Balm of Gilead Infused Oil for Massage
What is Balm of Gilead infused oil?
Balm of Gilead infused oil is made by infusing the buds and twigs of the Balsam Poplar tree (Populus balsamifera) in olive oil . . . three times! I have given you the link so you can read more about this rare product.
The buds and twigs infuse in the oil for up to 6 months to get the deep, resinous aroma and all the amazing benefits of these buds.
It isn't as well known as Trauma Oil, which is another carrier oil infused with herbs. (Trauma Oil is arnica, St. John's wort, and calendula infused in a carrier—usually olive oil.) But Balm of Gilead infused oil can be wonderful for sore muscles and joints, deep tissue pain, and helping reduce inflammation.
It makes a very helpful sports massage oil. I'm going to share a recipe for a 1 oz (30 ml) blend, and you can double the recipe if you like it.
Balm of Gilead Sports Massage Oil Recipe
This massage oil is so helpful for sore muscles and joints, deep tissue pain, and reducing inflammation.
Ingredients
1 oz (30 ml) Balm of Gilead infused olive oil (Populus balsamifera)
3 drops Helichrysum essential oil (Helichrysum italicum)
4 drops Spike Lavender oil (Lavandula latifolia)
5 drops Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
Equipment
One 1 oz (30 ml) Amber Glass Bottle with Coned Cap
Directions
Pour the Balm of Gilead-infused olive oil into the glass bottle.
Add the essential oils and tighten the cap.
Gently shake the bottle to combine.
Simply pour your Balm of Gilead infused oil into a 1 oz (30 ml) glass bottle, then add your essential oils drop by drop. Tighten the lid, shake gently to blend the oils together, and you're done!
Spend some time massaging it into any area where you feel achy and sore. This blend is perfect after a strenuous workout. You can tuck it away in your gym bag and use it immediately after exercising if you know your muscles are going to complain.
Are you a little surprised to see Eucalyptus popping up in this recipe? We usually talk about it for respiratory support (and that is one of its greatest strengths), but Eucalyptus is an amazing oil to use for sore muscles and body tension, too. Just think of how cooling it is and how it likes to break up congestion, and you'll get a sense of how it affects tight muscles. It's very comforting!
Expand your bodywork practice by learning to use essential oils safely and effectively. Our course, Aromatherapy for Massage Therapists, will teach you new ways to benefit your clients and grow your practice with aromatherapy. You’ll learn how to make blends that increase relaxation, ease muscle tension, and deliver pain-relieving benefits, as well as how to incorporate them into your practice.
