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So, skating on a roller derby team causes my teammates and I to have "look at this bruise!" "oh yeah?! Look at this one!" moments. And strange as it is, if you don't get a nice one after a big fall, its almost a disappointment! But let me tell you, they sure can hurt! And for as many times as we have sore muscles, bruises and what not, the price for store bought remedies can sure add up!

Here are a few ways to feel better for aches and pains. Some remedies are Grandma's, others are friends, and some even friends Grandmas!

Compress for Bruises:

1/4 cup of water

1/4 cup of witch hazel or cider vinegar

2 drops lavender essential oil

2 drops rosemary essential oil

2 drops peppermint or juniper essential oil

In a bowl, mix the water, witch hazel or vinegar, and the essential oil. Soak a flannel cloth in the liquid, wring it out until nearly dry, and then place over injured area.

Cover with plastic wrap so the skin absorbs the essential oils and then cover the whole thing with a towel.

Apply the compress for up to 30 minutes three times daily.

Cheapie Cold Pack

3 parts water

1 part rubbing alcohol

1 plastic zip-close freezer bag

Combine the water and rubbing alcohol in the freezer bag and freeze.

Wrap the frozen pack in a towel and apply to the hurting area.

The alcohol keeps the pack flexible.

Massage Cream for Angry Muscles

2 teaspoons grated beeswax

1 tablespoon coconut oil

4 tablespoons cayenne-infused oil

10-15 drops wintergreen oil

2 tablespoons ginger tincture

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons aloe vera gel

1/2 teaspoon borax

1/4 teaspoon powdered vitamin C (can be found at health food store)

In the top of a double boiler over low heat, mix the beeswax and coconut oil and stir until the beeswax has melted. Stir in the cayenne-infused oil and the wintergreen essential oil.

In a separate pan, heat the ginger tincture to evaporate as much alcohol as possible, then add the water, aloe vera gel, borax, and vitamin C and bring to 160F to 175F on a candy thermometer. Place the ginger tincture mixture in a blender, and whirl at high speed as you add the beeswax-oil mixture. Pour the resulting cream into a clean jar with a lid.

Rub onto sore joints and muscles as needed. Keep in the fridge for 4-6 weeks.

There are all kinds of natural remedies you can use, that are better for you, and won't drain your lovely handmade pocketbook!

If you have a local health food store / natural store, and haven't been there, go check it out!