I have a super fun and handy DIY for you today, friends. If you suffer from sore muscles, joint pains, back pains, arthritis, etc…then this easy and effective DIY recipe is for you.No, it’s NOT for your kitty cat. Do you get my plan on words with the title?Okay, more on that shortly… but first, let me tell you about MY NEW SCALE, crucial to have on hand for any of the DIY recipes you find on my blog. If you do a fair amount of DIYing in your home, you NEED a scale. Seriously. My kitchen scales get a workout, that’s for sure. From food recipes to DIY, it is constantly out on my counter.
The scale I had been using was on its last legs. Actually, truth be told, it had lost its legs a few months ago. Haha! No, seriously… the legs fell off!!! So, when I had the chance to review a new scale, I jumped on it …and I am soooo happy that I did!
Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
MIRA Glass Digital Kitchen Scale
The MIRA Glass Digital Kitchen Scale operates like many other kitchen scales, but it is MUCH more user-friendly.
The weighing surface is extra large.
My old scale’s surface was about 5×5 inches. This scale’s weighing surface is about 5×10 inches. This is MUCH better when using a large bowl, as it’s easier to see the display.
Flat weighing surface.
Also, my old scale had a raised platform. Not good, as some bulky things were difficult to fit on the raised platform AND they would cover up the display. So, not only is this scale’s weighing surface larger, it is a flat weighing surface; which is super handy!
LED display
My old scale had a hard-to-read display. It had dark gray numbers on a light gray background; not ideal in some lightning. This scale has a super cool blue LED display. I feel all fancy when I use it.
Batteries
A couple of months ago I was frantically trying to finish weighing some skincare packages that HAD to go out that day. The post office was closing soon and I had to get there before the truck left. What happens? Of course, my scale dies. Alright, no problem; I’ll just change the batteries!Oh wait… that IS a problem because it takes one of those large round batteries that costs an arm and a leg. Of course, I did NOT have one of those laying around. This MIRA Scale takes 3 AAA batteries, which are included. Yes, I DO have those laying around.
Super thin
Finally, storage of this MIRA scale could not be more easy. It is super-de-duper thin, so it can slide into many small places in your cabinets (unless you keep yours on the counter, like me…and in that case, it’s really pretty to leave out and show off).
Would I Buy This Scale?
Alright, so my old scale on a 1-10 scale (1 is the worst)… I’d rate it a 6. I mean, it did its job, but it was big and clunky, hard to read, took a funky battery, etc.
My new MIRA Glass Digital Scale? Totally a 10. I have had absolutely NO problems with it. It weighs perfectly ingrams, ounces, and pounds, is slim for storage, it is pretty, I LOVE the flat glass weighing surface, the LED is great, and it has performed perfectly for me.
Now onward to my exciting Kitty Balm recipe where you can use this lovely kitchen scale.
DIY Kitty Balm (like Tiger Balm®)
You may have heard ofTiger Balm®. It’s one of those lovely concoctions that helps people with sore muscles, cramps, arthritis, joint pain, etc. The problem with Tiger Balm®?Ugh…once again, it’s one of those products that has great intentions, but cuts corners with unsavory ingredients. Boo! I know that I do not want to put paraffin petroleum on my skin! Also, from where do they source their dementholized mint oil? I’ve learned that the quality of these oils varies widely1. Besides, it’s not a necessary ingredient, friends… so WHY put it in there!? I’ve got you covered. Follow this easy recipe and you’ll get those muscles feeling relief in no time flat.
DIY Kitty Balm (like Tiger Balm®) (6OZ)
Supplies/Ingredients
- Double-boiler (I just make my own with a glass bowl over a pot of shallow simmering water)
- Kitchen scale (like this scale, of course!)
- Container (Mountain Rose Herbs carries various types of containers)
- 2oz Beeswax (Pronounce Skincare beeswax)
- 1oz Shea Butter (this is my favorite shea butter, hands down)
- 2oz Carrier Oil (I use apricot oil in this recipe, but you could use almond, jojoba, etc; view carrier oils here)
- Essential Oils: Lavender, Niaouli, Eucalyptus, Cajeput, & Blue Chamomile
Make It
- Measure all ingredients (except essential oils!) on your scale in your glass bowl
- Melt down in your double boiler
- Remove once melted and allow to cool (do NOT put your essential oils in when it’s still screaming hot)
- After a few minutes, add your essential oils
- Lavender- 20 drops
- Niaouli- 12 drops
- Eucalyptus- 12 drops
- Cajeput- 15 drops
- Blue Chamomile- 5 drops
- Pour into your container where it will set up in a few minutes
NOTE: The recipe above will create an ointment that is very thick. You really have to scoop it out of your container. BUTI like having a thick one for something like this. Since you are trying to help out sore muscles, you’ll want to rub it in…really massage it in! So, if it’s thicker, you can really work it in nicely.
If you want it to be more of the consistency of a lip balm, for instance, simply add another 1oz or so of oil.
Why Those Essential Oils?
Calming and it smells delish! Read more about lavender essential oil here.
- Niaouli– Antispasmodic & stimulant (decrease muscle spasms, yet keep blood flowing).
- Eucalyptus– Antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, and much more. It’s super-de-duper great for aching muscles.
- Cajeput– Holds many of the same properties as ones listed above, but also creates a sensation of warmth when applied.
Click the names of these three EOs to learn more about them.
Calming properties, anti-inflammatory, and it smells incredibly DELISH!!! It is one of my favorite essential oils. Learn more about German Chamomile here.
I purchase almost all of myessential oils here.
Ta-da! Now, rub some on yourself and let the ingredients do their magic. Help it along with a nice massage!
xo,
Not feeling particularly DIYish?
Simply not enough hours in the day? Pinning more than you could ever tackle these days?No worries. I have got you covered.
Please, head on over to my Pronounce Skincare Shop. While you are there, please look around at all of my skincare creations. I love making them for my family and for you!
- Rated 5.00 out of 5
Beeswax Pastilles
$9.00 – $16.00Read more
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Angela Waters October 18, 2019 at 3:25 pm
Oops lol. An alternate to cajeput.
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Jess Healey October 22, 2019 at 3:40 pm
Hi Angela! You can feel free to simply leave that essential oil out if you have concerns. Happy DIYing!
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Angela Waters October 18, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Could you suggest an alternate oil to came out? I have a dog and that ones not safe around him. Thank you!
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Karen July 22, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Can you you make this and keep it on your pronounce line. Some things are are too much for people like me. Plus my husband will think I’ve lost my mind.
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Jess Healey August 10, 2017 at 9:35 am
Ha! I think my husband knows that I lost mine a long time ago. hehe. I will keep this in mind as I roll out new products. Make sure you are subscribed to my newsletter list where I’ll keep you up-to-date on all of the new going on in the shop! 🙂
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Jennifer August 14, 2015 at 2:50 pm
My husband would love something like this! I don’t have all the EO’s listed but I do have DoTerra’s Deep Blue blend. My question is, would I use the same amount of drops if using just Deep Blue? Thanks!
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Amie Carnes October 27, 2014 at 1:15 am
So I finally went all out and made this! It came out way too thick though and flaky as I rubbed it on. So I melted it down again and added more oil, about 2 oz. more. It’s still super thick and I really have to work at getting it out of the tin, but once I got some and rubbed it in I can feel it tingling and doing its thing on my 7 week old broken toe. Thanks for the neat ideas. I think the next time I make this one I’ll have to make it softer though. Thanks again for the recipes! Your amazing!
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Deedra November 18, 2018 at 9:54 pm
Just use less beeswax for softer salve.
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Grimm of Moore October 23, 2014 at 2:25 am
I’m a user of tiger balm and recently learned how to make it. My concern was for the colder months. I do love the cooling sensation, but not when I’m already cold. I saw that you added an oil that’s warming, and I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for posting this informative recipe.
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Andrew April 27, 2014 at 12:05 am
Does this balm have heat in it? and if so how hot does it get? could a child use it ?
Also could I exchange the small for a coconut scent?Reply
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Kate April 24, 2014 at 9:48 pm
This may sound strange but I am sooooo new at giving up chemicals. I have a huge bag of beeswax pastilles because I use them in every salve but does the weight remain te same pastilles vs bars of wax? Thanks!
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Scratch Mommy April 26, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Hi Kate,
Great question! Yes, the weight will be the same. The pastilles are just a bit easier to work with (in my opinion).
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Jason March 25, 2014 at 11:40 am
Hi there, thanks for this, I’m going to make it for sure this weekend. I have sever arthritis and some topical creams buy me some relief for 20 or so minutes. My question is I like the smell of creams like Rub A535 hot/cold, is that the mint you were talking about? If I did want to add that in (funny, mentally I think it works better the worse it smells) how much mint oil would you recommend I add in? Thanks again, can’t wait to try this. Jason.
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Scratch Mommy March 27, 2014 at 7:41 am
Hi Jason! So sorry to hear about your severe arthritis. :/ This should give you some relief. The minty, medicinal smell you are talking about does come from the essential oils I use in this recipe. I think that will give you what you need. It smells just like Tiger Balm…minty and whatnot. Hope this helps give you relief.
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Jamie Larrison February 24, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Just bought this scale! Thanks for the tip! It’s actually over 50% off on Amazon right now.
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Scratch Mommy February 27, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Awesome! Sweet deal for a sweet scale. 🙂
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Christina Smith February 7, 2014 at 4:23 pm
Thank you for a wonderful DIY AND most of all for providing information on WHY you chose the oils you did! Thank you so much….may I feature you on my own blog?
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Susan@learningandyearning February 6, 2014 at 1:17 pm
I used to use tiger balm all the time – this sounds like a great alternative. Thanks for sharing!
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Scratch Mommy February 6, 2014 at 8:08 pm
Hi Susan,
Hooray! I am happy that you think that this is a nice, safe, non-toxic alternative. <3
Thanks for stopping by,
JessReply
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Lindsay February 18, 2015 at 4:44 am
Hi, sorry, I can’t seem to leave a brand new comment, so I’m replying!
I’m seeing essential oils sold as 100% pure and with 5% dilution and 10% dilution. What does this mean and which one should I be buying?Thanks!
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AuthorJessica Healey February 26, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Great question. It can get (unnecessarily!) confusing when you read about essential oils. You simply want to find 100% pure essential oils. I prefer organic &/or wild harvested. It’s as simple as that! 🙂
When you read about dilutions, that means adding them into a recipe &/or a carrier oil. We just had a convo about this in our closed #LifeFromScratch Facebook group. You can see a handy chart in the group, if you scroll down our wall. Hope this helps!
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Marianne @ Ragdoll Kitchen January 31, 2014 at 4:47 am
How I ♥ you and your wonderful concoctions! It would be fun to be in your laboratory 😀
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