Muscle Rub

[KSL]

Hmm.. hubby's back was aching something fierce.
I have been intending to make a muscle rub but this kind of pushed me forward - lol

So, I took a little bowl and added Eucalyptus and Peppermint EO to some oil, butter & beeswax - melted it all and gave him a little back massage. He said the next morning his back felt great!

I thought though, that it would have a cooling effect but he said he didn't feel tingly or cool..... I'd like to perfect this into a stick. We play a fair amount of sports in the summer and I'd love to throw this in my softball bag...... So I'm thinking I might add some Wintergreen or menthol to this.

How does this recipe sound?
1 part beeswax
1 part shea butter
1/2 part of oil
eucalyptus, peppermint and wintergreen EO

Will that mixture solidify enough for a stick?

 

[Lindy]

I think you would find it to be a little hard. If you go ahead and use the 1/3 - 1/3 - 1/3 you would probably be happier.

Let us know how it turns out....

 

[carebear]

it will be hard enough for the stick I think, but be VERY cautious about wintergreen EO. do some reading on it first if you haven't already.

For future batches you might try infusing your oil with arnica - it rocks on muscle aches.

 

[rupertspal42]

Carebear, would menthol be safer you think?I have a messed up lower back and get back spasims and then I hurt really bad.. I need something that gets into the skin lol ICYHOT doesn't cut it.. :cry:

 

[Chay]

We play a fair amount of sports in the summer and I'd love to throw this in my softball bag......

If you plan on carrying it in a bag for summer sports I would be sure to test its remelt point.

 

[KSL]

I will give it a try with more oil - thanks!

The only caution I found with the Wintergreen is that it shouldn't be used with pregnant women or young children - is there soemthing else? Should I use Menthol instead? Like Victoria said?

 

[carebear]

Yea, I'd use menthol. Even so - be cautious with the level cuz it can burn.

Oil of Wintergreen is methyl salicylate and is toxic if used at too high a level, even when applied to skin.

Not the best resource, but still food for thought http://www.organicfacts.net/health-...th-benefits-of-wintergreen-essential-oil.html

Excessive external application on skin may also turn fatal because of absorption of excessive Menthyl Salicylate in the tissues and consequently in the blood stream. There are examples of death of a sportsman who rubbed too much of relaxing ointments on his thighs which contained Menthyl Salicylate. It should never be given to patients who are hyper-reactive to salicylates.

And according to Snowdrift Farms, a trusted supplier, 10 mg INGESTED can be fatal in chlidren, so if you have it - keep it WAY out of reach. http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/wintergreen.pdf

Further, they say...

The usual amount of methyl salicylate in a consumer product is usually fairly low because it is a very active compound. If you limit the
amount of methyl salicylate per package, you can ensure that consumers will not be injured even if they consume the entire package.

These are the FDA requirements for products containing wintergreen oil. They contain health cautions and additional requirements for
methyl salicylate contents over 5 %.
http://frwebgate2.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bi ... n=retrieve
If the wintergreen oil content is over 5 % the following warnings must be applied to the label:
TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES--Continued PART 369--INTERPRETATIVE STATEMENTS RE WARNINGS ON DRUGS AND DEVICES FOR OVERTHE-
COUNTER SALE--Table of Contents Subpart B--Warning and Caution Statements for Drugs Sec. 369.20 Drugs;
recommended warning and caution statements.
SALICYLATES: METHYL SALICYLATE (WINTERGREEN OIL). See also Secs. 201.303 and 201.314 of this chapter.
Warning--Do not use otherwise than as directed. Keep out of the reach of children to avoid accidental poisoning.
If the preparation is a counterirritant or rubefacient the statement:
Caution--Discontinue use if excessive irritation of the skin develops. Avoid getting into the eyes or on mucous membranes.
If offered for use in arthritis or rheumatism, in juxtaposition therewith, the statement:

Caution--If pain persists for more than 10 days, or redness is present, or in conditions affecting children under 12 years of age
consult a physician immediately.

Common sense suggests that you should limit methyl salicylate contents in your products to significantly less than 5 %. Make small test
batches to determine the least amount of wintergreen oil that you need to have the desired effect. Start low and work up.

Then they continue with recommendations for keeping yourself safe while working with the stuff - strong recommendations

As you can see, it's serious stuff.

 

[rupertspal42]

carebear knows oh so much :shock: The information she has will make my head explode because all of the knowledge!!

 

[carebear]

Oh yes, all this information used to be useless clutter, till I discovered soaping & B&B!

My degree is in food science, I was in food and then personal care product development for years, and now I work for a fragrance manufacturer. So lots of background...

 

[ChrissyB]

Blimey, that's scary stuff.

 

[Guest]

Ditto what carebear said about arnica , it is wonderful stuff.

Kitn

 

[ChrissyB]

Carebear, I started my degree in Food Technology, I was aiming to be a Food Technologist, but my studies got so hard as I was raising two small children by myself, so I changed over to an Arts degree, majoring in science. One day I would like to go back and complete the degree that I started.

 

[rupertspal42]

wow that's good stuff!! um.. I have no prior knowledge so I read alot and learn and ask questions

 

[KSL]

Thanks for the advice and the info carebear!

Sounds like some very serious stuff - but that a drop or two will be ok.
I don't have any arnica, but thatnks for the tip - maybe I'll try that too.

I thought I saw somewhere a recipe that called for wintergreen in it - I THOUGHT it was a lip balm, but after that I'm certain that it must not have been :roll:

 

[rupertspal42]

KSL - lip balm? wow they use peppermint oil in lip balm though Burts Bees my friend lol THE BEST! I love their lip balm!!

 

[KSL]

Yeah I must have been confused.
Becuse it can't POSSIBLY be!

There is a giant encyclopedia of essential oils which I'd love to buy - but its kinda pricey.. Ooh.. maybe I'll check ebay.. =)

 

[rupertspal42]

ALL HAIL EBAY!!! lmao

 

[carebear]

I thought I saw somewhere a recipe that called for wintergreen in it - I THOUGHT it was a lip balm, but after that I'm certain that it must not have been :roll:

It could have been - people make stuff without knowing the risks all the time. Some even then sell. :roll:

 

[rupertspal42]

true that carebear

 

[KSL]

Buyer Beware..... to a whole new level!