RELIABLE NATURAL PRODUCTS TO HELP ALLEVIATE MUSCLE TENSION

It’s been over 8 years. Over 8 years since I have done any type of organized exercise. I’ve taken leisurely walks outside, I’ve done walking videos in my living room and ridden bikes for fun. But I have not really worked out HARD in ages. The kind of workout when halfway through you can barely lift your arms or legs. The kind that has sweat rolling down your face and muscles hurting that you didn’t even know you had. 

That all changed for me about 6 weeks ago. My friend and I decided we wanted to get stronger and we agreed that in order to stay motivated, we needed to do it together. 

We work out at least 2 times per week, sometimes 3. We usually put in about 75 minutes each workout. We change things up each time, but in a nutshell, our workouts include intense cardio and strength training. I’ve had a blast learning new things- like some boxing and Krav maga basics. Trying to do push-ups, planks and sit-ups for the first time in decades (literally since the 90’s) has been entertaining to say the least. I’m definitely using muscles that I haven’t used in years. Lol. Thankfully I have been able to use some of my favorite natural products to help my body handle this sudden change.

After a good workout or even a long day spent at the computer (my life!), you might feel too tired to do much. You may experience discomfort performing routine tasks due to lingering tension in your muscles. You can help yourself get back to speed with a little bit of self-care. Essential oils are highly soothing and provide a calming, positive atmosphere.

my top 4 go-to solutions

I use these 4 products on a regular basis. They have become part of my regular routine. When I first started using the lotion/rub, I would joke that I smelled like my dearly departed grandmother. The minty smell reminds me of the OTC product that she used. Unlike her chemical laden solution, mine is natural, safe and highly effective.

deep blue rub

This lotion provides a comforting sensation of cooling and warmth to problem areas. Made with doTERRA’s top-selling Deep Blue essential oil blend of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, Matricaria (German Chamomile), Helichrysum, Ylang Ylang, and Osmanthus, Deep Blue Rub is an essential addition to your bathroom cabinet and gym bag. Deep Blue Rub is blended in a base of moisturizing emollients that leave your skin feeling soft and not greasy. It is the choice of massage therapists and sports practitioners who currently use doTERRA Deep Blue essential oil blend in their practice. The next time you watch a sporting event, don’t be surprised if you see the blue bottle on the sidelines. It’s very popular in professional sports. 

I’m getting older and the older I get, the more I use this. My aching knees and hips receive immediate relief the second I rub the lotion on my skin. Pro-tip: Wash hands well after application. This lotion will burn sensitive parts of your body…

deep blue oil

For stubborn muscle discomfort, apply two to three drops of Deep Blue blend and rub into the affected area. Layer Deep Blue Rub over the top and massage.  doTERRA Deep Blue is perfect for a soothing massage after a long day of work. Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus work together to soothe and cool.

If I’m really struggling with sore areas, I will apply a couple drops of oil topped with some lotion.

alphaCRS+

doTERRA Alpha CRS+ Cellular Vitality Complex is a proprietary formula combining potent levels of natural botanical extracts that support healthy cell function with important metabolic factors of cellular energy.* Alpha CRS+ is formulated to be used daily with xEO Mega® or vEO Mega® and Microplex VMz® as a comprehensive dietary supplement foundation for a lifetime of vitality and wellness.*

The Lifelong Vitality trio is my go-to supplement pack. The effect on inflammation is incredible!! AlphaCRS has 6 anti-inflammatory properties which reduces pain and discomfort throughout your body. (see my prior post re: my Plantar Fasciitis testimony) 

deep blue stick+ Copaiba

Formulated with plant-based menthol, methyl salicylate, and camphor, this easy-to-use stick penetrates deeply and creates a cooling sensation on skin. An indispensable addition to your bathroom cabinet or gym bag, the stick formula provides moisturizing emollients that leave your skin feeling soft and not greasy. Quick drying so it can be applied before, during, or after a workout, the Deep Blue Stick is soothing, convenient, and effective.

While I am obsessed with the lotion, this new product is quickly becoming a favorite. The best part, other than the addition of Copaiba, is there is no mess and no need to get it on your hands.

When I do sit-ups I tend to strain my neck (not good I know!) and sitting behind the computer all day also disturbs my neck. This is perfect  and I can easily apply it to problem areas myself. 

other handy helpers

I will be honest. I haven’t used any of the following products in my post workout routine. I hear these work well and they come highly recommended.

Remember, essential oils are not a one size fits all solution. Similar to pharmaceutical medications, sometimes you have to try a few before you find one that works well for you.

deep blue polyphenol complex

Deep Blue Polyphenol Complex delivers polyphenol extracts of frankincense, turmeric, green tea, ginger, pomegranate, and grape seed, and is designed to provide soothing support to aching muscles and to other occasional discomfort.* Take as needed when discomfort presents itself, or take it every day for long-lasting benefits.*

lemongrass

After a hard workout, massage two to three drops of Lemongrass into areas of discomfort. I don’t personally use this one because I cannot stand the smell of lemongrass. My husband, on the other hand, loves it. It is his preferred oil for keeping gnats and other annoying bugs away when he is doing yard work.

wintergreen

The main chemical component in Wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, is used in topical creams and massage blends because of its soothing properties.In fact, Wintergreen and Birch are the only plants in the world that contain methyl salicylate naturally.  Wintergreen oil has a warming effect when applied to skin and is excellent to use as a soothing massage. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly and dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

For a soothing bath, add 1–2 drops of Wintergreen essential oil to warm bath water.

aromaTouch

AromaTouch combines Cypress, Peppermint, Marjoram, Basil, Grapefruit, and Lavender essential oils in a perfect blend that adds many important benefits to various massage techniques. This popular blend is a vital part of the dōTERRA AromaTouch Technique, a proprietary method for applying essential oils to produce a profound whole-body wellness experience.

I feel stronger every day and I am so glad that my friend and I decided to make this commitment to each other and to ourselves. But at my age, it can definitely be challenging and a little hard on the body; especially since I gave up gym life when I had my first child over 8 years ago. I am so thankful for these products!! They help all my achy spots. From inflammation in my feet and joints to tight muscles in my shoulders and hips. If you would like to try them I would love to help you. Feel free to email me and we can schedule an appointment to chat. Or if you are more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can browse here.