I used to think that liniments were only for those who survived the Great Depression or horses. When I went to grandma's house as a kid, it would often smell of mentholated rub. She would wax on about her rheumatism and how she had to rub herself with liniment because a storm was on the horizon. At the same time, the only time I would ever see a liniment when shopping in town was horse liniment.
Grandmas had/have amazing wisdom that we shouldn't hesitate to embrace. With the possibilities for crafting a liniment being as diverse as the memories of a grandma's amusing sayings (fixin'ta mow the carpet 😄), they most certainly have a place in our modern home apothecaries.
So what is a liniment, anyway? A liniment is a topical remedy, often using rubbing alcohol as the base, nevertheless, you can also use vodka, witch hazel, or vinegar as your menstruum. Liniments are used topically (never internally) for kneading away muscle soreness and stiffness woes. My preferred homemade liniment uses an infused alcohol (tincture) blended with an infused oil. Liniments are highly effective due to quick skin absorption, carrying in the herbs' analgesic properties, and quick evaporation works to create a topical sense of cooling.
You can create a homemade Icy Hot type liniment that creates a combination of warming and cooling effects; try blending cooling herbs like peppermint or willow bark with warming ones like cayenne or ginger. Additional herbs you may want to consider adding: arnica, St John's wort, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, calendula, comfrey, plantain, and yarrow all of which offer special properties to expedite healing.
Crafting your own liniments is simple yet rewarding art. The simple infusing process allows customization based on desired properties. Experimenting with small batches and varied menstruum types can yield successful blends. Developing liniment-making skills can enhance comfort in various situations.
Basic Herbal Liniment Recipe
Ingredients
~4 Tbsp dried peppermint leaves
~4 Tbsp ground willow bark
~3 Tbsp dried yarrow flowers and leaves
~3 Tbsp dried calendula flowers
~1 Tbsp powdered ginger
~1 tsp powdered cayenne pepper
Menstruum: rubbing alcohol, vodka, witch hazel, vinegar, or a combination of these
Directions
Place herbs in a pint jar, filling the jar 1/2 to 3/4 full. Pour your desired menstruum over the herbs, submerging them completely, leaving a little headroom at the top. Label jar.
Place a lid on the jar, preferably a plastic lid, but if it is a metal lid, place muslin or wax paper between the liquid and lid.
Place in a cool dark place, but a place where you will notice it so that you remember to shake it periodically.
Allow to infuse for two to six weeks, with occasional shaking.
Strain herbs from liquid. You can strain through cheesecloth, coffee filter, muslin, or similar. Squeeze and squish out as much liquid as possible.
If you would like to add essential oils, you can add 25-30 drops of essential oil, such as peppermint or ginger at this time.
Bottle in an amber bottle, label, and store in a cool dark place.
This preparation is for external, topical use only.
*After straining off your infused menstruum, you can either compost the leftover plant material (the marc) or save it for a foot soak.
Herbal Liniment-0il Recipe
Ingredients
~6 Tbsp ground willow bark
~1 Tbsp powdered ginger
~1 tsp powdered cayenne pepper
Menstruum: rubbing alcohol, vodka, witch hazel, vinegar, or a combination of these
~3 Tbsp dried yarrow flowers and leaves
~3 Tbsp dried calendula flowers
Carrier oil: olive oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil
Directions
Place willow bark, ginger, and cayenne pepper in a half-pint jar. Filling the jar 1/2 to 3/4 full with the herbs. Pour alcohol or desired menstruum over the herbs, submerging them completely, leaving a little headroom at the top. Label jar.
Place dried yarrow, and calendula in another half-pint jar, filling the jar about 1/2 way with the dried herbs. Pour oil over the herbs, submerging them completely, leaving a little headroom at the top. Label jar.
Place both jars in a cool dark place, and shake both jars periodically.
Allow to infuse for two to six weeks, with occasional shaking.
Strain herbs from each menstruum, and blend the infused alcohol and infused oil to a pleasant consistency for your preference.
If you would like to add essential oils, you can add 25-30 drops of essential oil, such as peppermint or ginger at this time.
Only use externally on unbroken skin. These products are shelf-stable and have the potential to last several years. If you have sensitive skin, try reducing the herbs by 50%. Remember that you can change the recipe, and make adjustments and herbal substitutions to adapt the liniment to meet your needs.
To use, shake well, pour or spray liberally to the affected area, and massage in. Wash hands after applying. You can repeat the application every few hours, as needed.
May this be a tribute to grandmass practical wisdom and your ticket to topical bliss; a personal masterpiece of healing elements. Rub it in, rub it in!
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