We all know that stress is best either managed or kept to a minimum, yet we also all know that’s a tall order to ask in our modern stress-filled times.
Yet, what is stress and is this chemical reaction actually affecting our bodies?
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First off, stress is instigated within the human body by hormones, which also happen to be the “same ones that trigger our body’s ‘flight or fight’ response.” So, what happens? When these stress hormones kick into gear “your heart races, your breath quickens, and your muscles ready for action.” Humans absolutely need stress in order to deal with serious and emergent situations. The problem arises when your “stress response keeps firing, day after day.” This chronic stress can actually “put your health at risk.”
Taking a look at the effect of chronic stress upon the body, you’ll find negative reactions from head to toe including intense tension headaches, increased risk of depression, heartburn, insomnia, a weakened immune system, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, higher risk of heart attack, tense and painful muscles, and digestive upset, to name just a few.
So, it’s incredibly important to find alternative routes to help your body release the tension that it builds up from the stressors of your everyday life. This can include everything from diet to exercise to tension relief home practices.
Integrating massage with tension relief products at home is a great way to not only take a minute for yourself but also release pent up tension on a daily basis. Here are a few wonderful tension-relieving creams, lotions, and oils to try out!
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1. Sacred Earth Botanicals Vegan Massage Lotion
Sacred Earth Botanicals Vegan Massage Lotion/Amazon.com
This Sacred Earth Botanicals Vegan Massage Lotion is not only certified vegan and cruelty-free, but it also sources organically grown ingredients free of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs. Plus, Sacred Earth Botanicals has removed all fragrances, nut oils, and gluten to make this product as allergen-friendly as possible. Non-greasy formula and easily comes out of sheets, meaning stain-free! An 8-ounce bottle costs $14.50.
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Brian Smith says “I tried a few top-rated lotions and prefer this one. The feel, absorption, and friction are better than alternatives I tried. Unlike some other unscented lotions, this lotion truly is free of any scent.”
2. Majestic Pure Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil
Majestic Pure Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil/Amazon.com
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This Majestic Pure Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil is designed specifically for those tension-riddled muscles. This is especially great for those sitting at desks or standing all day! This blend of essential oils is 100 percent natural, designed to melt away tension, while also leaving skin nourished and hydrated. This product is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. An 8-fluid ounce bottle costs $14.98.
El B says “I have used this product on my knees and Rt shoulder, including Rt elbow. I used this at night and woke up and moved without pain. There was very good absorption and the fragrance is pleasant. I will be purchasing more because another has used it, after gym workouts, and is in agreement that this is a great product. Thank you!”
3. Corganics Relief Pain Cream
Corganics Relief Pain Cream/Amazon.com
This Corganics Relief Pain Cream has actually been referred to as “The Miracle Cream” due to its wide versatility and superior effectiveness. This unique blend is made with essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, sweet orange, and menthol. Plus, this pain cream also comes loaded with skin-loving ingredients such as L-Arginine, MSM, Vitamin E, and Aloe Verga. This cream is 100 percent vegan, cruelty-free, and contains all-natural ingredients. A 16-ounce bottle costs $59.99.
T. Goodman says “I have back problems and this works. It works as cold, not hot.”
4. Healing Massage Therapy Oil
Healing Massage Therapy Oil/Amazon.com
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This Healing Massage Therapy Oil is not only vegan-friendly, but it’s also edible! This blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and natural flavoring is free of chemical parabens and uses therapeutic carrier oils and antioxidant-rich ingredients for healing, anti-aging, anti-cellulite, and skin-softening effects. Plus, this massage oil also targets sensitive skin and sore painful muscles and joints. This oil is also vegan-friendly! An 8-ounce bottle costs $9.95.
InMyOpinion says “I really like the product because the taste is smooth, light and does not leave an after taste like other edible massage products. I have year-round allergies. So I was glad that the scent of the product did not cause me to sneeze or cough. Also, it didn’t leave a sticky feel while using. I will buy it again.”
5. The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt
The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt/Amazon.com
This The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt is exactly as implied, a deep, lovely yogurt-like cream meant to melt away the stresses of the day. This body yogurt is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and 100 percent vegan. The Body Shop has taken this product to the next level with mango juice and Community Trade organic almond milk from Spain. It not only relieves tension but moisturizes for up to 40 hours. A 6.98-fluid ounce jar costs $15.00.
Alecia says “This mango lotion smells amazing but even better, it makes my skin SO soft. I was genuinely surprised by the quality of this product.”
6. Bare Ethics Vegan Lavender Fields Massage and Body Oil
Bare Ethics Vegan Lavender Fields Massage and Body Oil/Amazon.com
Lavender is one of the best natural aids to relieve tension and relax. This Bare Ethics Vegan Lavender Fields Massage and Body Oil is the perfect mixture of luxurious oil and lavender scent. This body oil uses 100 percent pure essential oils, is vegan-friendly, Leaping Bunny Certified, and PETA Certified. Bare Ethics uses a blend of coconut oil, seasame seed oil, hemp seed oil, argon kernel oil, sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, calendula flower extract, vitamin E, and Rosmarinus leaf extract, along with the lavender. A 6-ounce bottle costs $10.99.
7. Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil
Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil/Amazon.com
This Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil is the perfect carrier oil to have on hand for almost anything! It’s 100 percent USDA organic certified with zero added fragrances or preservatives. Along with being a great carrier oil, this fractionated coconut oil is great for massage, skin hydration, hair and nails health, and can even be used as a facial moisturizer. This oil is colorless, mild, and all-natural! A 10-ounce bottle costs $12.95.
Kimmy C says “I use this oil for my scalp psoriasis and for back and foot massage on my husband or myself. It’s a great product and has little things no scent which I needed. It lasts me a long time as a little seems to go a long way. I massage it into my scalp about three nights a week and wash out in the morning and it helps keep my scalp from itching and flaking. Just FYI: I paid for this myself, it wasn’t given to me or paid for so this review is my own. Feel like I have to add this lately because of so many reviews being paid for that make you unsure if you can trust them. You can trust mine since they’re truly my opinion and not bought and paid for, and feel free to ask any questions too. ”
8. Natural Hemp Seed Oil Body Moisturizer with Shea Butter and Ginseng
Natural Hemp Seed Oil Body Moisturizer with Shea Butter and Ginseng/Amazon.com
This Natural Hemp Seed Oil Body Moisturizer with Shea Butter and Ginseng is a wonderful healing agent that not only relieves tension, but also helps soothe inflammation, calm atopic dermatitis, and is rich in skin-loving omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Hempz herbal cream is infused with the healing powers of vitamins A, C, and E, which also provides a protective barrier. This moisturizer is free of harsh chemicals and is naturally scented with flowers and bananas. A 17-fluid ounce bottle costs $6.64.
Raven Ponytail says “This has been my favorite beauty product find. After spending 5 years in Florida playing volleyball on the beach 4 days a week I had sun damage on my forehead even with using sunblock and spf 100. This lotion has done wonders for taking sun damage away. Also, I noticed my skin is softer than silk. I have used Vaseline lotion, and Victoria’s Secret products for years. Hempz is by far the best product for skin care on the market. Original is my favorite with a clean sweet smell, but there are many other fragrances to suit your moods! Not overly greasy and absorbs into skin very easily. I always get compliments that I am glowing after each time I apply this lotion.”
9. Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter
Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter/Amazon.com
This Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter is specifically engineered to target parched skin, providing intense hydration via African shea butter and coconut oil. Plus, this enriching cream also includes soybean oil which delivers vitamin-rich hydration deep into the skin. A vegan wax also helps to seal the moisturizer in the skin for long-lasting suppleness throughout the day. A 6.7-ounce bottle costs $9.99.
Kayrun 1 says “I love Bliss body care products. I was once in management with Bath & Body Works—-and the Bliss products were sold at various BBW locations. The Bliss line was always my favorite. The fresh & clean scents—plus the products are more moisturizing to the skin–I think :0 I always felt like this line was a bit upscaled from the regular BBW products. Thank you Bliss!!”
10. Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Blend
Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Blend/Amazon.com
This Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Blend is not only light and grease-free, but incredibly moisturizing, healing, and tension relieving. This unique blend includes four natural raw ingredients including extra virgin olive, sweet almond, grapeseed, vitamin E, and lavender essential oil. this product is organic, unrefined, cold-pressed, non-GMO, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and paraben-free. A 4-ounce bottle costs $14.99.
Daniel Thomas Fields says “I’m not the type of person to buy this kind of product, but by the persuasion of my girlfriend, I was talked into it. I’m also not the type of person to write reviews about products. However, this product is the real deal. Two days after receiving my shipment, I immediately ordered two more bottles. I don’t even have a need for two more bottles. I just went into panic mode thinking end-of-the-world scenarios and tried to envision myself without this oil. I couldn’t imagine it. So here I am, writing this review with my silky smooth face, waiting for the end of the world, where I’ll obviously be the most prepared human…in terms of facial oil preparedness.”
We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!
For more Vegan Food, Health, Recipe, Animal, and Life content published daily, don’t forget to subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter!
Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please support us!
Advertisement
Yet, what is stress and is this chemical reaction actually affecting our bodies?
Advertisement
First off, stress is instigated within the human body by hormones, which also happen to be the “same ones that trigger our body’s ‘flight or fight’ response.” So, what happens? When these stress hormones kick into gear “your heart races, your breath quickens, and your muscles ready for action.” Humans absolutely need stress in order to deal with serious and emergent situations. The problem arises when your “stress response keeps firing, day after day.” This chronic stress can actually “put your health at risk.”
Taking a look at the effect of chronic stress upon the body, you’ll find negative reactions from head to toe including intense tension headaches, increased risk of depression, heartburn, insomnia, a weakened immune system, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, higher risk of heart attack, tense and painful muscles, and digestive upset, to name just a few.
So, it’s incredibly important to find alternative routes to help your body release the tension that it builds up from the stressors of your everyday life. This can include everything from diet to exercise to tension relief home practices.
Integrating massage with tension relief products at home is a great way to not only take a minute for yourself but also release pent up tension on a daily basis. Here are a few wonderful tension-relieving creams, lotions, and oils to try out!
Advertisement
1. Sacred Earth Botanicals Vegan Massage Lotion
Sacred Earth Botanicals Vegan Massage Lotion/Amazon.com
This Sacred Earth Botanicals Vegan Massage Lotion is not only certified vegan and cruelty-free, but it also sources organically grown ingredients free of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs. Plus, Sacred Earth Botanicals has removed all fragrances, nut oils, and gluten to make this product as allergen-friendly as possible. Non-greasy formula and easily comes out of sheets, meaning stain-free! An 8-ounce bottle costs $14.50.
Advertisement
Brian Smith says “I tried a few top-rated lotions and prefer this one. The feel, absorption, and friction are better than alternatives I tried. Unlike some other unscented lotions, this lotion truly is free of any scent.”
2. Majestic Pure Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil
Majestic Pure Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil/Amazon.com
Advertisement
This Majestic Pure Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil is designed specifically for those tension-riddled muscles. This is especially great for those sitting at desks or standing all day! This blend of essential oils is 100 percent natural, designed to melt away tension, while also leaving skin nourished and hydrated. This product is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. An 8-fluid ounce bottle costs $14.98.
El B says “I have used this product on my knees and Rt shoulder, including Rt elbow. I used this at night and woke up and moved without pain. There was very good absorption and the fragrance is pleasant. I will be purchasing more because another has used it, after gym workouts, and is in agreement that this is a great product. Thank you!”
3. Corganics Relief Pain Cream
Corganics Relief Pain Cream/Amazon.com
This Corganics Relief Pain Cream has actually been referred to as “The Miracle Cream” due to its wide versatility and superior effectiveness. This unique blend is made with essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, sweet orange, and menthol. Plus, this pain cream also comes loaded with skin-loving ingredients such as L-Arginine, MSM, Vitamin E, and Aloe Verga. This cream is 100 percent vegan, cruelty-free, and contains all-natural ingredients. A 16-ounce bottle costs $59.99.
T. Goodman says “I have back problems and this works. It works as cold, not hot.”
4. Healing Massage Therapy Oil
Healing Massage Therapy Oil/Amazon.com
Advertisement
This Healing Massage Therapy Oil is not only vegan-friendly, but it’s also edible! This blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and natural flavoring is free of chemical parabens and uses therapeutic carrier oils and antioxidant-rich ingredients for healing, anti-aging, anti-cellulite, and skin-softening effects. Plus, this massage oil also targets sensitive skin and sore painful muscles and joints. This oil is also vegan-friendly! An 8-ounce bottle costs $9.95.
InMyOpinion says “I really like the product because the taste is smooth, light and does not leave an after taste like other edible massage products. I have year-round allergies. So I was glad that the scent of the product did not cause me to sneeze or cough. Also, it didn’t leave a sticky feel while using. I will buy it again.”
5. The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt
The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt/Amazon.com
This The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt is exactly as implied, a deep, lovely yogurt-like cream meant to melt away the stresses of the day. This body yogurt is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and 100 percent vegan. The Body Shop has taken this product to the next level with mango juice and Community Trade organic almond milk from Spain. It not only relieves tension but moisturizes for up to 40 hours. A 6.98-fluid ounce jar costs $15.00.
Alecia says “This mango lotion smells amazing but even better, it makes my skin SO soft. I was genuinely surprised by the quality of this product.”
6. Bare Ethics Vegan Lavender Fields Massage and Body Oil
Bare Ethics Vegan Lavender Fields Massage and Body Oil/Amazon.com
Lavender is one of the best natural aids to relieve tension and relax. This Bare Ethics Vegan Lavender Fields Massage and Body Oil is the perfect mixture of luxurious oil and lavender scent. This body oil uses 100 percent pure essential oils, is vegan-friendly, Leaping Bunny Certified, and PETA Certified. Bare Ethics uses a blend of coconut oil, seasame seed oil, hemp seed oil, argon kernel oil, sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, calendula flower extract, vitamin E, and Rosmarinus leaf extract, along with the lavender. A 6-ounce bottle costs $10.99.
7. Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil
Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil/Amazon.com
This Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil is the perfect carrier oil to have on hand for almost anything! It’s 100 percent USDA organic certified with zero added fragrances or preservatives. Along with being a great carrier oil, this fractionated coconut oil is great for massage, skin hydration, hair and nails health, and can even be used as a facial moisturizer. This oil is colorless, mild, and all-natural! A 10-ounce bottle costs $12.95.
Kimmy C says “I use this oil for my scalp psoriasis and for back and foot massage on my husband or myself. It’s a great product and has little things no scent which I needed. It lasts me a long time as a little seems to go a long way. I massage it into my scalp about three nights a week and wash out in the morning and it helps keep my scalp from itching and flaking. Just FYI: I paid for this myself, it wasn’t given to me or paid for so this review is my own. Feel like I have to add this lately because of so many reviews being paid for that make you unsure if you can trust them. You can trust mine since they’re truly my opinion and not bought and paid for, and feel free to ask any questions too. ”
8. Natural Hemp Seed Oil Body Moisturizer with Shea Butter and Ginseng
Natural Hemp Seed Oil Body Moisturizer with Shea Butter and Ginseng/Amazon.com
This Natural Hemp Seed Oil Body Moisturizer with Shea Butter and Ginseng is a wonderful healing agent that not only relieves tension, but also helps soothe inflammation, calm atopic dermatitis, and is rich in skin-loving omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Hempz herbal cream is infused with the healing powers of vitamins A, C, and E, which also provides a protective barrier. This moisturizer is free of harsh chemicals and is naturally scented with flowers and bananas. A 17-fluid ounce bottle costs $6.64.
Raven Ponytail says “This has been my favorite beauty product find. After spending 5 years in Florida playing volleyball on the beach 4 days a week I had sun damage on my forehead even with using sunblock and spf 100. This lotion has done wonders for taking sun damage away. Also, I noticed my skin is softer than silk. I have used Vaseline lotion, and Victoria’s Secret products for years. Hempz is by far the best product for skin care on the market. Original is my favorite with a clean sweet smell, but there are many other fragrances to suit your moods! Not overly greasy and absorbs into skin very easily. I always get compliments that I am glowing after each time I apply this lotion.”
9. Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter
Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter/Amazon.com
This Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter is specifically engineered to target parched skin, providing intense hydration via African shea butter and coconut oil. Plus, this enriching cream also includes soybean oil which delivers vitamin-rich hydration deep into the skin. A vegan wax also helps to seal the moisturizer in the skin for long-lasting suppleness throughout the day. A 6.7-ounce bottle costs $9.99.
Kayrun 1 says “I love Bliss body care products. I was once in management with Bath & Body Works—-and the Bliss products were sold at various BBW locations. The Bliss line was always my favorite. The fresh & clean scents—plus the products are more moisturizing to the skin–I think :0 I always felt like this line was a bit upscaled from the regular BBW products. Thank you Bliss!!”
10. Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Blend
Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Blend/Amazon.com
This Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Blend is not only light and grease-free, but incredibly moisturizing, healing, and tension relieving. This unique blend includes four natural raw ingredients including extra virgin olive, sweet almond, grapeseed, vitamin E, and lavender essential oil. this product is organic, unrefined, cold-pressed, non-GMO, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and paraben-free. A 4-ounce bottle costs $14.99.
Daniel Thomas Fields says “I’m not the type of person to buy this kind of product, but by the persuasion of my girlfriend, I was talked into it. I’m also not the type of person to write reviews about products. However, this product is the real deal. Two days after receiving my shipment, I immediately ordered two more bottles. I don’t even have a need for two more bottles. I just went into panic mode thinking end-of-the-world scenarios and tried to envision myself without this oil. I couldn’t imagine it. So here I am, writing this review with my silky smooth face, waiting for the end of the world, where I’ll obviously be the most prepared human…in terms of facial oil preparedness.”
We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!
For more Vegan Food, Health, Recipe, Animal, and Life content published daily, don’t forget to subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter!
Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please support us!
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