Liniments and Rubs

Liniments and Rubs - Generally, these are topically applied Menthol, Methyl salicylate (wintergreen), Camphor, and/or Capsaicin in liquid or cream form, sometimes in roll-on form. Many people find these helpful for temporary relief of soreness - Do not use with a heating pad. You may not be able to tell how hot the heating pad is on the problem area, even possibly causing yourself to experience severe blistering. Also, avoid getting any of these products near the eyes or other mucous membranes. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying.

How topical analgesics work - "Recent exciting research, however, has shed some doubt on the counter-irritant function as the only mechanism of pain relief for topical analgesics containing capsaicin and menthol. Researchers have shown that menthol, in particular, actually might stimulate the smaller-diameter nerve fibers, rather than the larger-diameter fibers..."

As with anything, don't overdo it. Methyl salicylate overdose has been implicated in at least one death.

Po Sum On (Protect the Heart's Peace) - Peppermint oil (nearly 15%), Tea oil, Dragon blood, Cinnamon oil, Scute, Licorice

Zheng Gu Shui (Rectify Bones Liquid) - Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) rhizome (hu zhang), Guangxi Zedoaria rhizome (guang xi e zhu), Croton root (ji gu xiang) listed as "camphor wood", Angelica root (bai zhi), Moghania root (yi tiao gen, qian jin ba), Inula cappa root (tu mu xiang, da li wang), Tien-chi ginseng root (san qi), Cinnamon bark (gui zhi), Menthol (5.6%), Camphor (5.6%)

White Flower Analgesic Balm - Wintergreen, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Menthol, Camphor, Lavender

Dit Da Jow Bruise Liniment (Hit and Fall Wine) - Fluffy woodworm 15%, pistacia lentiscus 10%, myrrha myrrh 10%, sanguis draconis 15%, gynura japonica makino 15%, polypodium fortunei 15%, rehmannia glutinosa 10%, carthamus tinctorius 10% in alcohol base. There are many recipes for jow, and most are considered secret formulas. See Wikipedia article

Narayana Muscle Oil - Sesame Seed Oil, Ashwagandha Root, Bael Fruit, Indian Nightshade Herb, Mallow Root, Trianthema Monogyna Root, Chinese Flower Plant, Asparagus Root, Saffron Flowers, Musk, Black Pepper Seed, Valerian Rhizomes, Catechu Wood and Natural Fragrance. See also: Maha Narayana Oil and Soothing Touch Narayan Oil

Soothing Touch Narayan Oil - Mint, Eucalyptus, Sesame Oil, Peppermint and Ayurvedic Essential Oils of Clove

J.R. Watkins Natural Pain Relieving Liniment - Camphor 3.5%, capsaicin and spruce oil.

J.R. Watkins White Cream Liniment - Camphor 3.0%, Turpentine spirits 9%

Biotone Polar Lotion - Menthol, Wintergreen, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lavender, Juniper, and Peppermint

Sombra Pain Relieving Gel - Camphor, USP 3.0%, Menthol, USP 3.0%, Aloe Vera, Capsaicin, Grapefruit Seed, Green Tea, Orange Peel, Queen of the Prairie, Rose Water, Witch Hazel, Yucca.

Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel Menthol 3.5% with Ilex, aka Yerba Mate, a plant in the holly family

Unker's Medicated Salve - Menthol 7.66%, Oil of Camphor 0.60%, Menthol Salcylate 0.96%, Eucalyptol Oil 1.92%, Oil of Pine Needle 0.72%, Snow white petrolatum

Capsaicin Cream (Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annum, capsicum cream, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, hot pepper, paprika, pimiento, red pepper)

J.R. Watkins Deep Muscle Warming Balm - Methyl salicylate 10.0%, Menthol 1.25% and capsaicin.

Badger Sore Muscle Rub - Cayenne, Rosehip, Rosemary, Ginger, Thyme, Sage, Cardamom and Lemongrass.

Make your own homemade pain relieving cream - Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus

If you want to try your hand at making your own, here's a recipe for Homemade Tiger Balm - Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Clove

Essential Oil Contraindications - Concentrated oils are very strong, and just because a product is natural doesn't mean that it's harmless. This is a great list of medical conditions that warrant avoiding some oils.