How to Blend a Soothing Massage Oil

You can know exactly what is in your favorite massage oil if you mix it yourself.

Blending your own massage oil is nice because you will know EXACTLY what is in your massage oil when you're finished. Base, or carrier oils, such as grapeseed, apricot kernel, or sweet almond, to name a few are therapeutic when blended with essential oils. With a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can blend an aromatherapy soothing massage oil for yourself or to share with a loved one. The versatility of massage oil is that you can use it as part of your skin care routine when applied as a moisturizer, or you can use it in a warm bath.

Things You'll Need

• 4-ounce bottle of grapeseed oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Orange essential oil
• 2 vitamin E capsules

Instructions

1. Purchase a 4-ounce bottle of grapeseed oil. This eliminates the need to buy another storage bottle. Grapeseed is an excellent choice as it is a light oil with little odor and glides easily on the skin.

2. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Be sure your product is NOT a fragrance oil. Essential oils can be found in natural food stores, usually near the front counter. They are not all the same price (as fragrance oils commonly are), and will list a Latin plant name on the bottle.

3. Add 20 drops of orange essential oil to the lavender/grapeseed mix. Orange might seem to be an opposite effect to that of calming lavender, but orange is also an uplifting oil frequently recommended as an aromatherapy pick-me-up after a hard day or when you're feeling down or somewhat depressed.

   The combination of lavender and orange together imparts a soothing, grounded feeling with an uplifting citrus tone.

4. Cut the vitamin E capsules open and squeeze the contents into the grapeseed oil mixture. Put the cap on and tighten.

   Gently roll the oil between your hands. Avoid vigorous shaking. This is a blending of oils, not a mixing. There is a difference! Continue to roll the bottle allowing the heavier vitamin E oil to diffuse throughout the other oils.

5. Label your newly made soothing massage oil with what it is and the date. Store it in a cool dry place. Do not refrigerate.

Tips & Warnings

• If you enjoy blending your own oils, experiment with other base oils and essential oils.

• Always dilute essential oils in a carrier/base oil unless recommended otherwise by a reputable source.

• Do not take essential oils internally unless directed by a health care practitioner that specializes in aromatherapy.

• Depending on storage conditions, this particular massage oil blend has approximately a six-month lifespan.

References

• Dreaming Earth Botanicals: Aromatherapy Recipes