Make Your Own “Soothing Roots Balm” for Headache Relief

When a headache hits, the only thing that sounds remotely pleasant is lying down, closing you’re eyes, and falling asleep. Unfortunately, more often than not, we’re stuck in traffic, helping the kids with homework, dealing with a crabby boss, trying to cook dinner, running to catch the bus, etc. etc. when the pounding sets in, and lying down just isn’t an option. Instead of instantly medicating yourself, carry around a little tin of this soothing headache balm and rub some on your temples, the back of your neck, or anywhere you feel tense or sore to help relieve the pain.

Ingredients: Peppermint Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil, Beeswax, Shea Nut Oil, Grapeseed Oil.

Why peppermint oil: Peppermint contains menthol, and menthol produces a cooling sensation on the skin which, couples with the refreshing scent, helps relieve tension and resulting tension headaches.

Why eucalyptus oil: Fresh and invigorating, eucalyptus soothes without making you sleepy. Studies have shown the scent increases brainwave activity, reducing fatigue. Rubbed on muscles, it helps relieve tension and soreness.

Why lavender oil: Lavender is also a wonderfully soothing scent, being used in a number of studies testing the benefits of aromatherapy.

Changes in brain wave patterns for people exposed to the scent suggested increased relaxation and a resulting loss of tension in muscles.

Why beeswax/Shea nut oil/grapeseed oil: All of these ingredients are what give the balm its body, and dilute the essential oils. Good and nourishing for the skin, they are easier to obtain than their names suggest! (Grapeseed oil can be found at your local grocery store.)

You will need…
-15-20 drops of peppermint oil
-10 drops of lavender oil
-2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil
-1/4 cup Shea nut oil
-1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
-2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles/grated beeswax

Directions
Making your roots balm is easy, and takes around 20 minutes from start to finish. In a double boiler over medium heat melt ¼ cup of Shea nut oil, 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil, and 2 tablespoons of beeswax pastilles or grated beeswax together.

Turn off the heat when thoroughly blended, and add 20 drops of peppermint oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, and 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Pour into a small container with a tightly fitting lid, and let cool and solidify.

Massage a bit onto your temples, back of neck, the pressure point between the thumb and forefinger, or anywhere that needs some soothing when you feel tense or a headache coming on. Breathe deeply.

Note: Adding more wax yields a more solid balm, whereas adding more oil yields a softer one. You can also infuse your oil to give your balm an extra boost.

Have you baked before? Made a batch of brownies or chocolate chip cookies? If so, I assure you that you can do this. We’re very programmed to think that something such as “balm” is out of our reach, but this headache remedy is well within your capabilities. Feel free to adjust the scent of your Roots Balm to be stronger or less powerful, depending on your personal preference.

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