Used to provide topical relief for sore muscles and minor aches after hard physical labor in situations where medical care, ice packs, or commercial pain rubs are limited or unavailable.
Camphor creates a cooling, counterirritant effect that distracts from deeper pain. This version uses long shelf life bases, but you can optionally include castor oil or cayenne for additional warming and circulation support, accepting a shorter shelf life and a higher irritation risk.
Ingredients
- 54 g petroleum jelly
- 3 g paraffin wax
- 3 g beeswax
- 2 g camphor block, finely shaved or grated
- Small metal tins or glass jars with tight lids
- Heat safe jar and small saucepan for a simple double boiler
How to Use It
- Add petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, and beeswax to a heat safe jar.
- Place the jar in a saucepan with a little water and warm gently until fully melted.
- Remove from heat, wait 1 to 2 minutes, then stir in shaved camphor until dissolved.
- Pour into tins or jars, let cool until solid, then cap and label.
- For soreness, rub a thin layer onto clean, dry skin over the muscle and massage until absorbed.
- Use up to three times per day on the same area if the skin tolerates it.
Warnings
- External use only; not on broken skin.
- Keep away from eyes, mouth, children, and animals.
- Stop use if redness, burning, or rash appears.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store sealed, in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
- Long shelf life from petroleum jelly and waxes; discard if smell, color, or texture changes.
When to Use It
- After long days of lifting, digging, chopping wood, or farm work.
- During grid down or remote conditions without commercial rubs.
- To reduce reliance on oral pain medicines for minor, localized soreness.
- As part of an evening recovery routine in off grid, homestead, or field conditions.