Herbal body oiling has for a long time been a regular and favourite way of mine to be using and working with plants. More so it is in my opinion also the absolute easiest, most sensual and healing form of practising self-care with the nourishing effects felt immediately. Giving some time every week to care for myself and connect with my body by massaging it with oil that I have infused with my preferred plants has done wonders for my general well-being as well as deepened my connection with myself and the world around me.
I was first introduced to herbal body oiling and its several benefits through Herbalist Kami McBride whose knowledge of using herbs in oil is endless. By taking her course “Handcrafted Healing Herbal Oils” back in 2019 I gained powerful knowledge of how to make potent herbal oils and of how to care for my whole being by using them in the form of body oiling.
What is body oiling?
Herbal body-oiling is essentially taking a private moment for yourself to strip your clothes off and slowly and mindfully oil every part of your body, from top to toe. You can choose whether you want to make this a ceremonial practice connecting with yourself on a deeper level, or simply get it done whilst speaking to a friend on the phone, watching a film, or listening to a podcast. I tend to alternate between the two according to my needs. If oiling the whole body isn’t accessible for you (it gets messy, I know) then the feet, chest, neck, temples and ears are beautiful areas to focus on and that greatly benefit your whole being.
What is a herbal oil?
Simply and briefly explained, herbal oil is chopped up medicinal plant material, fresh or dried, steeped in a chosen oil for some time, 2-6 weeks, and then strained through a muslin cloth, with the plant material being disposed of. What is left is an oil which has absorbed lots of medicinal properties from the plant(s), ready to be used and absorbed by your skin. These amazing herbal oils are very easy for anyone to make, and for a thorough step-by-step guide click here or if you’d like to purchase my herbal oils click here.
What is it good for?
I can go on and on about how oiling your body benefits your well-being but I will try to keep it short and precise. Stating the obvious, oiling your skin provides moisture and hydration leaving you with a healthy-looking glow. But more so, oiling the body has shown to be the perfect remedy for anxiety, stress, tension, nervousness, tired muscles, and a run-down immunity system. I would say that by body-oiling you tackle and give care to three major body systems: the Nervous system, the Muscular system, and the Immunity system.
Nervous system
Every time you oil your body you also nourish your nervous system. Many nerves are located just under the skin and instantly absorb the fat and the medicine from your herbal oil when applied to your skin, which immediately calms your whole nervous system. When you’re in a state of stress, panic, anxiety or nervosity and massage oil into your skin you will notice this. Furthermore, nerves require fat to function well and just like your skin becomes brittle and irritated when dry. Some brilliant nervine herbs that do well in oil and are much loved by the nerves are St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) and Chamomile (Matricaria chamomila).
Muscular system
It is known and experienced by many the healing wonders of an oil massage when muscle soreness is experienced. Rubbing healing herbal oil into the skin helps loosen up and relax any muscle tissue contractions, reducing pain and tension. Be it a stiff neck from deep concentration, practising sports, or doing a lot of heavy lifting and physical work, any working muscle loves being tended to this way. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Pine (Pinus ssp.) and Arnica (Arnica montana) are some excellent herbs for regularly rubbing into muscles.
Immunity system
Through massaging and rubbing your skin you improve the circulation of the blood, but more importantly, lymphatic fluid. Unlike the circular system, the lymphatic system does not move well of its own accord and requires physical touch and activity to keep it flowing. When lymph is stagnant the body is less able to fight off infections and rid of toxins and becomes more prone to illness. When body-oiling regularly you automatically give care to your immunity and by giving a little extra care to places more prone to swollen lymph such as the neck, breasts, armpits, and groin, you will be more likely to notice any potential unwanted cysts and lumps appearing. A few of the herbs I like to use for this are Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Sweet Violet (Viola odorata), Red clover (Trifolium pratense), and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Deepened connection
On a more spiritual note, aside from the many physical benefits of body oiling, this form of self-care creates an amazing connection, in-depth awareness, and a feeling of centeredness. When I oil, I show gratitude and love to my strong and healthy body, which carries and supports me in everything I do. I nourish my skin, which protects me from pathologies. I deeply connect with my heart, my true self, my whole being, and the plants and nature, which, with their wisdom and love, make me better as a whole.
Moreover, giving your child or loved one the attention and care of a herbal oil massage is a truly beautiful gateway to a profound connection.
Love, Sarah Águsta
