The Natural Beauty Workshop

Warming Massage Bar

This warm colored massage bar is made with Angelica Root Essential Oil, which has a subtle, spicy aroma and provides a warming sensation while helping to increase circulation and stimulate the senses.  The Warming Massage Bar is colored with Paprika to give it a warm orange tint on the top of the bar.

Warming Massage Bar
Makes one 4 ounce bar

Ingredients
3 ounces Fractionated Coconut Oil
1 1/2 ounces Babassu Butter
1 1/2 ounces Candelilla Wax 
1/2 teaspoon Paprika Powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Angelica Root Essential Oil

Special Equipment
Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
Massage Bar Mold

Instructions
Combine 1/2 ounce Babassu Butter, 1 ounce Fractionated Coconut Oil, and 1/2 teaspoon Paprika Powder in a double boiler and heat for 10 - 15 minutes.  Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth to remove the Paprika Powder.  After the oil has been strained, return it to the double boiler and add 1/2 ounce Candelilla Wax.  Once the wax has melted completely, remove it from the heat and add 1/8 teaspoon of the Essential Oil.  Pour the mixture into a Massage Bar Mold.  The first layer of this bar will have to cool completely before you add the second layer.  You may want to put the bar in the refrigerator while you prepare the oils for the second layer.  Clean and dry the double boiler than add 2 ounces Fractionated Coconut Oil, 1 ounce Babassu Butter, and 1 ounce Candelilla Wax.  Heat the mixture until completely melted, than remove from heat and add the remaining Essential Oil (1/8 tsp and 1/4 teaspoon).  Pour over first layer in the Massage Bar Mold.  Allow the bar to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the mold.  Removing it prematurely can cause the bar to crack or break.

Usage
Gently rub the Warming Massage Bar onto the skin.  When the bar contacts skin it should begin to melt.  Use the bar to coat a generous amount of oil onto the skin and then set it aside while you massage.  The Warming Massage Bar should be packaged in a tin or cello bag when not in use.  This recipe contains Angelica Root Essential Oil, which can potentially irritate certain skin types.  If any irritation occurs discontinue use immediately and wash the skin with soap and water.  Angelica Root Essential Oil is also a strong photosensitizer, and should not be used on the skin within 4 hours of sun exposure.  Angelica Root Essential Oil should also not be used on or around pregnant women, babied, or children.

Herbal Scalp Massage Bars

These fragrant solid massage bars can be used all over the body, but were especially formulated for the scalp.  Amla, Argan, Copaiba, and Vegetable Squalene Oils are intensely conditioning, healthful ingredients for your scalp.  These nutritious oils will feed your hair's roots while being stimulated by a gentle massage and Essential Oil Blend.  Massage your own scalp, or take turns with a loved one. 

Herbal Scalp Massage Bars
Makes 4 - 6 Bars

Ingredients & Equipment

• 2 ounces Amla Oil
• 2 ounces Jojoba Esters, MP70
• 1 ounce Argan Oil
• 3/4 ounce Vegetable Squalene
• 3/4 ounce Copaiba Balsam Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Rosemary Essential Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Chamomile Essential Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Lavender Essential Oil
• Tart Pans
• Double Boiler

Directions
Add the Jojoba Esters to your double boiler and heat until fully melted.  Next, add the Copaiba Balsam, Amla, Argan, and Vegetable Squalene Oils.  Stir together quickly, then remove the mixture from the heat.  Stir in the Essential Oils and mix well, then carefully pour the mixture into Tart Pans.  Allow them to cool and harden completely before moving the pans.  When they are ready, carefully tap each bar out of its tart pan.

Usage & Packaging
Warm the bar in your hands to produce a small amount of melted oil.  Rub the oil gently into the roots of the hair, rubbing the scalp in a soft, circular motion.  Be careful to massage as gently as possible.  The object is to stimulate the scalp without pulling or damaging the hair.  Follow the massage with your favorite shampoo and conditioner or rinse. 

These bars look lovely packed in our Small Cello Bags.  Tie them shut with a little ribbon, a gold twist tie, or a fun tag.  

What Essential Oils or Fragrances do you like to use in your Massage Blends?

The Rub: A Guide to Home Massage

When it comes to home massage it usually takes two to tango.  This creates a wonderful opportunity for closeness and quality time, whether your partner is a spouse, a significant other, or your child.  A gentle loving touch can help to bring you closer together while promoting comfort, health, and relaxation.  For some tips on home massage, check out Beauty by the Batch's article, Tips For Gentle Home Massage.  You can learn even more by picking up a book on the subject.  Check out the Book Store at From Nature With Love for some great books on massage.

When you are ready to try your hand at massage, you'll need a good massage oil to use during your session.  You can choose a simple Carrier Oil, or create a special blend using one of The Natural Beauty Workshop's many Massage Recipes.  We've highlighted some of our top picks for each below. 

 Carrier Oils for Massage

• Sweet Almond Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Chardonnay Grape Seed Oil 
• Hazelnut Oil
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Perilla Seed Oil

Massage Recipes from The Natural Beauty Workshop

• Ginger Wood Massage Oil
• Cooling Cucumber & Mint Body Oil
• Kapha Massage Bar
• Mochacchino Massage Melts
• Organic Body Oil
• Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars

Mochachinno Massage Melts

Rich, creamy Mochacchino Butter is a unique blend of Coffee Bean and Cocoa Butter.  It's all natural aroma is absolutely delicious, and it's texture is smooth and moisturizing.  These Massage Melts are the perfect size for single massages.

Mochacchino Massage Melts
Makes 8 - 10 Bath Melts

Ingredients
2 ounces Mochacchino Butter
1 tablespoon Jojoba Esters MP70
2 ounces Babassu Oil
8-10 Coffee Beans

Directions
Place 10 foil cups on a jelly roll pan, or other flat surface and set aside.  In a double boiler, gently melt the Jojoba Esters completely, followed by the Mochacchino Butter and Babassu Oil.  After all of the ingredients have fully melted, stir the mixture well.  Carefully pour the hot mixture into the foil cups.  Allow the Melts to cool for 5 - 10 minutes, or until a firm layer forms on the top.  When the Melts reach this stage, gently press an individual coffee bean into each melt. 

Note: This recipe can easily be converted to make Bath Melts instead of Massage Melts. To make Bath Melts, use 2 teaspoons of Jojoba Esters instead of the tablespoon called for in the original recipe.  Also, it would make a nice addition to sift 1-2 tablespoons of Fine Oat Flour into the mixture.

To Use: Simply unwrap a single Mochacchino Massage Melt, and warm it between your hands.  The gentle body heat will soften the Melt, turning it into a slick, massage oil.  The Melt can also be warmed directly on the skin of the person being massaged.

Organic Body Oil

During the dry Winter months, your body has to work extra hard to retain moisture.  Using a nutritive Body Oil after showering or bathing can help to lock in your skin's moisture.  This light, penetrating, Body Oil recipe is made with Organic Ingredients, but you can substitute conventional ingredients as needed.  Apply the oil directly to the body, gently massaging into the skin. 

Organic Body Oil

Ingredients
2 ounces Organic Camellia Oil
1/2 ounce Organic Hemp Seed Oil
1/2 ounce Organic Jojoba, Golden
1/2 ounce Organic Argan Oil
1/2 Ounce Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil
10 - 25 drops Organic Lavandula Abrialis Essential Oil (optional)
10 - 25 drops Organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (optional)

Ginger Wood Massage Oil

Massage is a way for couples to spend quality time in a warm, intimate setting.  While helping to improve your partner's wellness, you gain the added benefit of closeness which can help to build trust and affection.  This all natural Massage Oil Blend is enhanced with a unisex blend of Essential Oils that can help to improve circulation and ease tension and anxiety. It makes a great gift for a loved one, especially when paired with a Massage Tool.

Ginger Wood Massage Oil
Makes about four ounces

Ingredients
1 ounce Argan Oil
1 ounce Sesame Oil
2 ounces Perilla Seed Oil
30 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
20 drops Ginger Essential Oil
10 drops Black Pepper Essential Oil
10 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Note: The Essential Oil Blend in this recipe contains spice oils which could be irritating to certain individual's skin.  Those with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before using this Massage Oil.  If irritation occurs, wash the oil away immediately and discontinue use.