One type of homemade arthritis cream uses the active ingredients of sunflower oil, arnica oil and ginger oil to provide relief for inflammation and pain. With the addition of grapefruit seed extract as a preservative, this cream may last up to six months. Use the cream sparingly for relief of joint pain.
Materials
You will need a small kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, a double boiler, a whisk or stick blender and a glass container with a secure lid. Some of the following ingredients in the cream (waxes, oils and grapefruit extract) are not readily available in stores but may be purchased through Internet suppliers.
Sunflower carrier oil contains high amounts of vitamin E and oleic acids and some unsaturated fatty acids; these components in the oil, particularly vitamin E, have strong anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve arthritis symptoms. Purchase organic expeller pressed sunflower oil to ensure that your oil is pure and contains quality ingredients.
Beeswax or a vegetable-based emulsifying wax provides a creamy texture and helps blend the oil and water ingredients together.
Ginger and arnica oils are have strong anti-inflammatory and warming properties that may help decrease pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Purchase therapeutic-grade ginger essential oil for your recipe. Pure arnica oil should not be used in this recipe; use arnica oil that has been diluted in an olive oil base.
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural preservative that will extend the life of your arthritis cream, and distilled water creates a soft, creamy texture.
Making the Cream
In a double boiler, combine 2 oz. sunflower carrier oil and half an oz. of beeswax or vegetable emulsifying wax over low heat. Once the waxes have melted, stir the ingredients together and remove them from the heat. Use a stick blender or whisk to blend the ingredients while you add 1 oz. of distilled water. Keep blending or whisking the mixture together as the cream starts to cool and then add six drops of arnica oil, six drops of ginger oil and 1 tsp. of grapefruit seed extract. Continue to blend or whisk the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated into the cream and the cream has cooled. Place the cream in a glass container with a secure lid and store in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
Cautions
Never use arnica on broken skin. Keep this homemade arthritis cream out of reach of children as arnica may be toxic if ingested internally. Ginger and arnica may cause reactions in persons with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, perform a skin patch test of the cream before you use it on larger areas. Always speak with a physician if you are taking any prescription medications or have any type of medical condition before you use arnica on your skin.
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