Make Your Own Herbal Massage Oil

A good massage can be a wonderful , relaxing experience. It can relieve tension, or soothe sore muscles after a long day at work. A massage can also stimulate your blood flow and restore energy to your body. A nice, scented oil can enhance your experience.

T o prepare for a massage, make sure your surroundings are relaxing.Dim the lights, make sure the temperature is comfortable-warm but not too warm. Provide relaxing music if you like. Warm your oil for the massage. Run the bottle or container under hot water, or gently rub a small amount between your hands. Never use hot oil for a massage!

The best oil to use is massage oil you create yourself, using quality ingredients that can be found in your own kitchen. Start with a half cup of your favorite light oil. Almond, canola, safflower, corn, or olive oils can be used. Other more interesting oils can be used as well. Apricot kernal oil,coconut, sunflower, hazelnut, peach kernal, and walnut oils add pleasant aromas to your massage oil.

The herbs you add to the oil can be based on their effects if you like. Some are relaxing, while others or more stimulating and energizing. Of the more stimulating herbs, you can choose oregano, which boosts circulation. Mint can help raise your metabolism and is energizing. Rosemary is good for your memory, and can help with apathy.

Other herbs have more relaxing properties. Chamomile is a relaxing herb, and can also help you sleep better. Basil can help with your concentration and decision making, can calm you when youre nervous or stressed. Lavender helps you sleep, and is extremely calming and soothing.

Mix your chosen herb or combination of herbs together with your oil, about a tablespoon to each half cup of oil. Heat the mixture, but do not boil. This can be done on your stove in a pan, or using the microwave. Let your oil mixture sit for half an hour, and then strain through a coffee filter or a piece of cheesecloth.

Pour your massage oil into a clean bottle or container. You can decorate your bottle by placing a sprig or two of the fresh herb in the bottle with the oil. This oil can be used as a bath oil as well.