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| can seal tightly and clean the jar rim and lid to remove any trace of oil. Screw the lid on tight to prevent any leakage or air exchange. Leave the jar in a warm place, preferably in full sunlight, for several weeks, inverting the jar every few days. Alternatively, place the jar on a small rack in a large pot of water and let the water simmer for several hours. Or simply place the herbs and oil in the top of a double boiler and, with cover in place, heat the oil over simmering water for an hour or more. |
| Appropriate herbs for arthritis massage oils and rubbing salves include comfrey leaf or root, arnica blossoms, boswella, calendula blossoms, St. John's wort blossoms, chamomile blossoms, devil's claw, feverfew, meadowsweet and white willow. For warmth, add powdered mustard, freshly ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger and/or cayenne pepper (experiment cautiously with cayenne if you believe you are nightshade-sensitive; test a small amount on a small area first). For pain relief, add essential oil of wintergreen and/or peppermint. Start with small batches and experiment, keeping track of ingredients and quantities until you find a combination you like. Add several drops of a favorite essential oil for fragrance, as desired. The essential oils of clove, cinnamon and other sweet spices have a warming influence and pleasant fragrance, but be sure to dilute them in oil before applying to the skin or bath water. Small amounts of cinnamon oil can actually burn the skin. |
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