How to Make Red Liniment Oil

Red liniment oil soothes aching muscles from martial arts training as well as every day strain.

Red liniment oil, or red tiger balm, is a special type of topical ointment used heavily with martial artists. It relieves sore muscles, stretched muscles and slightly torn muscles. In martial arts, your muscles rip and tear a little bit when you exert or use muscles that you don't normally use. The application of this type of ointment helps speed the healing process by promoting healthy blood flow to the area; the rubbing will help ease aches and pains of tense muscles.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tbsp. finely ground red cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp. finely ground red pepper
• 7 ½ oz. petroleum jelly
• 3 tbsp. vapor rub
• Small saucepan
• 10 oz. glass jar with screw lid
• Wooden spoon
• Small bowl
• Pot holder

Instructions

1. Place the saucepan on the stove and pour in the petroleum jelly. Turn the stove on to a low heat setting. Stir the petroleum jelly with a wooden spoon until it melts completely.

2. Mix together the cayenne pepper and the red pepper in a small bowl.

3. Add 3 tbsp. vapor rub to the pot and stir until well blended.

4. Add the pepper mixture to the petroleum jelly and vapor rub mixture and stir until there is an even consistency in color and texture.

5. Place the glass jar on a pot holder and pour the hot liquid into the glass jar. Allow it to cool completely and solidify before applying the liniment to your skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a clockwise circular massage technique when rubbing the liniment oil into your skin. This will encourage the blood to flow and your muscles to heal quickly.

• Not intended for internal use. Only use externally. If you accidentally ingest this balm, call poison control immediately.

References

• Ken Ponet: General Dit Da Jow Recipes