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Make Your Own Leg and Foot Anti-Cramp Salve
Photo credit: bigstock.com
At one time or another it will happen to everyone — those annoying and painful leg and foot cramps. There are numerous reasons for these cramps: overexertion, growing pains, sitting for long periods without moving are some of the most common reasons.
Regardless of why you get them, one thing is certain: THEY HURT! And you want them to go away as soon as possible. There are over the counter creams you can use, but most of these, besides being super expensive, contain various chemicals and other ingredients (like petroleum jelly) that you simply don’t want to be rubbing on your skin. Also, leg and foot cramps always seem to happen at night, when most drug stores are closed anyway. And what about holidays? When you make your own salve, you can rest assured that you always have some on hand, no matter the time, no matter the day.
We have a terrific remedy for this problem. You can make your own anti-cramping salve from natural ingredients quickly, easily, and affordably.
This recipe has natural anti-inflammatories, which is one of the major underlying causes of cramps. You should have no problem finding all of the ingredients in your local natural or health store. If you live in a more remote area, you can always order them online.
If you have a double boiler, that makes this process easier, but if not you can simply put a small pot inside a larger pot that has a few inches of water inside. You will also need a container for your salve. Many people like to use plastic squeeze bottles so they can simply squeeze out the amount they need or squeeze the salve along the length of their calves. If you prefer glass, that is perfectly fine, just be sure it comes with a tight fitting lid.
Are you ready? Well, first, you need to make some arnica and comfrey infused oil as this is one of the main ingredients. To do this, add two tablespoons of dried comfrey leaves and 2 tablespoons of dried arnica flowers to a pint sized glass jar (Mason jars are always good). Cover the leaves and flowers with 6 ounces of sunflower, almond, or olive oil (your choice). Shake or stir well, then place the jar in a saucepan that has about 2 inches of water in it. Heat the pot over low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on the water to be sure it doesn’t evaporate. Add some water to the pot if you need to. Also, don’t let the oil come to a boil. Some small bubbles are normal, but don’t let it start smoking!
After a few hours, allow to cool, the strain into another clean, dry jar.
NOW you are ready to make your salve!
Continue to Page 2
Photo credit: bigstock.com
Anti-Cramp Leg and Foot Salve
Ingredients:
- ½ Ounce (about 14 grams) beeswax
- ½ Ounce (about 14 grams) stearic acid
- 1.5 Ounces (42 grams) shea butter
- 1.5 Ounces (42 grams) magnesium oil
- 1.5 Ounces (42 grams) pure aloe vera gel
- 3 Ounces (85 grams) of arnica and comfrey infused oil (the one you just made)
- 5 Drops of peppermint essential oil
- 5 Drops of lavender essential oil
SEE ALSO: 12 Natural Solutions for Stiff or Frozen Joints
Directions:
- Put 3 ounces of the infused oil, the beeswax and the stearic acid into a heat proof bowl or a Pyrex glass measuring cup.
- Put the cup or bowl into a saucepan that has 2 or 3 inches of water. Turn the heat on medium low and stir until the beeswax has melted completely.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the shea butter until it melts. Remove the cup or bowl from the saucepan and set aside until it has a light, firm layer on top but is still liquid underneath.
- While you are waiting for the wax and shea butter to cool, measure and combine the magnesium oil and the aloe vera gel in a separate heat proof bowl or other container. Now put this container in the pan of hot water you should still have sitting on the stove. Don’t turn on the flame, you just want this to sit in the hot water.
- Once your wax has cooled, slowly drizzle the magnesium/aloe vera mixture into the oil while beating with a hand mixer on slow. After about 5 minutes, add the essential oils, scrape down the sides and continue beating.
- Keep beating for another 5 minutes or until the lotion begins to really cool down and thicken.
- Pour into the containers of your choice. When it fully sets in another couple hours, it will be like a thick lotion.
Rub some of this lotion on your legs and feet at night before bed or anytime you start to feel cramps. Store this lotion in a dark, cool location (such as a kitchen cabinet or bedroom closet) and it will keep for several months. If you like you could even store it in the refrigerator where it should keep for close to a year.
Please note that in rare cases, leg cramps are a sign of atherosclerosis, which is an inadequate supply of blood to the legs. If you get severe or frequent leg cramps, be sure to check with your doctor.
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