Every autumn I, along with the rest of my city (or so it seems), haul my arse back to yoga classes. It’s not that I don’t enjoy yoga enough to do it in the summer, it’s just that there are so many things to do when the days are long and warm. Anyhow, my inevitable return after my summer hiatus is inevitably greeted by the discovery of entirely new muscles as the protest in the days following a class. That’s where these peppermint massage bars come in.
Similar to my tiger balm massage bars, this handy bar uses just three essential oils, so it’s a lot easier (and cheaper) to pull together. The peppermint & menthol provide a nice cooling tingle, which is just wonderful for sore muscles, while the cassia essential oil boosts circulation.
I’ve added a bit of bentonite clay and powdered peppermint extract to these bars as well, but that’s optional. The clay helps with detoxing the skin, and the peppermint extract boosts the cooling quotient (though it’s already pretty high). They do add a slightly rough finish to the bar that can be great for a bit of light exfoliation. However, if you’re looking for a smooth bar, you can leave both out without any ill effects.
This is the powdered peppermint extract.
Peppermint Massage Bars
20g | 0.7oz cocoa butter (USA / Canada)
20g | 0.7oz beeswax
10g | 0.35oz grapeseed oil
8g | 0.28oz cassia essential oil
5g | 0.17oz peppermint essential oil
3g | 0.1oz menthol essential oil
2 tsp powdered peppermint extract
1 tsp bentonite clay (or another clay you like)Combine the cocoa butter (USA / Canada), beeswax, and grapeseed oil in a small saucepan and melt over medium heat.
While the oils are melting, weigh out the essential oils into a glass jar and blend the peppermint extract and clay together in a coffee grinder.
Once the oils have melted, remove from heat and stir in the essential oils. Let cool a bit, stirring. Add the powders, if using. If you’re using the powders, stir the mixture as it cools until it is thick enough to keep the powders in suspension (you’ll know if the powders don’t sink when you stop stirring). If you’re not using the powders, you can pour the mixture into your mould straight away. Otherwise, pour once the mixture has thickened. I used a 125mL/half cup mason jar as my mould.
Once the bar has set, tip it out of the mould (this is made easier by dipping the mould into a bit of warm water for a second—but not any longer!).
To use, massage on sore muscles and enjoy! (Avoid contact with any sensitive areas, like the eyes and your private bits.)
This sounds delightful and easy. I see a lot of recipes calling for cocoa butter. Is there a substitute? I’m allergic to chocolate and all its parts. Thanks!
Bummer! Check out my entry on carrier oil substitutions—that should get you sorted 🙂
Behind the health coach that I am is an avid crafter. I love your blog. Health and Beauty mix together, what can I ask for more. Really love this and will try it for sure.
I also suffer from circulation problem in my legs, despite my veggie effort 😉 new need for a new cause.
Hey Catherine! Thanks for reading 😀 It’ll be great to hear your health coach perspective on things. And I totally understand having circulation issues, I can’t feel my feet right now even though I’m sitting next to a heater 🙁 Booooo. I’m working on a few things for that as well, so stay tuned!
Hi, Is there a difference in the Menthol crystals and menthol essential oil? The reason I ask is because I have an allergic reaction to the crystals ……carolyn
There is a difference, but it’s like the difference between peanuts and peanut butter. If you’re allergic to one, you’ll be allergic to the other. You should also be allergic to peppermint, if that’s the case, since it has quite a lot of menthol in it (and menthol is derived from peppermint). Otherwise, you may just be sensitive to high concentrations of menthol.
I am ok with Peppermint if I use it in small quantities so you are pry right Thanks for the info !
No problem! Menthol is definitely very strong, it’s not surprising your skin doesn’t like it in it’s pure form.
Hey Maria, I was wondering, is this basically a peppermint tiger balm bar?
Nope, but this is 🙂 Tiger Balm not only has more essential oils (they’re about 50% of the recipe), but it also uses many different kinds. It also results in a different sensation. It’s also more expensive to make, so this is a cheaper, sort-of-similar thing.
Is there a sub for the menthol ess? I couldn’t find it at NDA
Yeah, they discontinued it (probably why my bottle was such a good price, haha!). Just buy the menthol crystals, they’re oil soluble so they will work nicely as a substitute. I haven’t tried them myself so I’m not sure of the conversion rates, but the menthol EO is pretty pure (it solidifies in the jar), so you could start with a 1:1 substitute and go from there.
Marie, would it be okay to use paper molds for individual bars or should I use silicone molds, let the bars cool and then place them in paper molds? I am making some Christmas gifts and would love some pointers. Thanks!
Kristen
I wouldn’t use paper moulds for these—I don’t think they can handle the mixture since it’s both heavy and very oily the paper moulds will likely give way on you. I’d definitely go with the silicone moulds and then gift the bars in something else—I’ve been using pillow boxes, or just wrapping them in some kraft paper 🙂
Love the idea, just careful w/ peppermint when doing massage. Unless it’s a very hot day, clients may get really cold when peppermint is applied to the skin
I’m not a massage therapist (most people aren’t, haha), so I always just use these on myself 🙂 Perfect for summe!