White Flower Oil Copycat Recipe: Traditional Chinese Deep Muscle Rub

From soothing achy muscles after a workout to opening blocked sinuses, white flower oil is a favorite of many therapeutic massage and traditional Chinese medical practitioners.

The day before 9/11, I stumbled on White Flower Oil in a health food store when looking for a deep muscle rub for my husband. I read the ingredient lists on Icy Hot and Mineral Ice and finally chose the White Flower Oil. The others contained unpronounceable ingredients I wouldn’t put on my family’s skin – plus I loved the cute little Oriental, vintage-y box. He loved the smell and the nearly identical soothing, deep icy-hot tingle for his aches and overworked muscles.

In time, I decided to make my own copycat blend – and now I share the recipe with you.

A Mr. Gan Geock Eng, a local Singaporean merchant, first developed the combination back in 1927. It’s popularity spread around the world, and he started to mass produce the oil.

Still it remains a trusted cure for congestion and muscle aches – even added to witch hazel or aloe vera as an after shave. One man wrote in an Amazon review, “Oh boy, your face will feel smooth and soothed all day – and what a kick!”

White flower oil is created by combining a number of oils. I have done the ratios for you below.

A Lot More Super Helpful Uses for White Flower Oil:

Tension headaches – If you suffer from muscle tension headaches, this oil could be a saving grace. Simply massage a few drops onto your shoulders and neck to see a big difference, plus it smells wonderful!
Aches and pains – We usually find this to be all we need after a minor sprain, strain, or overworked muscles. Rubbing it into the sore area is enough to reduce pain and make a significant difference to any muscular discomfort we’re experiencing. In addition, it can be combined with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil (even your favorite body lotion) to make a soothing massage balm for deep tissue massage and relaxation.
Travel sickness – Rubbing just a couple of drops behind the ears helps calm or eradicate the symptoms. Add 10 drops of Ginger essential oil to the recipe when traveling.
Congestion – White flower oil is a fantastic home remedy for the discomfort of sinus pain and congestion. It is completely natural and makes a great alternative to decongestants, which can come with a nasty set of side-effects.

Caveats:

DO NOT get into eyes. It will sting! And never orally! Always use in a carrier oil and not alone (neat) on the skin!

What Does It Mean To Apply Essential Oils Neat & Is It Good Practice?

And this is not for use on babies, toddlers, or young children. There are only 19 known safe essential oils that can be used on kids and babies and y ou can find them here.

White Flower Massage Oil Recipe:

I kept the old box since the ratios are given for us:

Wintergreen essential oil – 40 drops
Eucalyptus essential oil – 18 drops
Peppermint essential oil – 15 drops
Camphor – 6 drops
Lavender -6 drops
Menthol crystals – add several crystals equivalent to ~15% right into the bottle. They’ll dissolve readily. Adding menthol is optional, but it gives more synergy and depth to the blend. Menthol is what makes it ‘icy hot’!
Carrier oil for massage – The original product I had contained essential oils only, but a carrier is recommended. It will also aid in massaging a larger area.
Use 1 tsp. coconut oil, olive, jojoba, etc. and add 3-4 drops of this EO blend recipe.

Directions:

Simply drip the essential oils together into a small dark glass bottle.
Add the menthol crystals discussed above.
Replace the dripper top and cap (see the photo below) and seal tightly.
Label and store in a cool place out of sunlight.
Shelf life is 7-10 years at least.

All the essential oils in white flower oil blend are safe and very inexpensive oils.

White flower oil is not known for any side-effects, but like many essential oils, it is not recommended for use with pregnant women or children.

Some essential oils may cause irritation in people with sensitive skin so always apply with a carrier oil as noted above and once again here:

Use 1 tsp. coconut oil, olive, jojoba, etc. and add 3-4 drops of this EO blend recipe.

It is wise to do a patch test before using regularly.

If time is an issue and you’d rather buy instead of make something yourself, I recommend Tiger Balm which has only the safe ingredients of Camphor and Menthol, Cajeput, Cassia, Clove, and Mint oils, plus paraffin petrolatum.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” ~James 5:14