With a long history of use around the world for relieving bruises, stiff muscles and joints, and even arthritis, liniments have earned their reputation for the simple reason that they are effective. They are among the simplest of home remedies to make. Liniments are basically the same as tinctures, with a very important distinction: Liniments are for external use only. Tinctures may be used both internally and externally. While most liniments have rubbing alcohol as the base, they can also be made with vodka, witch hazel, or vinegar.
To begin, gather your supplies.
- Rubbing alcohol (70%, not 91%)
- Herb(s)
- Glass jar with a lid
Prepare the herbs by roughly chopping fresh plant matter or crushing dried herbs. The ratio is 1:2 for fresh and 1:5 for dried, weight (plant) to volume (liquid).
To make the liniment:
- Place the prepared herbs in the jar and add rubbing alcohol.
- The herbs must be completely submerged. Add more alcohol to cover, if necessary.
- Macerate (soak) for 4-8 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain to remove herbs. Discard the herbs.
- Pour liniment into a clean glass jar.
- Label jar with the following:
o Date
o Herb content
o Base liquid
o Usage
o Caution “For External Use Only”
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Those are the basic guidelines. However, because we are all different, sometimes other options are needed.
If you wish to avoid using rubbing alcohol, vodka may also be used.
If the liniment will be used on children, it should be made with witch hazel or vinegar. Keep in mind that the shelf life will be much shorter, especially with vinegar. Rubbing alcohol shouldn’t be used on young children due to the risk of intoxication.
If you do not have the actual herbs, essential oils may be used in place of the herbs. Liniments prepared with essential oils have the added benefit of being able to use them immediately.
Links to related posts:
Rubbing Alcohol—What You Want and How to Use It
I grow herbs as part of a large pollinator garden. It ends up being more about the flowers than what I put away. Every fall I run out of energy to do anything with the herbs. This sounds very do-able. 2021 is the year I give it a try☺.
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