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What Are Herbal Infused Oils Used For in Massage Therapy?
Massage therapists today have access to a wide variety of oils, lotions, gels, creams, and aromatherapy products. While most professionals are familiar with essential oils and carrier oils, herbal infused oils remain one of the least understood categories of massage therapy products.
Herbal infused oils have been used in bodywork, wellness practices, and traditional botanical preparations for centuries. Today, many Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs), spa professionals, and wellness practitioners incorporate herbal infused oils into professional treatment environments because they combine the glide of a massage oil with botanically infused ingredients.
What Is a Herbal Infused Oil?
A herbal infused oil is created by steeping plant material in a carrier oil over an extended period of time. During the infusion process, the carrier oil absorbs oil-soluble compounds from the botanical material. The resulting oil is then filtered and packaged for professional or personal use.
Unlike essential oils, herbal infused oils are not distilled and are not highly concentrated aromatic extracts. Instead, they are best understood as carrier oils enhanced through botanical infusion.
- Arnica infused oil
- Calendula infused oil
- St. John’s Wort infused oil
- Chamomile infused oil
- Lavender flower infused oil
Herbal Oils vs Essential Oils
One of the most common misconceptions is assuming herbal oils and essential oils are the same thing. They are not.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts produced through steam distillation or cold pressing. They are typically used in drops and often require dilution before topical application.
What is the difference between essential oils and carrier oils?
Herbal Infused Oils
Herbal infused oils are produced by soaking botanical material in a carrier oil. They are typically used directly in massage preparations and generally provide glide similar to the carrier oil used in the infusion.
Herbal Oils vs Carrier Oils
Carrier oils and herbal oils are closely related. A carrier oil serves as the base ingredient during the infusion process.
- Arnica infused oil may use sunflower oil as the carrier.
- Calendula infused oil may use olive oil as the carrier.
- St. John’s Wort infused oil may use sweet almond oil as the carrier.
The carrier oil remains present in the final product but now contains infused botanical compounds from the herb. This means herbal oils often function similarly to carrier oils during massage treatments.
Why Massage Therapists Use Herbal Infused Oils
Many massage therapists appreciate herbal oils because they provide excellent massage glide, familiar oil handling characteristics, botanical ingredient profiles, and versatility in custom massage blends.
- Relaxation massage
- Wellness-focused bodywork
- Spa treatments
- Custom massage oil blends
- Aromatherapy preparations
- Professional body treatments
Popular Herbal Oils Used in Massage Therapy
Arnica Infused Oil
Arnica is one of the most widely recognized botanical ingredients used in massage products. Arnica-infused oils are frequently incorporated into professional massage oils, massage creams, massage gels, sports massage preparations, and bodywork blends.
Calendula Infused Oil
Calendula is a flowering herb commonly used in botanical skincare products. Calendula-infused oils are often selected for spa body treatments, massage blends, wellness preparations, body oils, and professional skincare applications.
St. John’s Wort Infused Oil
St. John’s Wort infused oil has a long history of traditional botanical use. Today it is frequently incorporated into massage oils, botanical body oils, wellness formulations, and professional bodywork products.
How Herbal Oils Are Used in Professional Massage Practice
As a Standalone Massage Oil
Some herbal oils provide sufficient glide and working time to be used directly during treatment.
As a Blending Ingredient
Many practitioners combine herbal oils with carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or fractionated coconut oil. This allows therapists to customize texture, absorption rate, and working characteristics.
As Part of Aromatherapy Blends
Herbal oils may also be combined with carefully diluted essential oils to create customized massage preparations. In this type of blend, the carrier oil, herbal infused oil, and essential oil each serve a different role.
Learn how massage therapists safely dilute essential oils.
Choosing the Right Herbal Oil
The best herbal oil depends on treatment style, therapist preference, desired glide, absorption rate, aroma preferences, and existing treatment products. Many therapists experiment with several herbal oils before selecting a preferred combination for their practice.
Safety Considerations
Like all topical products, herbal oils should be used thoughtfully and professionally.
- Review ingredient information carefully.
- Conduct patch testing where appropriate.
- Avoid use on compromised skin.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations.
- Store away from excessive heat and sunlight.
- Monitor for botanical sensitivities.
Building Professional Massage Oil Blends
Many therapists create custom oil blends by combining carrier oils, herbal infused oils, and essential oils.
Carrier Oils
Herbal Infused Oils
- Arnica oil
- Calendula oil
- St. John’s Wort oil
Essential Oils
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
Combining these categories allows practitioners to create customized massage oils tailored to their preferred treatment style and sensory profile.
Herbal Oils in Spa and Wellness Environments
Beyond massage therapy, herbal oils are frequently used in spa treatments, body wraps, wellness rituals, aromatherapy services, luxury body oils, and professional skincare treatments. Their versatility makes them a valuable addition to many treatment rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are herbal infused oils the same as essential oils?
No. Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts, while herbal infused oils are created by steeping herbs in a carrier oil.
Can herbal oils be used directly on the skin?
Many herbal oils are designed for topical use, although professionals should always review product instructions and perform patch testing where appropriate.
What carrier oils are commonly used for herbal infusions?
Popular choices include sunflower oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil.
Can herbal oils be mixed with essential oils?
Yes. Many therapists incorporate herbal oils into massage blends that also contain diluted essential oils.
Are herbal oils commonly used in massage therapy?
Yes. Many massage therapists, spa professionals, and wellness practitioners incorporate herbal oils into bodywork and wellness treatments.
Final Thoughts
Herbal infused oils occupy a unique space between carrier oils and essential oils. They offer the handling characteristics of a massage oil while incorporating botanically infused ingredients that many therapists and wellness professionals appreciate.
Whether used alone, blended with carrier oils, or incorporated into aromatherapy preparations, herbal infused oils continue to play an important role in modern massage therapy and spa practice.
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