I am a runner, gardener, cook, and all around active person who spends a good amount of time on my feet. I am also a person who happens to have rheumatoid arthritis. That arthritis has impacted my toes and fingers most significantly, I have it well controlled through diet and exercise these days but it does occasionally act up and of course become swollen and inflamed. In my quest for natural relief I experiment quite a bit. One such experimentation has resulted in this amazing Ginger Clove Anti-Inflammatory Liniment. This is so easy to whip up and not only helps increase circulation and reduce inflammation but also happens to soften the skin too.
Using Ginger as an Anti-Inflammatory
Ginger has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s even being studied by doctors in the form of compresses and standardized ginger patches. Because I wanted to make a batch without worrying about straining or mold, I chose to use dried powdered ginger in my liniment. I’m sure grated fresh ginger root would be stronger and work but would eventually need to be strained and sometimes an easy grab from the spice rack is something we all need.
Clove to Warm & Increase Blood Flow
Clove Bud Essential Oil has been studied for its effectiveness at increasing blood circulation. That increased blood circulation along with clove’s warming properties can ease numerous aches and pains. In my experience when my body is warmer, my arthritis isn’t as bothersome. Keeping those extremities from being too cold lessens my overall pain and symptoms and the clove oil does a good job of that in a very nice smelling package.
Vegetable Glycerin for Softer Skin
I imagine most any carrier oil would work in this particular liniment. I use vegetable glycerin because I like the thickness of it and it’s skin softening power. Rubbing this on and letting it soak in slowly as I knit or read a book after a long Sunday run has proven to prevent that dry, rough skin from the pounding of pavement while also easing any inflammation.
Ginger Clove Anti-Inflammatory Liniment
Materials
- ½ Cup Vegetable Glycerin
- 2 teaspoons Powdered Ginger
- 12 Drops Clove Bud Essential Oil
Tools
- Small Jar
Instructions
- Whisk everything together until thoroughly incorporated.
- Store in air-tight jar. Shake well before each use to mix up any settled ginger powder.
A word of caution: Don’t get this into the eyes or near very sensitive skin. If rubbing into fingers or knuckles, cover them with a clean cloth to avoid touching the face. Proceed slowly until you know how your skin will react to the combination of ginger and clove – both are quite warming and might be uncomfortable to those with very sensitive skin.
Tina
Saturday 2nd of November 2019
I just started a new job a few weeks ago and I've been in so much pain after only 5-6 hours. My chiro gave me some stretches and said I need to build up strength in my calves. I will also try this and see if it helps me with my walking. Right now I've only been able to work 3 days a week because it takes a full 24 hrs to recover. I have fibro.
Shelley W
Wednesday 23rd of October 2019
I plan on making it with the glycerin, but I know from experience also Cold Pressed Castor Oil aides in pain and immflamation on arthritis joints. Also does assist in pain from Bursitis in my shoulder. I will also do a version with Cayene Pepper very small amount which is pain killer and anti imflammatory propertied.
Steven Dooley
Monday 18th of February 2019
Hik Kathie...Should a person let this liniment sit and infuse for a certain time before using it?
Kathie Lapcevic
Tuesday 26th of February 2019
There's no need to let this infuse the powdered ginger and essential oils will be ready quickly.
Cynthia Marstin
Saturday 15th of December 2018
Hi, how many drops of clove oil is needed? In the recipe it says 2 drops but in the picture header on Pinterest it says 12 drops.
Kathie Lapcevic
Saturday 15th of December 2018
It should be 12 drops. I fixed it here, my apologies.
Christine Clark
Thursday 19th of January 2017
Is it possible to use clove and ginger essential oils instead of the powder?
Homespun Seasonal Living
Friday 20th of January 2017
I imagine you could but I haven't tried it so I don't know the ratios or for certain if it would work as well.