Herbal Lesson 15

Herbal Liniments
Daniel Blankley - Thursday, December 14, 2017

SO FAR YOU HAVE LEARNED to make Infusions in Oil, Alcohol and Vinegar.

In this lesson we will learn ANOTHER WAY to Topically Apply these remedies to the Skin to soothe underlying tissues with aching muscles and joints.

This kind of Application is called A LINIMENT.

Liniments are common and have been around for thousands of years and were applied to Gladiators in Rome after practice or after fighting in the Colosseum (if they were the fortunate survivor). A Liniment (or embrocation), from the Latin linere, to anoint, is a medicated topical preparation for application to the skin. Those which were prepared in an oil base were sometimes called balms or heat rubs, liniments are of a similar or lesser viscosity than lotions and are generally massaged or rubbed in to create friction.

Liniments are typically sold to relieve pain and stiffness, such as from sore muscular aches and strains, or arthritis. These are typically formulated from alcohol, acetone, or similar quickly evaporating solvents and contain counterirritant aromatic chemical compounds such as methyl salicilate, benzoin resin, menthol, or capsaicin. They produce a feeling of warmth within the muscle of the area they are applied to, typically acting as rubefacients via a counterirritant effect. WOW.. THAT’S A MOUTHFUL !

The Most Common Modern Liniment still sold is ABSORBINE JUNIOR

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Comfrey Root 4oz

Valerian Root 4oz

Calendula Flowers 4oz

Cayenne Powder 4oz

Cinnimon Powder 2oz

Wide Mouth Pint Canning Jar with lid

Strainer

Coffee Filter

Cheesecloth

Vodka 40% or 80 Proof.. in a pinch you can use 90% Rubbing Alcohol, But I DON'T in case it is ever taken internally Some old time Liniments (like Sloane’s Liniment) were made for internal or external use.

YOU MAY HAVE SOME OF THESE Left over from a previous Lesson, I have arranged the lessons in this way for convenience and saving.

HERE IS THE HANDS-ON VIDEO



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