How would you like to know how to make an infection fighting massage oil that will help support the body in fighting infections on the skin?
When my youngest had cellulitis, this is what was recommended to me by some natural mama friends of mine before I decided to take him to the doctor. I honestly believe this would have been very effective for him if I’d started it sooner, but hey, you live and learn right?
Now, you can use this “infection fighting” massage oil a number of ways.
- any skin issue that you think may have the chance to become infected like minor cuts, scrapes, bug bites
- ear infections – rub this right around the outside of the ear
- strep throat – rub this on your child’s neck and around the tonsil area several times a day
- hang nails or ingrown toenails to keep the infection down as well
- eczema scratching – add these essential oils to an appropriate carrier oil and use that on them to help prevent an infection from scratching
- and more
Okay, so let’s get the recipe, shall we? It’s so simple. Anyone can make it.
DIY Infection Fighting Massage Oil
What you’ll need is:
1-ounce extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or any other preferred carrier oil
7 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops tea tree essential oil
Mix all this together, put it in a bottle, and label it. Store it in a cool place out of direct sunlight and use it as needed. It should last anywhere between 1-2 years if stored properly and not contaminated.
This mixture will make a 2.5% dilution which is sufficient for an infection fighting oil, and it shouldn’t be used on children younger than 6 months.
A Word of Caution
There are a couple of things I want to caution you about when it comes to this oil.
First, don’t make it into a salve and use on deep cuts or wounds. The wax can seal bacteria in the wound and make worse. If you want to make this oil into a more solid form, I’d suggest making it into an ointment and only use it on minor surface issues. There are other natural ways of dealing with deeper cuts and wounds. We can discuss that another time if you want.
Second, know what the signs of infection are and monitor the area. If your child get’s scratched by a cat, you clean and dry the scratches really well, then start putting this oil on the scratches 2-3 times a day, but the area continues to look worse by getting more red, hot, and swollen… then it’s getting infected and your oil isn’t helping. That means it’s time to take stronger herbal action or head to the doctor. The choice is yours.
Hey, Meagan,
I have often used Tee Tree Oil in the carrier oil for ear infections also as you should not use TTO straight in ears. I also rub the oil under their ears and around their necks. Almost overnight if it is just coming on, they will feel better. We use the TTO lots for infection (without the Lavender though it would smell better for sure with it!) and then I put a product called Melagel (contains TTO too) over top to hold the oil in.
Thanks for continuing to post these great ideas!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I love hearing how other moms are successfully using natural, herbal remedies to help and heal their families!
I use coconut oil because it’s antibiotic on so many levels – antifungal (fights heat rash), antibacterial (means it also works as a deodorant) and antiviral. It has GREATLY reduced the incidence of skin infections I get (I’m diabetic and thus prone to boils).
Plus I already have it here for cooking, I just decant some into a bottle for body use.
I also have both lavender and tea tree oil here, so will try adding those next time I fill my body bottle.
Great idea Jackie! I love coconut oil. Depending upon the temperature you store it in, as you know, it will harden up which can be a turn off for some people, but it melts fairly quickly when it touches the skin so it shouldn’t be much of a problem to use it this way. Great tip… thank you!
Would this be safe for a 1 year old?
Yes… as long as the essential oils are safely diluted for that age.
Hi Meagan,
I am allergic to Lavender, is there another oil you would suggest?
Thanks,
Leone
You could leave it completely out and just go with the tea tree oil, but there are other antibacterial essential oils available. If you do a quick Google search, I’m sure several options will pop up. Thanks!
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Hi Meagan,
I have rheumatoid arthritis and have had cellulitis a number of times. Would this recipe be suitable for me?
I love receiving the emails, keep up the good work
Wendy
Hmm… I’m not sure what RA and cellulitis have to do with one another. I’m gonna have to look into that to see if there are any underlying reasons why someone with RA would develope cellulitis repeatedly. However, yes, this massage oil could be very beneficial when used externally during cellulitis. I’d also recommend using an echincacea tincture (or other strong immune stimulating herb) internally and quite frequently during this time. And as you already know, cellulitis can become a serious infection so if you want to approach it natrually, you have to get right on it as soon as it appears. It also doesn’t hurt to consult with a medical professional in case it continues to get worse.
Pretty sure I’m already a subscriber not sure? But went through process again. You show up in my Pinterest all the time. I enjoy so much seeing the things you share. It’s nice to connect with someone who shares the same interests as you.
Thanks for the kind words, Angela! Happy to have you as a part of my community!