mindbody approach and uses a combination of physical activities, meditation, writing and other exercises to address the pain response to fear. This works to then rewire how the brain thinks and can result in a drastic decrease in chronic daily pain.

Based on my own personal experiences with fibromyalgia, I’ve found that yes, the onset and even the intensity of my own pain can and does flare with stress. And practices such as meditation and other exercises to calm both my mind and body really can help to diminish that pain. Avoiding stress is another way.

Of course, as we all know, life happens. And avoiding stress isn’t always possible no matter how well we’ve trained our minds. This is where making Epsom salt bath bombs comes in! (Yay!)

Not only can creating something with your hands help to relieve everyday stressors (and it’s even more fun with a friend in tow.) But a long bath soaking in Epsom salts is a form of meditation in itself. Not to mention, just a twenty minute bath in Epsom salts will remove toxins and replenish magnesium levels – which are key in regulating and organizing many bodily functions as well as reducing pain levels and response.

Making Epsom salt bath bombs is a fun way to enjoy the benefits of Epsom salts. And because dry skin is typical of this time of year, I added some extra moisturizing butters to the recipe I’m sharing with you! (And just to ensure there’s no extra stress in the making of these darn things, I promise these are practically no fail!)

Keep reading to learn how to make my Epsom salt bath bombs recipe as well as to discover some of my other natural pain remedies.

Epsom Salt Bath Bombs Recipe

Ingredients:

10 oz. citric acid
16 oz. baking soda
8 oz. Epsom salt
2 oz. French green clay
2 oz. refined shea butter
2 oz. cocoa butter
.7 oz. sweet orange essential oil
.3 oz. peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Using a digital scale, weigh out the dry ingredients and combine in a large glass bowl or 8-cup Pyrex measuring cup. Mix together until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout. Set aside.

In a separate glass bowl or large container, weigh out and combine the cocoa and shea butters. Heat either in a double boiler or at 30% power in the microwave until melted. Once melted, remove from heat.

Now weigh and add the essential oils to the melted butters. Stir to incorporate.

Next, combine the dry and the liquid ingredients together, mixing well until all of the dry ingredients are coated and the consistency is like that of wet sand.

You’re now ready to pack your bath bomb molds!

To do this, pile each side of your bath bomb mold individually as high as possible without pressing the bath bomb ingredients into either side of the mold. Then, quickly and firmly press both sides of the bath bomb mold together. Twist gently to remove any excess. Some extra around the edges (like rings of a planet) are normal. Don’t twist too much or knock the sides off center of one another or the two halves will separate when unmolded.

Repeat with additional molds as needed until you’ve used all of the bath bomb mixture. (I was able to make four tennis ball shaped bath bombs and one golf ball shaped bath bomb with my Epsom salt bath bombs recipe.)

Set your Epsom salt bath bombs aside to dry overnight or up to two days depending on the humidity in your area. Then gently unmold each bath bomb, dusting off the excess around the bath bombs as needed. (This Epsom salt bath bomb recipe will work with silicone molds as well!)

Now simply wrap each of your Epsom salt bath bombs tightly in foodservice film until ready for use.

To use your Epsom salt bath bombs, simply drop a bath bomb into warm, running bath water. Enjoy the show, then slip in and relax! The shea and cocoa butters present in your new bath bombs will replenish moisture to dry skin, while the Epsom salt lends its own natural skin care benefits.

If you’re not quite ready to dive into making my Epsom salt bath bombs recipe yourself, you can purchase handmade bath bombs with Epsom salt from a number of amazing bath and beauty artisans on Etsy here. (Pictured is a Marigold Ginger & Citrus Bath Bomb with Epsom salt from Buck Naked Soap Company.)

Curious about the French green clay? You can learn more about French green clay and its properties when used in skin care here. (Plus there’s another great natural skin care recipe to try!)

More Natural Pain Remedy Options

Looking for other natural pain remedies? I highly recommend Genexa Arnica Advantage: Organic Pain Relief as a natural, non-habit forming homeopathic supplement. (You can find great products on natural homeopathic products like this one at Thrive Market which is where I shop for mine.)

Alternately you may also want to consider one of my other topical pain relief remedies:

For more natural remedies be sure to follow my Natural Home Remedies and Herbal Health Care Pinterest board. Or follow my DIY Bath and Body Pinterest board for more homemade skin care recipes.

You can also find and follow Soap Deli News blog on all of your favorite social media platforms including Pinterest, G+, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram. Or subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: arnica, bath bomb recipe, bath bombs, bath tutorial, diy, epsom salt, essential oils, health and wellness, home remedies, home remedy, natural, natural alternative, pain relief, pain remedy, skin care

Arnica Pain Relief Salve Recipe for Muscle Pain & Inflammation

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October 31, 2017 By Rebecca D. Dillon

Whether you suffer from pain due to occasional bumps, bruises and sore muscles or as a result of chronic conditions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel, this arnica pain relief salve recipe is the perfect natural remedy for muscle pain and inflammation!

Pain is something we all experience at some point in our lives. And whether it’s a bump or a bruise, sore muscles, arthritis or even a chronic illness, that pain can range from uncomfortable to debilitating. While commercial over-the-counter and prescription medications offer relief, the side effects and damage caused from chronic use of these medications can begin outweigh the benefits. Therefore, if your pain is manageable, I highly recommend trying natural alternatives.

As someone with fibromyalgia, I found that changing my diet and eating healthier made a tremendous difference. In addition to diet, herbal supplements (keep reading for more on that further down) and staying active, I was able to significantly reduce my symptoms. However, for those tough days when none of those things seem to matter, my arnica pain relief salve really helps to ease muscle pain, stiffness and calm inflammation. In addition, if you’re like me and suffer from cold hands and feet in the winter (or year round!) this salve also helps to warm skin and improve circulation to those areas as well.

What is arnica?

Often referred to as mountain tobacco, leopard’s bane and wolf’s bane, Arnica montana is a flowering perennial native to the mountains of both Europe and Siberia. Its vibrant flowers look similar daisies and contain the compound helenalin, a powerful anti-inflammatory. Used medicinally since the 1500’s, arnica is also rich in fatty acids, including thymol, which is shown to have antibacterial properties. It’s common not only in ointments, cream, liniments and salves but can also be found in anti-dandruff hair care products and tonics.

Due to the nature of arnica and its compounds, you should not use arnica on broken skin or for extended periods of time. It’s best suited for occasional topical use. In addition it’s important to note that those who are allergic or sensitive to ragweed, daisies, marigolds and other flowers in the Asteraceae or Compositae family, arnica may cause an allergic reaction. It should not be taken internally and, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, arnica should be avoided all together.

Other ingredients in my arnica pain relief salve.

I formulated my arnica pain relief salve recipe using a combination of arnica infused herbal oil, baobab oil, shea butter and beeswax. Baobab oil, like arnica, has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It’s fast absorption rate makes this African carrier oil especially nice as a component of this recipe. Used in combination with beeswax, it helps to protect and insulate skin as well as moisturize without feeling greasy. Fresh ginger essential oil and chili seed essential oil then gently warm skin to soothe overworked muscles, while just a touch of orange gives this salve its lovely scent.

I purchased the arnica herbal oil that I used for my arnica pain relief recipe at Mountain Rose Herbs. However, you can also purchase dried arnica flowers to create your own herbal oil infusion for this recipe if desired.

Arnica Pain Relief Salve Recipe

Ingredients:

.75 oz. arnica herbal oil
.5 oz. baobab oil
.5 oz. white cosmetic or natural beeswax
.25 oz. refined shea butter
20 drops fresh ginger essential oil
12 drops 5-fold orange essential oil
10 drops chili seed essential oil

Instructions:

Using a digital scale weigh out the beeswax and shea butter. Combine in a small scientific glass beaker or glass Pyrex measuring cup. Then heat in either a microwave at 30% power or in a double boiler until melted.

Remove from heat, then weigh out and stir in the baobab oil and the arnica infused herbal oil. Follow with the essential oils using a dropper or graduated transfer pipettes to measure out the drops called for in the recipe.

Stir well to combine then pour into a 2 oz. glass amber glass jar. (I got mine from SKS Bottle & Packaging here.) Allow your arnica pain relief salve to solidify, then screw on the lid and label your salve as desired for personal use of gifting.

To use massage desired amount of your arnica pain relief salve onto unbroken skin as needed to help soothe muscles, alleviate the severity of pain and reduce inflammation. Take care to keep your arnica pain relief salve away from eyes and nasal passages as well as other delicate areas of skin.

If you like my arnica pain relief salve recipe, then may also like my neem oil body butter recipe with arnica infused coconut oil or my collection of six other natural pain relief remedies which you can find here.

For dry itchy skin, also be sure to try my dry skin salve recipe with baobab oil via my guest post at The Nourished Life blog. Not only do I share the amazing skin care uses for baobab oil, but you’ll also learn how to make your own homemade salve for dry winter skin or troublesome skin conditions such as eczema, dry psoriasis and actinic keratosis.

Other natural options for managing pain.

As previously mentioned, I’ve also been using herbal supplements to help manage my pain and its underlying causes. Those supplements include Gaia Herbs Daily Wellbeing for Women, Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme: Pain and Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme: Pain P.M. In addition I also drink Natural Vitality’s Natural Calm Anti-Stress Drink daily to help restore healthy magnesium levels in my body which in turn naturally reduces stress.

(I purchase all of these products for myself at Thrive Market which saves me a substantial amount of money, however most of these products should be available at your local co-op or health food store as well.)

As I am currently going through perimenopause (learn more about perimenopause here) and my fibromyalgia symptoms worsen during hormonal changes and periods of stress or anxiety, I am taking both Gaia Herbs Daily Wellbeing and evening primrose supplements in order to avoid hormone therapy (and still feel sane.)

Within the past two years one of my friends was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40, another with both uterine and ovarian cancer and then my mother with ovarian cancer. My mother’s cancer, for which she had her ovaries surgically removed, was a result of using hormone therapy after a hysterectomy for longer than recommended (and with the ok of her doctor.) Thus the hesitation of turning to prescription medication and instead trying natural alternatives instead.

Gaia’s Daily Wellbeing for Women works to support immune health, stress management, inflammatory response and women’s health. Formulated using proprietary herbal blends, these supplements, taken daily, also promote normal sleep patterns and calm occasional nervousness. While evening primrose (this is the brand I use) is a superior source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid, an important omega-6 fatty acid, needed for the production of beneficial prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds), which play an important role in promoting immune regulation.

I started taking the evening primrose prior to Gaia Herbs Daily Wellbeing and noticed almost immediately that it helped significantly with perimenopausal hot flashes and mood swings. The addition of Gaia Herbs Daily Wellbeing has further aided with overall stress reduction and supplies my daily intake of D3.

Low magnesium on the other hand can cause irritability, insomnia, muscle soreness and spasms, anxiety or depression, noise sensitivity, high stress, headaches and even chronic fatigue. (Learn more about low magnesium here.) Studies have shown that many adults aren’t getting enough magnesium. So in order to boost my own magnesium levels I switched to a natural magnesium deodorant (find my recipe for making your own here) and I also started drinking Natural Vitality’s Natural Calm.

I then also take Turmeric Supreme Pain, which contains turmeric root, ginger root, rosemary, black pepper and a proprietary extract blend to tackle pain and inflammation as they occur. And I take Turmeric Supreme Pain P.M. to help me sleep better throughout the night when pain symptoms make sleep difficult.

These are all my experiences with these supplements however and everyone is different. If you are experiencing undiagnosed pain or are currently being treated for a chronic condition, you should obviously consult a doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or taking herbal supplements. To explore more home remedies and natural pain relief alternatives, be sure to follow my Natural Home Remedies and Herbal Health Care Pinterest board. (And don’t forget to check out the benefits of a Thrive Market membership here.)

For more from Soap Deli News, you can find and follow me on all of your favorite social media platforms including Pinterest, G+, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram. Or subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, Lifestyle Tagged With: arnica, diy, health and wellness, herbal supplements, herbs, home remedies, home remedy, natural, natural alternative, pain relief, pain relief salve, plant based, skin care

Neem Oil Body Butter Recipe with Arnica Infused Coconut Oil

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September 14, 2017 By Rebecca D. Dillon

This plant based natural neem oil body butter recipe is handmade with arnica infused coconut oil and neem oil to help ease the pain of minor wounds, minimize the appearance of scarring and promote healing. Made with only the finest natural ingredients, this neem oil body butter is sure to become a staple in your bathroom medicine cabinet.

As both arnica and neem oil have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, I thought they were the perfect fit for this natural body butter recipe. In addition to having pain relieving properties, arnica and neem oil are often used in natural skin care products for a variety of reasons.

Neem oil has been used historically in both medicinal and cosmetic applications for hundreds of years. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it also has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Neem oil is most commonly used topically to fight rheumatism, eczema, ringworm, athlete’s foot, cold sores, psoriasis, warts, chronic syphilitic sores, infected burn wounds, and slow-healing skin ulcers. It has also been shown to help control various skin infections including scabies and candida.

While the smell of natural neem oil is off putting straight out of the bottle, neem oil does also offer remarkable moisturizing and regenerative properties and is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Luckily, the nutty garlic like aroma of this prized oil is easily masked with a blend of natural essential oils.

Arnica is a wild flowering plant in the same family as the sunflower. Native to both the western United States and Central Europe, this plant blooms from midsummer into fall. It’s medicinal yellow flowers are typically collected at the end of summer and dried for use in tinctures and infusions.

It’s been shown that arnica can help to relieve pain caused by sprains, bruises and other injuries. However, it is important to note that arnica should not be used on open wounds or broken skin. Additionally, those with allergies to members of the Asteraceae family should exercise caution when using arnica as they experience an allergic reaction.

Natural Neem Oil Body Butter Recipe

Ingredients:

.05 oz. cocoa butter
1.6 oz. shea butter
.6 oz. arnica infused fractionated coconut oil
.4 oz. neem oil
18 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops tea tree oil
1 mL vitamin E oil, optional

Instructions:

Before you get started you’ll need to first make your arnica infused fractionated coconut oil. I infused mine in fractionated coconut oil in order to keep the final product from feeling greasy when applied.

In order to create an herbal oil infusion, simply fill the bottom half of a mason jar with arnica flowers and cover with fractionated coconut oil. Seal and place in a sunny window, turning occasionally for several weeks. (Alternately, you can speed up the process by gently heating the fractionated coconut oil and arnica flowers in a double boiler for several hours on the stove over low to medium-low heat.) Strain with cheesecloth before use.

If you don’t want to go through the trouble of making an herbal oil infusion, you can simply substitute the arnica infused fractionated coconut oil with arnica herbal oil.

Once you’ve made your arnica infused fractionated coconut oil, you’ll ready to make my neem oil body butter recipe.

Begin by using a digital scale weigh out the cocoa and shea butter. Combine in a glass Pyrex measuring cup or scientific glass beaker. Heat either in a double boiler or at 40% power in the microwave until melted.

Next, weigh out the arnica infused fractionated coconut oil and the neem oil. Pour the oils into the melted butters mixing well to combine.

Now use a graduated transfer pipette to measure out and add the vitamin E oil as well as to add the drops of both essential oils. Stir well, then pour into your desired container and allow to solidify.

It’s important to note that this is a soft body butter. As such it may take 24-48 hours to reach its final consistency. You can put this in the refrigerator for several hours to overnight to speed up the process.

The final product should be stored in a temperature controlled environment. Otherwise, if you live in a particularly warm climate, you may find it helpful to add a small amount of emulsifying wax or beeswax to your neem oil body butter in order for it stay solid.

To use your neem oil body butter, simply apply to affected area as needed to soothe and calm pain and irritation due to a minor wound, injury, bruise, sprain or skin condition.

If you like my neem oil body butter recipe, then you may also like my honeybush tea & pumpkin seed salve recipe. This homemade salve recipe for eczema is made using all natural ingredients including honeybush tea infused pumpkin seed oil. Prized in skin care for it’s ability to soothe skin irritation, honeybush tea is a wonderful pantry staple for whole body health both inside and out! You can discover my honeybush tea & pumpkin seed salve recipe here.

For more great skin care recipes and natural home remedies, be sure to follow my boards on Pinterest. You can also follow me on all of your favorite social media platforms including G+, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram. Or sign up to receive new posts to your email via FeedBurner so you never miss a post.

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes Tagged With: arnica, bath and body, body butter recipe, crafts, diy, herbal infusion, home remedy, natural, neem oil, skin care