Liniment Recipe

An herbal liniment is a medicinal preparation that is externally rubbed onto the skin to soothe a variety of ailments. Liniments are regarded as a must-have item for the herbal or natural medicine chest, and can be used in numerous situations. They are best known for their ability to disinfect, warm, dry, heal, soothe and discourage irritation of the skin.

Ingredients

• Powdered goldenseal root, powdered myrrh, and powdered cayenne pepper are required to make an herbal liniment. These herbs can be purchased at local natural health stores, or ordered online. Goldenseal is endangered and can be difficult to find. If it proves impossible to find, exclude it from the recipe. Rubbing alcohol, a one-pint canning jar and a dark-colored glass bottle for storage are also necessary. Optional equipment to make the job easier includes a small funnel and piece of cheesecloth or coffee filter.

Preparation

• Combine one ounce of powdered goldenseal root, two ounces powdered myrrh, and ½ ounce powdered cayenne pepper. Transfer the mixture to a one-pint canning jar and fill to the top with rubbing alcohol. Secure the lid and shake well to combine all ingredients. Place in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and allow the liniment mixture to stand for one week. Shake the jar well once every day, except the last day.

  On the seventh day, decant the liniment into a dark-colored glass bottle. Decanting is the process of pouring off liquid so as not to disturb the sediment in the bottom. Do not shake the bottle prior to decanting, or you'll have to wait until the herbs settle at the bottom again. Instead, place a funnel in the top of the glass storage bottle to reduce spills. Place a small piece of cheesecloth or a coffee filter into the funnel opening. Gently pour the liquid into the funnel, and if any sediment makes its way to the top, the filter will catch it.

  Label the bottle with contents, and make a note that it is not for internal use. You may even wish to draw a picture of skull and crossbones on the label, to discourage consumption. Herbal liniments made with rubbing alcohol are for external use only. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place where it will keep indefinitely.

Use

• According to Jethro Kloss, a renowned American herbalist, this herbal liniment can be used for all types of external pains, including bruises, swelling, boils and even blemishes. Apply generously to the affected area every one to two hours as needed with a clean cloth. Do not get the mixture into the eyes or the sensitive area around the eyes.

  Kloss also recommends the liniment for treating headaches by applying to the temples, forehead and back of the neck. To treat toothache pain while waiting to see a dentist, use a cotton swab to apply the liquid to the affected tooth, cavity and gums. Reapply as necessary every few hours.

  To treat canker sores or other open sores inside the mouth, use the liniment as a mouthwash. Rinse the mouth for at least 30 seconds, spit out the liquid, and then rinse the mouth with fresh water. Be very careful not to swallow. Repeat several times per day, as necessary. Finally, use the liniment to treat athlete's foot by saturating the affected area of the feet three to four times daily and allowing it to dry completely before putting on socks or shoes.