Arthritis Relief Balm Recipe
This arthritis relief balm is a warming, herbal salve-style recipe made for stiff, aching joints and areas that feel tight, cold, or overworked. It uses a base of herbal infused oil with cat’s claw, devil’s claw, and violet leaf, then adds beeswax for texture and essential oils traditionally used for warmth, circulation, and joint comfort.
This smaller 4 oz batch is a practical size for making at home. It gives enough balm for regular use without creating a large jar that sits around for too long.
Benefits
- Warms stiff joints and helps them feel more comfortable
- Supports massage around sore knees, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles
- Combines traditional joint-supporting herbs with warming essential oils
- Creates a rich balm texture that stays on the skin long enough for massage
- Made in a small 4 oz batch that is manageable for home use
Ingredients
- 6½ tablespoons herbal infused oil made with olive oil, coconut oil, or macadamia oil infused with cat’s claw, devil’s claw, and arnica
- 1½ tablespoons beeswax pellets or grated beeswax
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 6 drops kunzea essential oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops clove essential oil
Cat’s claw: Cat’s claw is traditionally used in joint and mobility remedies and makes a strong foundation herb for an arthritis balm.
Devil’s claw: Devil’s claw is a classic herb for stiffness and joint discomfort, especially when the balm is intended for knees, hands, and other commonly affected areas.
Arnica: Arnica is one of the most widely used topical herbs for bruising, inflammation, and muscle soreness. It helps support circulation and reduce the feeling of pain and tenderness in joints and surrounding tissues.
How much herb to use for infusion: For a balanced infused oil, use approximately 2–3 tablespoons of dried herbs per 1 cup of carrier oil. You can divide this evenly between the herbs (for example, equal parts cat’s claw, devil’s claw, and arnica), or adjust slightly depending on availability. Allow the herbs to infuse fully before straining to create a potent base for your balm.
Alternative Variations
Gentler Arthritis Balm (with Violet Leaf & Calendula)
For hands, wrists, or more sensitive skin, this version focuses on soothing and calming herbs rather than strong warming action.
- 6½ tablespoons herbal infused oil made with violet leaf, calendula, and a small amount of cat’s claw
- 1½ tablespoons beeswax pellets
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 6 drops kunzea essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops frankincense essential oil
Violet leaf and calendula create a softer, more skin-friendly balm that helps calm irritation and mild inflammation without strong heat, making this ideal for frequent daily use.
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Extra Warming Joint Balm (with Ginger & Cayenne)
For knees, hips, shoulders, or joints that feel cold, stiff, or slow to move, this version increases warmth and circulation.
- 6½ tablespoons herbal infused oil made with arnica, ginger root, and a small amount of cayenne
- 1½ tablespoons beeswax pellets
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 5 drops ginger essential oil
- 5 drops black pepper essential oil
- 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 drops clove essential oil
This variation provides a deeper warming effect that may help loosen stiff joints and improve mobility, especially in colder conditions.
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Cooling Joint Balm (with Arnica & Plantain)
For joints that feel hot, swollen, or overworked, this version emphasizes cooling and calming support.
- 6½ tablespoons herbal infused oil made with arnica, plantain leaf, and a small amount of violet leaf
- 1½ tablespoons beeswax pellets
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 8 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Plantain and violet leaf help calm irritated tissue while arnica supports circulation, creating a balanced cooling balm for flare-ups or post-activity use.
Equipment
- Double boiler or heat-safe jar in a saucepan
- 4 oz glass jar or balm tin (approx. 120 ml)
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring utensil
- Label
Method
- Add the herbal infused oil and beeswax to a double boiler or heat-safe jar set in a saucepan of gently simmering water.
- Warm slowly until the beeswax has completely melted, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes so the essential oils are not added to very hot oil.
- Stir in the vitamin E oil, kunzea, eucalyptus, peppermint, and clove essential oils.
- Pour the balm into a clean 4 oz jar or tin.
- Leave uncovered until fully set, then cap and label the jar.
How to Use
Massage a small amount into stiff or aching joints 2–3 times daily, or whenever the area needs warmth and comfort. Use slow circular movements around the joint rather than rubbing aggressively over tender areas.
This balm works especially well after a warm shower, bath, or warm compress. For hands, apply before bed and cover with cotton gloves if desired.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from heat, steam, and direct sunlight. Use within 6–12 months. If the balm changes smell, color, or texture, make a fresh batch.
Variations & Substitutions
For a softer balm, reduce the beeswax slightly or replace 1 tablespoon of the infused oil with shea butter. For a firmer balm that travels well in warm weather, add an extra ½ teaspoon beeswax.
Safety Considerations
- For external use only.
- Patch test before regular use, especially because this blend contains warming oils.
- Do not use on broken, irritated, or freshly shaved skin.
- Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and sensitive areas.
- Wash hands after applying, especially before touching the face or eyes.
- Clove, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils can feel strong on sensitive skin; reduce the essential oils for a gentler balm.
- Do not use on young children.
- Consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, while nursing, or if using blood-thinning medication or managing a medical condition.
Additional Notes
If the balm feels too strong, remake it with fewer drops of clove and peppermint. If you want more heat, use the extra warming variation rather than adding large amounts of clove oil, as clove can irritate skin when overused.
For best results, pair the balm with gentle movement, warmth, and regular massage around the affected area.
For home remedy and educational use. Do not apply to broken skin, irritated skin, or near the eyes.
Recommended Supplies
Gather everything before melting the balm, as the mixture sets quickly once it begins to cool.
- Double boiler or heat-safe jar set in a saucepan
- Small digital scale or measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon or glass stir rod
- 4 oz glass jar or balm tin
- Clean towel or paper towel
- Label for the finished jar
Make an arthritis balm by melting herbal infused oil with beeswax, then stirring in vitamin E and essential oils before pouring the mixture into a 4 oz jar to set.
Kunzea, eucalyptus, peppermint, clove, ginger, black pepper, lavender, and frankincense are commonly used in joint and muscle balm blends, depending on whether you want a warming, cooling, or gentler effect.
You can apply a small amount 2–3 times daily as needed, as long as your skin tolerates the blend well and there is no irritation.
Yes, this balm can be massaged into stiff or aching hands. Use a small amount and wash your hands afterward so the essential oils do not get near your eyes.
Clove essential oil is strongly warming and traditionally used in blends for aches and stiffness. It should be used sparingly because it can irritate sensitive skin.
Homemade arthritis balm usually lasts 6–12 months when stored in a clean jar away from heat, sunlight, and moisture.