Herbal Liniments
Liniments are for external use only and are made in the same manner as tinctures. Witch hazel and rubbing alcohol are used as the extracting agents for liniments.
Chop or grind herbs and place them in a clean, dry mason or other glass jar. The root tends to swell when the witch hazel or rubbing alcohol is absorbed, so don’t fill your jar over half full. Fill the jar to around 3/4 full when using leaves and flowers.
Pour the witch hazel or rubbing alcohol over the herbs. The herbs need to be completely submerged, so pour in enough liquid in so it covers them by 2 to 3 inches. Cover with a tight fitting lid.
Place the jar in a warm location where you will be reminded to shake it every day or two. This keeps the herb from settling on the bottom of the jar, and gently shaking the jar gives you a chance to put your own healing energy into your herbal tincture. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs from the liquid using cheesecloth and a strainer.
Liniments are used for sprains, sore muscles and arthritis pain. Liniments can be made with either gentle warming herbs or with cooling herbs, depending upon their desired purpose. Make sure you label your liniments with the herb name, date completed and “For External Use Only.”
