So I had a massage this weekend. I really abused my body during the move, so it was long overdue. The room was very nice. It even had a faux fireplace mantel. That could be a nice blog niche for someone–day spa room decor. Anywho, I picked up some tips while I was there, so what else can I do but share with you?

First, whenever you spend time on your face you get stuffed up. Rather than popping a decongestant, try this remedy. Wear a cheap t-shirt to bed and put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the collar near your throat. As you inhale it during the night, your sinuses will open up. No stuffed up nose in the morning. FYI: The oil will stain so you might not want to use your designer satin sheet set when you do this.

The massage oil she used smelled very nice. Nice herbally smell. Yes, I know herbally is not a word. Turns out it’s her own special blend. She used Arnica which is well known to soothe sore muscles. Here’s the secret blend that I swore not to reveal–

Arnica Massage Oil

• 4 ounces sweet almond oil
• 4 ounces sunflower oil
• 1 tablespoon arnica extract
• 10 drops lavender oil
• 1 tablespoot St. John’s Wort extract

Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well. Leave to steep for a day, then bottle and label. Apply as a massage oil to tired, achy muscles.

You may be wondering what St. John’s Wort is doing in the recipe. Well it has a great regenerative effect on skin tissue. It’s used on burns by herbalists with great results.

Arnica Sports Oil

• 4 ounces sweet almond oil
• 4 ounces sunflower oil
• 1 tablespoon dried arnica flowers or arnica powder

Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well. Leave to steep for a day, then bottle and label. Rub into joints before and after sports activities, and to accellerate recovery after injury or strain.