How to Make Herbal Liniments
Learn to make herbal liniments—liquid extracts rubbed on skin for sore muscles and aches—right in your kitchen using simple mason jars and everyday ingredients like vodka or apple cider vinegar. This neighbor-to-neighbor guide shows you exactly how to create these traditional topical remedies, saving money while caring for your family naturally.
How to Make Herbal Liniments
A practical guide for creating topical herbal extracts in your home kitchen
What Is a Liniment?
A liniment is a liquid herbal extract specifically made for external use on the skin, typically rubbed or massaged into sore muscles, stiff joints, bruises, or areas of minor pain and inflammation. Unlike tinctures which are taken internally, liniments use alcohol, vinegar, or oil as a base to extract the medicinal properties of herbs, creating a preparation that penetrates quickly through the skin to deliver relief where it’s needed most—think of them as your homemade version of commercial muscle rubs, but made with simple kitchen ingredients and healing herbs from your garden.
What You’ll Need
Basic Equipment (already in your kitchen)
- Glass jars with tight-fitting lids ad (pint or half-pint mason jars work perfectly)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth ad
- Measuring cups ad
- Labels and marker ad
- Dark glass bottles ad for storage (or repurpose clean vitamin bottles)
- Funnel ad (helpful but not essential)
Optional Equipment (makes life easier)
- Small kitchen scale ad for precise measurements
- Mortar and pestle ad for crushing tougher herbs
- Amber spray bottles ad for easy application
Ingredients
- Herbs of choice (see recipe section for specific combinations)
- For alcohol liniment: 80–100 proof vodka or rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl)
- For vinegar liniment: Apple cider vinegar (raw with “mother” preferred)
The Two Methods: Alcohol vs. Vinegar
Both methods work well, but each has distinct advantages:
Alcohol-Based Liniments
- Extract herbs more completely
- Dry quickly on skin (cooling effect)
- Last 2+ years when stored properly
- Best for: acute injuries, deep muscle aches
Vinegar-Based Liniments
- Gentler on sensitive skin
- Less drying
- Shelf life of 6–12 months
- Best for: daily use, children, skin conditions
Basic Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Herbs
Using Dried Herbs (recommended for beginners)
- Fill your jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herbs (see our guide to drying herbs)
- Crumble leaves lightly to expose more surface area
Using Fresh Herbs
- Chop or bruise fresh herbs first
- Fill jar 2/3 full (they’re bulkier than dried)
- Let wilt for 12–24 hours before adding liquid to reduce moisture content
- Note: Fresh herbs in oil-based preparations risk spoilage - stick to alcohol or vinegar
Step 2: Add Your Solvent
Pour your chosen liquid (alcohol or vinegar) over the herbs until they’re covered by 1–2 inches. The herbs will absorb some liquid and may float initially - that’s normal.
Important: If using vinegar with a metal lid, place parchment paper or plastic wrap between jar and lid to prevent corrosion.
Step 3: Infuse
- Cap tightly and shake well
- Label with contents and date (trust me, you’ll forget otherwise)
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Shake daily - this is your meditation moment
- Infusion time:
- Alcohol: 2–4 weeks minimum
- Vinegar: 2–3 weeks (watch for “mother” forming if using raw vinegar with fresh herbs)
Step 4: Strain and Bottle
- Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place over a bowl
- Pour your liniment through, pressing herbs to extract every drop
- Compost the spent herbs
- Transfer to dark glass bottles using a funnel
- Label clearly: “EXTERNAL USE ONLY - [Name] Liniment - [Date]”
Storage and Shelf Life
| Type | Storage | Shelf Life | Signs It’s Time to Toss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol-based | Cool, dark cupboard | 2+ years | Significant color change, strange smell |
| Vinegar-based | Cool, dark cupboard | 6–12 months | Mold, cloudiness, off smell |
Pro tip: Make small batches (8 oz) that you’ll use within the season. Fresh is always better.
How to Use Your Liniment
- Shake bottle before each use
- Apply to unbroken skin only
- Can be rubbed in, applied with cotton ball, or sprayed (vinegar works great in spray bottles)
- Use 2–3 times daily for acute issues
- Wash hands after application, especially with warming herbs like cayenne
Never apply to:
- Open wounds or broken skin
- Eyes or mucous membranes
- Before using heat packs (can intensify warming herbs dangerously)
Three Starter Recipes
1. Sore Muscle Liniment (Alcohol-Based)
For everyday aches and post-garden stiffness
- 2 tablespoons dried arnica flowers
- 2 tablespoons dried comfrey leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, chopped
- 80-proof vodka to cover
Best for rubbing into sore muscles after a long day.
2. Cooling Comfort Liniment (Vinegar-Based)
For minor skin irritations and cooling relief
- 3 tablespoons dried peppermint
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
- 1 tablespoon dried plantain leaf
- Apple cider vinegar to cover
Perfect as a cooling spray for hot days or minor skin complaints.
3. Warming Joint Liniment (Alcohol-Based)
For stiff joints and poor circulation
- 2 tablespoons dried cayenne pepper (handle with care!)
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried ginger
- Rubbing alcohol or high-proof vodka to cover
Apply sparingly - a little goes a long way. Always wear gloves when straining.
Safety Notes
- Label everything clearly - no one should mistake your cayenne liniment for a beverage
- Patch test first - apply a small amount to inner arm and wait 24 hours
- External use only - these are not tinctures for internal use
- Keep away from children and pets
- If you’re pregnant or nursing, check with your healthcare provider before using
- Some herbs can cause photosensitivity - avoid sun exposure after applying citrus or St. John’s Wort liniments
Troubleshooting
“My herbs are floating above the liquid” Add more solvent or use a clean weight (like a smaller jar) to keep them submerged.
“There’s fuzzy stuff growing on top” That’s mold - toss the batch. Next time, ensure herbs stay fully submerged.
“My vinegar liniment formed a weird blob” That’s a SCOBY (mother culture) forming. Strain it out - the liniment is still usable if it smells normal.
“My alcohol liniment evaporated” Your lid wasn’t tight enough. Top off with more alcohol if needed.
When to Make Which Type
Make several alcohol liniments in fall for winter’s aches and pains. They keep well and work fast when you need them.
Make fresh vinegar liniments each season using what’s growing. They’re gentler for regular use and kids tolerate them better.
Remember: liniments are your first line of defense for external aches and pains, but they don’t replace medical care for serious injuries.