If you dropped by my place and peeked into my pantry, you’d see the usual food staples but also several baskets filled with homemade herbal remedies. Among these are jars, tinctures in dropper bottles, and tins of salves that we use for a range of ailments.
One staple in my home remedy collection is an herbal liniment that works wonders for sore muscles and other pains (but only on unbroken skin!). A liniment is a topical remedy, either oil-based or liquid, used to relieve pain, stiffness, and sore muscles. Though some are oil-based, I prefer making mine with an alcohol and witch hazel base infused with herbs. These bases are very effective because alcohol is quickly absorbed by the skin, bringing the beneficial properties of the herbs along with it.
You can make liniments either “warm” or “cool” depending on the herbs used. Combining cooling herbs like peppermint and menthol with warming ones like cayenne and ginger creates an alternating effect that I find really effective. Additionally, I like to include herbs such as arnica, comfrey, and yarrow, which help accelerate healing.
Liniments have been used for ages, both on people and horses. They’re considered somewhat of an “old-time” remedy but remain very effective, and they’re my go-to solution for easing muscle pain and soreness.
I wish I had known about this remedy when I first met my husband over a decade ago. We met during a walk across America one summer with a group of college students, each walking about 15 miles a day. I thought I was prepared by running a couple of miles daily and buying new running shoes, but those choices backfired.
First, new shoes plus 15 miles a day led to tons of blisters. Second, jogging uses different muscles than walking, and I felt that mistake in the first week. I was so sore during the initial days that I was doubtful I could continue.
I really could have used this homemade herbal liniment back then, as the drugstore kind we had wasn’t much help for my sore muscles. It took a full week for my body to adjust, and the soreness to subside. Since creating this herbal liniment a few years ago, I’ve used it many times, and it’s the most effective topical remedy I’ve found for muscle soreness. The beauty of making your own is the ability to customize the strength and scent to your liking.
Here’s a tip: Alternating between this liniment and spray magnesium oil can further speed up recovery.
While I prefer an alcohol or witch hazel-based liniment because they’re more effective, they take several weeks to prepare properly. If you’re short on time or don’t want to order dried herbs, there’s a quick way to make an almost as effective oil-based liniment. This was reviewed by Dr. Lauren Jefferis, who is board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, but remember, it’s not personal medical advice. Always consult with your doctor.
Have you ever tried using an herbal liniment? How did it work for you?
