Liniment

A liniment is a preparation designed for external application to the skin with a gentle friction of the hand. It is usually thicker than water, but thinner than an ointment. It is always applied as a liquid at the temperature of the body.

Camphorated Oil This makes a wonderful liniment and can be obtained from drugstores. To make your own liniment of camphor, use camphor USP.

1 ounce camphor USP
4 fluid ounces olive oil

Dissolve the camphor in the oil. This is an excellent aid for pain relief, sprains, bruises, rheumatic or gouty problems of the joints, and other local pains or glandular swellings. Check for skin sensitivity to camphor before full use of this liniment, however.

Vinegar Rub for Rheumatism

I teaspoon oil of wintergreen
1 pint apple cider vinegar

This wintergreen vinegar is useful on inflamed rheumatic joints, stiff swollen joints, swellings, and sprains.

Soak a folded cloth in this preparation, wring out, apply to the throat, and cover with a larger, dry wool cloth or large sock. Pin it so that no air invades the area. The wintergreen will bring blood to the surface of the skin. The apple cider vinegar eases the pain and helps to release some toxins. First check for skin sensitivity to oil of wintergreen.

Pine Cayenne Powder Vinegar Liniment

I pint apple cider vinegar
6 drops oil of pine
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix together the vinegar, oil, and cayenne powder. This can be used at body temperature, or heated and applied directly to the body, or on cloths. It is useful for strains, sprains, swollen joints, and arthritic pain. First check for skin sensitivity before using this liniment.