How to Make a Liniment

A liniment is thinner in consistency than an oinment and is to be used topically on the skin (externally) and are usually alcohol based.

Liniments are good for minor aches and pains for things like sprains, strains and cramps in muscles. While you can use any herb you feel will be beneficial for healing or relieving pain, this is the recipe I usually use.

16 ounces of isopropyl rubbing alcohol (We prefer wintergreen.)
1 1/2 ounces of Eucalyptus powder
1/4 ounce Cayenne Pepper (aka capsicum) powder
1/2-1 1/2 ounce Lobelia powder depending on pain level
Clean quart jar
Cheesecloth

Add ingredients in jar. Shake and place in dark place. Shake daily for one week. You can now strain, squeeze out all you can from the herb in the cheesecloth, LABEL and use. You will want to strain this fairly well to remove gritty texture. I recommend keeping it in the glass jar and storing in dark place. When I have stored it in the plastic bottle, it did not hold it's potency for very long.

USE EXTERNALLY ONLY.

This will slightly stain skin brown for a day or so.

Do a patch test on skin to determine sensitivity. It should not itch or blister, but should feel warm and penetrating.

Rub liniment into affected area. We tend to apply this in layers in our home. One application is not enough, but each additional application brings more heat and penetration. NOTE: Some people may be sensitive, so use with caution.

You can add more cayenne if you wanted it hotter. Do not use on mucous membranes. Hard working men love this liniment and will appreciate the massage you give them to work the medicine into their muscles.

An interesting side note on this liniment is that when we have showered the next a.m., the warming sensation has been reawakened. We found this very pleasant and very welcome to sore muscles!

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