How Does It Work? Liniment

We have all used liniment in various forms on our horses legs and bodies after a long ride, at horse shows or to help reduce swelling in puffy legs. But how does it actually work? Why do we use it?

Liniments are generally liquid products or gels that are rubbed into the skin and contain herbal mixtures that contain a blend of menthol, witch hazel, rosemary, eucalyptus or arnica mixed with various alcohols.

Liniments work by causing a cooling or heating sensation on the affected areas to which the product is applied. Cooling is generally used for recovery after exercise or recent injuries or discomfort, while heating is used to manage existing conditions like reoccurring stiffness.

Liniments are often applied directly to the skin and work by opening pores and promoting blood flow. Increased blood flow allows for faster delivery of nutrients and and thus quicker healing. The vascular and neural reactions caused by ingredients in the liniment also facilitate soothing effects or pain relief via a “counter irritation” effect. Liniment is often a short term fix and the effects wear off relatively quickly but they really do help ease soreness associated with riding.

The most common ingredients you see in liniment:

Menthol: Menthol is known as a counterirritant. It works by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles and joints. The cooling sensation and can trick the mind into thinking that the skin or body temperature is dropping. In return, this cooling feeling desensitizes the nerve endings.

Witch Hazel: This tingling astringent draws inflammation from the area it is applied. It is rich in tannins and anti-oxidants and has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation from conditions such as arthritis. It can also alleviate muscle and joint pain after exercise and boost recovery time.

Arnica: Arnica has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and also stimulates circulation, helping the bodies own healing system which encourages speedy relief.

Rosemary: Rosemary is a member of the mint family and has long been used to help alleviate muscle pain. When applied topically it has analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. It warms muscles, boots circulation and reduces pain. You can make your own bath soak by mixing 5 drops of Rosemary Oil with a bath oil or carrier oil and drop into your bath.

Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil also has a cooling effect on muscles and helps reduce pain and inflammation.

My favorite liniments are Sore No-More Liniment (has the least amount of unnecessary potentially toxic chemicals and comes in a liquid solution with a sprayer and a gel-lotion), Bigeoil (been around forever and works wonders) and Thermaflex Liniment Gel (contains MSM and the gel is easier to use at horse shows).

Don’t forget to take care of your sore and achey muscles after hard lessons and horse shows with your own liniment like bath soak from milk + honey. Their Muscle Soak No 18 contains sea salt, epsom salt, arnica eucalyptus and rosemary.