What Is Liniment Used For?

Liniment is a type of medicated liquid, or partially liquid, topical treatment that is used to ease pain or stiffness of the muscles. It is supposed to be rubbed over the skin. Liniment is used to treat a variety of ailments, and is often used on horses.

Pain Relief

Liniment is often used for temporary relief of rheumatic aches and pains, as well as soreness, muscle strains and aches that are due to overexertion.

Arthritis

Herbal liniment is used to ease uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis. It is sprayed onto the arthritic joint and then thoroughly rubbed in, or a damp gauze containing the liniment is placed over the affected joint.

Tendinitis

Liniment is also applied to injuries to ligaments, cartilage, tendons and muscles. It can soothe pain, and offer rapid healing. It also helps with herniated disks, overstretched muscles, ankle injuries, knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow.

Bruises

Liniments are extremely rapid ways to treat and eliminate bruises. Liniment should be applied right after a person is bruised. Topical liniment creams are very popular due to their rapid ability to cause bruises to fade.

Horses

Liniment is popular with horse trainers and owners. It can ease a horse's itchiness resulting from heat rash, bug bites and allergies. It can also calm swelling and pain caused by exercise injuries, edema and rheumatism. It is also used to speed up healing of a horse's acute and minor injuries. Liniment is capable of relaxing horse muscles when they are tense or tight, making horses perform better. It is also excellent for lessening inflammation.