One of the best rubs I know is camphorated oil. Because it is no longer sold commercially, it may be necessary to make your own. You can purchase some small, 1 ounce camphor blocks from your local druggist. If it is not in stock, ask your druggist to order it for you, or to please stock it for you. Most druggists are very pleasant and helpful if you tell them why you need a certain product.

The camphorated oil is cheap to make and very handy to have around. It makes a good chest rub for chest colds as well being good for arthritic conditions. Shave the block of camphor in an earthenware or glass bowl, and add 1 ounce of menthol crystals. This too can be purchased at your local drug store. When you add the menthol crystals, the menthol and camphor will melt into a liquid. Add the resulting liquid to 1 pint of heavy mineral oil, or if not available, add to 1 pint of olive oil. Shake well and it is ready to use. This really works well to treat arthritis and rheumatism, as well as for strained or pulled muscles. I use it for chest congestion during colds to ease breathing.

Caution: Do not Drink this Liquid it is for external use only. Rub on the affected areas for treatment of arthritis. If used to treat a chest ailment, rub on and cover the area with several thicknesses of flannel to hold in the heat.

Herbal BeautyLiniment for Colds and Chest Tightness: Add 1 cup of finely chopped garlic to 1 cup of boiling lard. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 2 hours. Remove from heat and strain the garlic from the oil. Place in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Liniment for Sprains and Sore Joints: Mix 2 tablespoons of freshly grated horseradish with 1 cup of vegetable oil. Bring to a boil and lower heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain andstore in labeled bottles.

Liniment for Sprains and Sore Joints: Mix together 1 cup of turpentine and 2 cups of vegetable oil. Use as a massage oil.

Liniment for Sore Muscles: Mix together 1 /4 cup each of olive oil and spirits of camphor. Use to massage sore muscles.

Pulled Ligament: Place a large onion in the blender and blend until completely pulverized. Add 1 cup of olive oil and blend until smooth. Spread on a clean cloth and use as a poultice for pulled muscles. Cover to keep warm. This is good to keep on hand if you have kids who play football.

Arthritis Liniment: Put 1 cup each of melted paraffin and grated horseradish in the blender. Blend until liquefied. Rub the affected joint with the mixture and wrap loosely with a flannel cloth. Leave on overnight. Rinse off the next morning. Repeat until swelling is gone. The horseradish liniment should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature.

Skin Ointment: Use this for a multitude of skin disorders. Mix 2 cups of olive or vegetable oil with 2 cups of calendula petals and leaves. Place pan in an oven at low heat (about 150 degrees) and heat for several hours. Strain well and add 1/4 teaspoon of tincture of benzoin. Pour into a sterile bottle.

Rheumatic Pain Ointment: Place 1/2 cup of rosemary leaves and 1/2 teaspoon oil of cloves in 1 cup of vegetable oil. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Strain well and bottle. Make a poultice and use as often as necessary for rheumatic pain.

ArthritisLiniment: Rub this liniment in every morning if needed. Can be left on the skin until the next day. Mix 1/2 cup each of salt and dry mustard. Add enough melted paraffin to make a paste. Rub on the affected area. Helps to relieve swelling and pain.

Arthritis Treatment: Mix together 1/2 cup each of apple cider vinegar, turpentine, and either olive or vegetable oil. Rub on the affected joints each night before bed.

Wormwood Liniment: To 1 gallon of white vinegar, add 4 ounces wormwood herb and seed. Let sit for 2 weeks. Strain, bottle and label. When the time comes to use this remedy, beat 4 egg whites. Slowly add 1 quart of the wormwood mixture and 4 ounces of pure turpentine. Keep tightly capped. Shake well before using. Saturate bandages and wrap around the legs when needed. This is good to use for arthritis and stiffness.

This recipe came from Ella Birzneck, who was President of Dominion Herbal College until her death in 1989. Originally, the liniment was used for horses to treat rheumatism, stiff joints, and swollen legs for horses. A friend of Mrs. Birzneck’s used it on his horse and it worked so well that he tried it on his own knees. It worked. I’m sorry I did not get to meet Mrs. Birzneck before her death. She sounded like a very interesting lady.

Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Stiff Joints: Mix together 2 ounces mullein herb, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/2 ounce lobelia. Add to 2 quarts of cider vinegar. Simmer for 30 minutes. Strain. To use, reheat and dip cloth into mixture and use as a compress over the affected areas.

Liniment for Aching Body: Add 2 ounces of powdered goldenseal to 1 quart of rubbing alcohol. Let sit for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Use as a massage for aching muscles.

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