Homemade Muscle Rub (Safe for Kids & Pregnant Mamas)

Heather Dessinger

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Have you been lifting cars to save trapped kittens again? Bench pressing two year-olds who keep flinging themselves onto you while you read a book? Or maybe you just exercised a little more than usual and discovered a muscle (or ten) you hadn’t noticed in awhile? Well then, I have just the thing for you. This homemade rub is a relaxing treat that soothes tense, tired, or achy muscles.

Unlike this homemade muscle rub that creates a warming sensation and then transitions to a cooling sensation – which is AMAZING but not safe for pregnant mamas and kids – this blend offers an option safe for everyone over age two. But don’t think that just because it’s safe for kids that it’s not a powerful muscle soother, because it absolutely is.

Special Note About Essential Oils & Pregnancy

As mentioned in this post on safe essential oils for pregnant and breastfeeding women, according to clinical aromatherapist and Aromahead Institute founder Andrea Butje, “it is generally suggested that the mother use very little essential oil during the first trimester, and only as needed at a 1% dilution. For anyone concerned about the use of oils they should be avoided completely during the first trimester.”

She adds that, “The more you use, the more you absorb… so don’t use essential oils every day during pregnancy. Reserve essential oil use for health support, such as relieving nausea, calming anxiety, or supporting sleep. By minimizing use, essential oils can be safely used in times of need.” In the recipe below, that means you’d cut the number of drops in the 2% dilution by half.

Homemade Muscle Rub for Kids and Pregnant/Nursing Moms - Most muscle rubs contain ingredients that are unsafe for pregnant/nursing mamas and kids. That's why I created this easy recipe - it relaxes and soothes tense, tired and achy muscles with mama/kid friendly ingredients. But don't think that just because it's safe that it's wimpy, because it's totally not. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Homemade Muscle Rub for Pregnant Mamas and Kids Ages 5+

This recipe makes 6 fluid ounces.

Ingredients

Essential Oil Blend For Pregnant Mamas

This blend starts at a 2% dilution, but if needed you can increase it to a 5% dilution. Neither peppermint nor eucalyptus are recommended for use around small children or breastfeeding mamas (they may affect milk supply and wouldn’t feel good if accidentally rubbed near a nursing baby’s eyes!). For breastfeeding mamas, I’ve included an alternative essential oil blend below.

2% dilution:

5% dilution:

  • 70 drops peppermint essential oil or eucalyptus globulus
  • 55 drops copiaba essential oil
  • 55 drops juniper berry essential oil

Essential Oil Blend For Breastfeeding Mamas And Children Ages 2+

For breastfeeding mamas and children over two, a 2-5% dilution of Plant Therapy’s blend, Tame The Pain, is considered appropriate.

  • a 2% dilution is 72 drops
  • a 5% dilution is 180 drops

Equipment

  • double boiler (or a pot that fits inside another pot)

Instructions

  1. Place coconut oil, shea butter and grated beeswax in a double boiler and allow to fully melt.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in essential oils. Store in an airtight jar – Amber or cobalt are best but a clear jar is fine if kept out of direct sunlight (which promotes oxidation).

Storage and Shelf Life

I recommend storing this rub in the fridge to preserve shelf-life, which should be around 6-12 months.

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This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Sheila Kilbane, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, trained in integrative medicine. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

Leave a Comment

15 thoughts on “Homemade Muscle Rub (Safe for Kids & Pregnant Mamas)”

  1. I found out after years of gallbladder attacks that Peppermint is very irritating to the gallbladder… Just a helpful hint 🙂

    Reply
  2. Is it Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter? Recipe list is one butter, and then later on says to melt the other. Thanks,
    Heather G.

    Reply
  3. HI Heather,
    Do you have a soap recipe for a moisturizing soap that is better than the commercial soap Dove? My brother is suffering from exema and his doctor recommended an expensive cream to rub on the affected areas and when he showers, to use Dove. I would like to make for him a super moisturizing soap to keep his skin from drying out so badly.

    Reply
    • Dr. Bronner’s castile soap is great for soothing eczema. I used the unscented one for my son, but it comes in several scents from essential oils.

      Reply
  4. This is fantastic! I’m actually thinking about using the recipe for a make-and-take event at my wellness clinic. Do you know about how much one recipe makes?

    Reply
  5. Hi, I want to make a muscle rub for an 82 year old with aching joints. Do I make this recipe or your other recipe with cayenne infused coconut oil?

    Reply
  6. I purchased some menthol crystals and now I can not find my recipe for a muscle rub, can you help me with finding a muscle relaxing recipe to use them in?

    Reply