Table of contents[Hide][Show]
If you were to visit my homeThe following are some examples of how to get started: glance inside my pantry, you’d find the normal food stapes, but also several baskets and bins of assorted homemade herbal remedies in jars, tinctures in dropper bottles and Salves in tins that we use for various ailments.
This herbal liniment, which is used to soothe sore muscles as well as other aches and discomforts (on skin that has not been broken), is a staple in my home pharmacy.).
What is Liniment?
Liniment is an oil-based or liquid topical remedy that relieves pain, stiffness, and sore muscle.
Most liniments contain oil, but I prefer a homemade liniment that contains witch hazel and alcohol with herbs. The alcohol or witch hazel base liniments work well because they are quickly absorbed into the skin and carry the herbs’ beneficial properties.
Liniments can be made “warm” or “cool” by using different herbs. I prefer to create an alternating effect by mixing cooling herbs (peppermint, menthol and ginger) with warming herbs (cayenne). To speed up healing, I like to use herbs like arnica and yarrow that speed up recovery in different ways.
Liniments were used for centuries on humans and horses. In a sense, they are considered an “old-time” remedy, but they are still very effective and my go-to for muscle pain and soreness.
Why use a Liniment
I wish I’d had this remedy over a decade ago when I met my husband… We met on a walk across America one summer. We were with a group of college students and as a group we walked over 60+ miles a day, averaging about 15 miles per day individually. I’d “prepared” for the walk by running or jogging a couple of miles a day and buying new running shoes. Both big mistakes.
Mistake #1 – New shoes plus 15 miles per day = blisters. There are a lot of blisters.
Mistake #2- Jogging uses completely different movement than walking and I felt my mistake for most of the first week of walking. In fact, the first couple of days, I was so sore, I didn’t know how I’d keep walking.
How I wish I’d had this homemade herbal liniment those first few weeks. The drug-store liniment we had didn’t do much for my sore muscles and it took a full week before my body got used to the walking so I wasn’t sore each day.
I’ve used this herbal liniment many times since I first made it several years ago, and it is by far the most effective topical remedy I’ve found for sore muscles. DIY liniments are great because you can adjust the strength and smell to suit your needs.
TIP: I’ve also found that alternating this with Spray Magnesium Oil helps speed recovery even more.
Herbal Liniment Recipe
This simple herbal liniment contains witch hazel for an effective sore muscles fighter. Peppermint, menthol and other herbs are included, as well as ginger, cayenne and cayenne.
Instructions
-
Put all the herbs and menthol crystals in a mason jar of a size that is equivalent to.5 pints. If you’re using fresh ginger, add it as well.
-
Add the witchhazel or rubbing alcool and ensure that all herbs are covered.
-
Allow the mixture to sit for at minimum 4 weeks, but 8 is better.
-
For easy application, strain out the herbs. Store the finished liniment into a spray bottle. If you don’t have a spray bottle, store in any glass bottle or jar and use a cotton ball or gauze pad for easy application. Use as required for sore muscles.
Notes
*The reason alcohol is often used is that it penetrates skin and evaporates very quickly. Alcohol is very effective in extracting the beneficial qualities of the herbs that are used to make this liniment. It can also be used as an antibiotic (a liniment with alcohol may be applied on open wounds, depending on the herbs). Witch hazel can be a good alternative for people who don’t like alcohol or find that it is drying.
Easy Oil Based Alternative
I mentioned that I preferred an alcohol/witch hazel based liniment because I’ve found that they are more effective, but they do take several weeks to make correctly. If you don’t have the time, or would prefer not to order dried herbs, there is a simple and quick way to make an oil-based liniment that is almost as effective:
- Add half a cup of carrier oil to a small jar (almond, coconut, olive, etc). Add five drops each of the essential oils listed below (or any combination): Peppermint. RosemaryLavender, Eucalyptus and Ginger.
This article has been reviewed by a medical professional. Dr. Lauren Jefferis, board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. This is not medical advice. We recommend you speak to your doctor, or work with one at SteadyMD.
Have you ever tried a herbal liniment before? How did it work for your?
