How to Make a Fragrant Massage Oil

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By Barbara Fahs
eHow Contributing Writer

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Massage oils are easy to make and very pleasurable to use. Start by preparing an herbal oil, and then add essential oil(s) to get the scent you like. The type of oil you use as your base depends on the future use of your massage oil. Olive oil is excellent for skin healing, but massage therapists prefer grape seed oil for full body massage. Lighter oils such as apricot kernel or almond oil are excellent choices for other types of massage oils.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

1 qt. clean, dry glass jar with tight-fitting lid
1 cup fresh or dried herb(s)
32 oz. olive or other oil
Strainer
Essential oils (optional)
Smaller bottles with corks or screw-top caps

Step 1

If you’re using fresh herbs, rinse and then dry them thoroughly, slice them up or crush them and place them in a clean glass jar with a securely fitting lid. If you are using dried herbs, fill your jar about 1/3 full with them.
Step 2

Fill your jar with oil and cover it tightly.
Step 3

Place the jar in a sunny spot for about 10 days. A faster method is to bake it slowly in your oven at 150 degrees for about 3 hours, or simply put it in your closed car and park in the sun for a full day.
Step 4

Strain your mixture when done, and compost the herbs that were in it.
Step 5

Pour the finished oil into convenient flip-top plastic bottles.
Step 6

Add up to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) for healing and fragrance.
Step 7

Cap tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

Tips & Warnings

Your massage oil will keep for several months unrefrigerated or indefinitely in the fridge. For relieving pain, these herbs are helpful: St. John's wort, lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus. For uplifting the mood, use these herbs: orange, basil, peppermint and rosemary. For relieving stress and anxiety, these herbs can help: lavender, ylang ylang and clary sage.
Do not use too much essential oil, since they are strong and must be mixed with oil or lotion before applying them to the skin.
Do not expose your skin to direct sunlight after applying any essential oil made from citrus, such as orange or lemon essential oil.