Of all the commercially available herbal remedies today, liniments are, without a doubt, the most popular. You are most probably familiar with them by their popular brand names – Absorbine Jr., White Flower, Dit Da Jow, Ben Gay, and the likes – but they all serve one purpose: to soothe all kinds of pains and stiffness in the body.
Liniments got their name from the Latin word “linere,” which mean “to anoint.” This is quite appropriate, given the fact that most cultures accomplish the process of anointment by pouring oil on the subject. Liniments often come in the form of balms that are made of a quickly evaporating solution like acetone or alcohol and benzoin resin (or as an alternative, methyl salicitate). It’s no wonder that liniments are herbal remedies that produce a different kind of scent and sensation.
These herbal remedies are available in a variety of forms. Most liniments can be bought as creams or gels. Some can be purchases as oil. Others are packaged as ointments. And a few are even available in powder form and require the application of water.
Liniments are used by applying the product – regardless of whatever form it takes – on the aching or stiff portion of the body and rubbing the same. The friction stimulates the pores of the skin so that they’d quickly absorb the particles of the liniments used. This way, the soothing effects of the medication will take effect faster and more efficiently.
Liniments are herbal remedies that are best suited for the following:
* Injuries or to or strains on the joints;
* Injuries to or strains on the muscles;
* Arthritis;
* Headache, but application is limited on temples and scalp;
* Toothache, but application is limited on exterior area;
* Stiff neck; and
* Back pains.
Given the practical functions of these herbal remedies, most households are advised to stock up on liniments. The ailments and injuries that these herbal remedies manage to alleviate are quite common, and having a jar or bottle of these liniments is sure to serve an essential purpose at some point.
In any event, liniments should not be applied on the eyes or on open wounds. Liniments are meant only for the external portions of the body. They have a very strong scent that can immediately impair one’s vision if the balm would be proximate enough to the eyes. They are highly toxic and should never be ingested.