How to Make a Massage Cream

Massage, either with a certified practitioner or self-massage, is a wonderful way to de-stress and relax both the mind and body. Human touch (coupled with essential oils) can help to relieve muscular tension in the body, as well as calm the mind and balance the emotions. Massage creams and oils are widely available to buy online and in health food shops, although it can be satisfying and cheaper to make your own massage cream. Massage creams are used as a carrier base for essential oils in aromatherapy massage, and can also be used on their own. Massage creams have a thicker consistency than massage oils or lotions.

Things You'll Need

• 2/3 cup rosewater, orange water or distilled water
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 3/4 cup apricot or almond oil
• 1/3 cup cocoa butter
• 1 tsp anhydrous lanolin
• 2 tbsp liquid lecithin
• 1/2 oz grated beeswax
• Double boiler or microwaveable bowl
• Optional: essential oils

Instructions

Instructions

1. Melt 3/4 cup of apricot or almond oil and 1/2 oz of grated beeswax together in a double boiler on the stove, or a microwaveable bowl in the microwave. If using the microwave heat on high for two minutes until melted. Remove mixture from heat to cool.

2. Add 1/3 cup of aloe vera with 2/3 cup of rosewater (orangewater, or distilled water) to a clean blender.

3. Pour the oil and beeswax mixture into the same blender and blend at a high speed for one minute. The mixture should have a thick consistency when fully blended.

4. Spoon the mixture out from the blender into an air-tight container.

5. Add 6-10 drops of essential oils to scent your massage cream. Each essential oil has different effects on the mind and body. It is recommended to consult an essential oil reference guide before choosing essential oils.

6. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) lists the "Top 10 Essential Oils" used in massage carrier creams, oils or lotions:

   Peppermint
   Eucalyptus
   Ylang Ylang
   Geranium
   Lavender
   Lemon
   Clary Sage
   Chamomile
   Tea Tree
   Rosemary

Tips & Warnings

• Use pure glycerin instead of lanolin if you want a slicker feeling massage cream and no animal products.

• This recipe for massage cream is not suitable for vegans.

• Please test massage cream on a small section of skin to test for allergies.

References

• The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)

Resources

• Massage Mag