Joints15 min
Garlic in sesame oil as a rub for a stiff joint
Two garlic cloves warmed in sesame oil, then strained, make a simple rub for a stiff joint. The oil stays on the skin. It is not a kitchen drink and not for broken skin.
Warm garlic sesame oil on a stiff joint
Sesame oil is the usual oil for a dry, stiff joint in Ayurveda, and a clove of garlic warmed in it adds a gentle kitchen heat. The garlic is strained out so bits do not sit on the skin.
Rub only what the joint needs. Wash your hands before you touch your eyes. This is an external oil for stiffness, not care for a joint that is swollen after injury.
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- A small steel pan and a clean strainer
How to prepare
- Warm the sesame oil on a low flame and add the garlic until it smells mild and turns pale gold.
- Take the pan off the heat, strain the oil, and cool it until it feels warm on the wrist.
How to use
- Rub a little strained oil on the stiff joint with slow strokes for a few minutes.
- Let the skin take a thin film. Do not pour a puddle that soaks clothes.
- Wash your hands. Use the oil on the outside of the joint only.
Helpful habits
- Make a small cup and keep it covered for two or three days, not a large jar.
- Warm the stored oil again by standing the cup in hot water, not on a high flame.
Precautions
- This rub is external only. Do not swallow the garlic oil.
- Do not use it on broken skin, a rash, or near the eyes.
- Stop if the skin stings. Pain with swelling after a fall, or a joint you cannot use, needs a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink this garlic sesame oil?
- No. This batch is for the skin over a stiff joint. Do not swallow it.
Will the room smell of garlic?
- Yes, a little. Straining the cloves and using a thin film keeps the smell smaller.
Is sesame oil alone all right if I dislike garlic?
- Yes. Plain warm sesame oil is a fine rub. Skip the garlic if your skin reacts to it.
