This post may contain affiliate links. These help support this website.Today we are sharing a very simple DIY joint ointment with a Christmas theme!
Since it is December and winter is almost here, this is the perfect DIY to create that will also get you in the Christmas spirit. Also, with winter weather upon us, many people are dealing with more joint pain than usual. This is such a great product to keep on hand for all types of aches and pains.
I shared a little information on this on instagram stories, and I had so many questions! Everyone was excited to learn more.
Let’s get started!
DIY Joint Ointment With a Christmas Theme!
So, what makes this Christmas themed? Well the main essential oils found in this homemade ointment are myrrh and frankincense. Every time I hear the words frankincense and myrrh, I think of the gifts brought to the baby Jesus.
Matthew 2:11 “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh”
It just so happens that frankincense and myrrh are some of the best topical oils for pain and inflammation.
We will share some science behind this after the recipe, so stay tuned!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 30 drops of frankincense oil
- 30 drops of myrrh essential oil
- a few drops of orange essential oil for scent (optional)
Directions:
- In a glass bowl, add in the coconut oil. If it is firm, heat for a few seconds or just stir until it is soft.
- Add in the essential oils, then mix well.
- Store in a glass jar.
How to Use this DIY joint ointment for pain relief:
Massage the rub onto the joint area a few times a day. You can also try this on muscles! Try it for a few days to see how it works for you.
Things to Keep in Mind About This Recipe?
You will notice this is a homemade pain relief cream without beeswax which means it will not have a firm texture. Using coconut oil makes this a great ointment because you can get the coconut oil firm in cooler temperatures. It can also be a liquid in warm temperatures. I have found coconut oil to be the best carrier for this type of ointment.
What Type of Pain Does This Homemade Pain Relief Salve Target?
If you have rheumatoid arthritic pain like I do, this is so great to use for that! It doesn’t necessarily make swelling go down right away, but it targets inflammatory pain. This is also great for tendonitis, bursitis, osteoarthritis pain, even basic muscle pain.
You can try this on any type of topical pain! Again, it won’t magically make a large swollen joint get smaller, but it will help minimize pain. With constant use, it will start to target the inflammation too.
How long does it take this homemade anti-inflammatory cream to work?
This will depend on the type of pain you are treating. For me, the pain relief happens within a few minutes. That is the constant aching type of pain. For the deep tissue pain arthritis causes, I see improvement after using this a few times per day for about two to three days in a row. Long term use with continue to improve results.
Now it is time for a little science behind this homemade remedy!
The Science Behind This Homemade Joint Rub:
Frankincense and myrrh are both very researched and proven essential oils for pain relief and inflammation. Many store-bought creams and ointments you try will contain both of these. The problem with some of the store-bought concoctions is they also contain many other filler ingredients. So, they aren’t as strong, and they don’t last as long because you need to use a lot of product to achieve results.
While essential oils can be pricey, this solution will last much longer, and you can use these essential oil bottles for years.
Frankincense
Frankincense is a unique oil that comes from the resin of a Boswellia tree. There are many components found in Frankincense essential oil. but one of the main chemicals is Boswellic Acid. Many scientists have studied the effects of frankincense on dozens of health issues. This study from 2009 shows the anti-tumor activity this oil has. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you have probably heard this term before. Many medications used to treat autoimmune diseases have anti-tumor activity. This is a very important treatment for inflammation.
While many studies on this oil show the ingested results, there are some studies showing topical success of this oil. It targets inflammation, pain, and tissue remodeling.
As with many essential oils. there is not much overall evidence besides the few studies found online. Most of the results you have to try and see how they work for your body. Everyone reacts differently to things!
Myrrh
Next up in this DIY Joint Ointment is myrrh. Myrrh is also a resin that comes from the tree species Commiphora. It has so many topical uses even things like gingivitis, canker sores, and chapped lips!
One of the main components in myrrh oil is furanoeudesma-1,3-diene. Studies show this makes the oil an incredible anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. You could write so many pages on this! For purposes of this article, we are just focusing on this small portion. For a complete chemical breakdown of myrrh, check out this in-depth analysis from the Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Science,
Coconut Oil and Possible Substitutions
I like to use coconut oil as a carrier for a few reasons. The first reason is this oil is firm when it is cold, but can also be a liquid when it is warm. Since it is currently winter, coconut oil will be in a solid state. This makes a great salve without needing anything like beeswax.
Coconut oil is the best option for a DIY Joint Ointment. If you can’t use coconut oil, you can substitute jojoba oil or grape seed oil. It will not have the same texture though!
Orange Essential Oil
This oil is completely optional, but I love the scent it adds to this ointment. The citrus smell really makes this smell like Christmas and compliments the frankincense and myrrh. This is optional, so only use it if you want the added scent or if you have some on hand.
Does it matter what type of essential oil you use?
Here is the big question I get on many things about essential oils. Essential oils like frankincense and myrrh are very expensive from MLM companies, so it might make you not want to make this ointment. You do not need to use anything expensive! I have tested out many brands, and the topical results are the same. For this recipe, I used this one and this one. The important thing about essential oils is they are pure, organic, and extracted properly.
Use whatever oil you have on hand.
As always, please check with your doctor!
I always ask and recommend you check with your doctor about anything regarding health. If you have constant pain in your joints or somewhere else, be sure you are seeing a doctor for care! This is a science based DIY joint ointment, but you must be under a doctors care when it comes to health issues. If you have skin sensitivities, check with your doctor about this too!
I hope you enjoy making this!! Please tag us on instagram or use #chemistrycachet if you make it! We love to see what our readers try.
Success Stories!
I have had so many readers write me and say they just love this DIY pain relief option. It is so nice to hear! Below are a few recent ones:
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Sarah Edwards says
This is the coolest post!! I love everything you post about, but I love seeing the chemistry in things too. I have never read a blog like this before, so unique. I have all the ingredients for this, so I am going to make some for my dad for Christmas. Thank you
Alexis says
I really appreciate that Sarah, thank you! I really enjoy getting to share a little science behind things, it is so interesting. I hope you enjoy making and using this
ShootingStarsMag says
Ooh I think I could use this. I’ve dealt with tendonitis and bursitis a few times in the past – most recently over the summer, and I’m just generally feeling aches and pains in my muscles. LOL
-Lauren
Alexis says
This has been very helpful for the tendonitis in my knee! I think you would enjoy using it 🙂
Debbie says
The Lord bless you for this. Honey I have put most everything on the market on my hands and wrists, and tried everything I came across that I could make for myself and nothing helped me like this. Thank you. This was an awesome Christmas present from you. I am making more for friends and family.
Alexis says
Hi Debbie! That is so wonderful to hear, I am so happy it helped you so much. It is such a great little cream, I was excited to share it with my readers 🙂 I hope you continue to enjoy it! Have a great New Year!
SANDY says
Hi ALEXIS, JUST WANTING TO KNOW THIS FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH oil, I’m having a hard time trying to figure out what this ‘oil’ means, AM I GOING TO HAVE TO GO TO JORDAN TO BUY THIS OR HAVE IT SHIPPED HERE …..IS this the oil that you can buy at WALMART IN THE HOMESECTION THATS CALLED ‘ESSENTIAL OIL’ or is this something that you have to buy ‘on line’, which I like to stay away from…Is there no special ingrediencies’ that you can buy in a regular store and not have to always rely on THE ON LINE!! I do not trust this on line business and would really like to be able to ‘buy’ something WHEN I WANT IT AT ANY TIME…. So in a nutshell are all these OILS THAT YOU TALK ABOUT ARE THEY THE OILS THAT THEY SELL AS ‘ESSENTIAL oil”, IS THIS THE SAME AS THE ‘OILS’ THAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. I DO NOT GET IT, YOU WILL HAVE TO EXCUSE ME I AM OLDER AND WOULD REALLY LIKE TO STAY AWAY FROM ALL THE CHEMICALS THAT WE ARE NOW BE SUBJECTED TO FROM WHAT WE EAT/THE MEDICINE/AND CLEANING PRODUCTS. I AM HOOKED ON ALL YOUR PRODUCTS BUT REALLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE INGREDIENCES THAT YOU TALK ABOUT…AND IF I COULD BUY THE ESSENTIAL OILS THAT WOULD BE GREAT…AND SAVE ME A LOT OF HATE AND DISCONTENT… thanks again ALEXIS YOU ARE A GOD SEND TO ME….. 🙂 8-3-20
AND REALLY LIKE THE IDEA OF NOT HAVING
Alexis says
You can click the items listed under ingredients to see what they look like on Amazon. They are essential oils. The ones linked in this post are the types I use and work for me. You can buy and use anything you find in the store although the quality might not be as good. If the quality isn’t as good, the ointment won’t work as well. NOW is also a good rand if you can find it at the store
Sandy Ferens says
Health food stores everywhere, Bulk Barn, and Co-Opps here in Canada carry Good Essential oils if u don’t want to order online.
I agree the “Now” product is very good and the most reasonable.
Very little goes a long way, so I encourage you to try it.
Carole Henry says
This really worked. I’ve shared the recipe with some of my friends. We are all big fans of this safe and effective ointment.
Alexis says
That is so great to hear! I love this recipe too 🙂
Christina says
For the pain relief cream, what are your thoughts on sulfur? I have “happy body” brand sulfur that you add to a drink or you can use a mortar & pestle to crush into a fine powder. Do you find it beneficial to add sulfur to the cream above for additional pain relief?
Alexis says
I have never used sulfur topically, so I can’t say for sure. I will say I have to avoid sulfur containing foods because it increases inflammation and makes my RA worse. I am not sure if this would be the case topically
Kim says
Can’t wait to try this!!!
Alexis says
It is very helpful!
Kim S. says
Hi Alexis… I recently made a tincture from some comfrey root, which is supposed to be great for inflammation and joints. I’d like to add some to this recipe; how much would you recommend?
Alexis says
I would add no more than 10-12 drops otherwise the solution won’t stay as firm
Kim S. says
Thank you! That’s exactly what concerned me and I’m no chemist! 😉 I forgot to mention that my tincture was made with vodka.