I love using lotion bars because they’re a simple and customizable way to keep my skin moisturized and nourished. One of my favorites is a natural muscle pain relief version that I reach for after workouts or whenever I feel muscle soreness.
These days, I’ve been focusing on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to stay fit. It’s a natural approach to boosting blood flow to the brain and maintaining overall health, but it can lead to aches and pains. Supplements like magnesium, turmeric, curcumin, and cherry juice are great for easing muscle soreness. And sometimes, everyday life—not just exercise—can leave you feeling achy.
According to the CDC, almost 25% of Americans have arthritis, with osteoarthritis-related joint pain being the most common. Conditions like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis are also increasing. While a healthy diet is crucial for managing chronic pain, it’s nice to have some instant relief. A natural muscle pain relief lotion bar can be a wonderful solution for this.
With more people experiencing pain, anti-inflammatory drugs and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, have become increasingly popular. In 2019, the market for pain relievers was valued at over 74 million and is expected to keep growing. However, these medications often come with side effects, prompting many to seek alternative therapies.
The traditional healthcare system often focuses on pills and surgery for pain management. Fortunately, there are plenty of home remedies for natural muscle pain relief. Muscles can get tight and stiff from overuse or injury, so relaxing them is essential. Muscle spasms are quite common and can be mildly annoying to very painful. An Epsom salt bath with chamomile is a great way to unwind and care for your muscles. I also use homemade heating pads or hot water bottles for soothing effects.
Remember to give yourself enough time to rest and heal, and make sure to nourish your body properly!
This lotion bar recipe is easy to make and very soothing. I avoid using it during pregnancy because of the strong essential oils, but it’s perfect otherwise. For a gentler version, I reduce the menthol and essential oil by half. Skincare expert Tisserand suggests a 0.5% dilution of peppermint oil is safe for children aged 3-6. I use a 1% dilution, so halving the peppermint oil brings it into that range. You could drop it to 0.25% and use just 10 drops of peppermint oil if you prefer. This milder version is excellent for my kids when they have growing pains.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients and why I chose them:
Menthol is the primary active ingredient in peppermint oil, known for its pain-relieving effect. This recipe includes both menthol and peppermint essential oil to maximize benefits, making it great for neck pain, back pain, and even migraines.
Arnica is another essential ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for sprains and stiff muscles. You can either make your own arnica-infused oil or purchase it if you’re busy. I’ll share how to make your own herb-infused oil.
Store your lotion bars in a cool, dry place, and they can last up to six months or even a year. To use, just hold the lotion bar in your hand and gently rub it onto dry skin. Your body heat will transfer some of the lotion onto your skin. I keep my lotion bars on a small plate on my dresser or bathroom counter.
If you’re interested in lotion bars but don’t have time to make them yourself, there’s a great small business called MadeOn. They offer a range of lotion bars, soaps, natural baby products, and hair products. They’re even offering a 15% discount with the code WELLNESSMAMA.
Sometimes, accidents happen requiring pain relief. If you need a cleaner option that includes acetaminophen without unnecessary fillers, Genexa offers a suitable pain reliever.
This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board-certified family physician. Remember, this is not personal medical advice, and it’s always best to consult with your doctor.
Ever tried making lotion bars? What did you include in yours? Share your thoughts!
