Massage oils come in a variety of scents and blends but may be hard for the layperson or enthusiast to find. Making a homemade massage oil can be a fun project for friends or a couple. Learn how to select an appropriate oil medium and ways to add therapeutic aromas to them.
Choosing an Oil
When selecting an oil consider the skin type and season of use. Richer, or thicker, oils may be better for cold seasons while lighter oils will lend themselves better for warm weather. If the recipient has oily skin already, using a very rich oil may be uncomfortable. Also consider the amount of body hair – will a richer oil make gliding strokes easier over a fairly hairy back?
- Jojoba Oil – not an actual oil, Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-bah), is actually a plant ester, or wax. It has similar properties to oil but closely matches the skin’s own oil and therefore is widely used for face massages and sensitive skin types.
- Olive Oil – very rich oil that may be too thick for sensitive skin types or those prone to breakouts or acne. Great for dry skin or wintertime use.
- Sesame Oil – a medium to rich oil with a light scent.
- Sweet Almond Oil – has a slightly sticky quality and would go well with dryer skin types or for moisturizing during dry seasons.
Infusing Oils with Herbal Teas
Many herbed teas make great ingredients for a homemade massage oil. The individual tea bags remove the extra step of straining off loose herbs from the oils and can cut down on preparation time.
Some common herbal teas that might go well infused in oil:
- Chamomile – preferably as the only ingredient in the tea bag, chamomile is known for its relaxation properties and is also very gentle on sensitive and aging skin types.
- Peppermint – can make a rejuvenating blend for a pick-me-up massage or back rub. Choose peppermint when the room can be adequately warmed for the massage or the recipient may get too chilled.
Preparing the Infusions
Once the oil has been selected and the accompanying tea bag(s), a glass container than can be sealed should be chosen. A canning jar or other food storage glass container are good options. Four to six ounces of oil can be poured over one or two tea bags. The glass should be swirled a little to saturate the tea bag(s) and then placed in a sunny window for two or more days. The glass should be gently swirled daily to aid the infusion process. The blend can be left up to a week in the window as long as the oil is warm in the sun but not hot to the touch.
Once the preferred time has passed the tea bag(s) can be gently removed with a fork, taking care not to tear the bag open. The oil can be transferred to a plastic squeeze bottle, a smaller glass jar or left in this vessel. For ease in application a small amount of oil can be transferred to a small bowl and refilled when necessary. Avoid dipping fingers or hands into the infused oil during a massage to prevent contaminating the blend.
Using Essential Oils
Essential Oils should be used carefully and with some research. For example, Rosemary oil can be harmful for someone with hypertension, or high blood pressure.
See Benefits of Aromatherapy for a general overview of essential oils. To spice up a massage between lovers read Aromatherapy for Love and Passion.
Suggested Reading
The Essential Oils Book: Creating Personal Blends for Mind and Body by Colleen K. Dodt, ISBN 0882669133, 1996 Storey Publishing.
Total Aromatherapy Massage: The Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Aromatherapy Massage at Home by Jennie Harding, ISBN 1844831140, 2005 Duncan Baird Publisher.
The Aromatherapy Book: Applications and Inhalations by Jeanne Rose, ISBN 1556430736, 1992 North Atlantic Books.
