A Lesson on Liniment

Many equestrians turn to liniment to help their horse recover after a ride or strenuous activity… but how does it work? Liniments contain counter-irritants, such as Wintergreen and Peppermint Oil. These oils create a heating/ cooling sensation on contact, activating a stimulus response- which then tells the circulatory system to send more blood to the irritant site. An increased flow delivers fresh oxygen to the strain or injury, and removes waste from the area, allowing for a faster recovery. Our Liniment contains a counter-irritant blend of the oils of Wintergreen, Peppermint, Ginger, Eucalyptus, and Clove, as well as Grain Alcohol. While each of these oils are vital to our formula, Wintergreen exists in the highest concentration. It contains a chemical called methyl salicylate, similar to the acetylsalicylic acid commonly known as Aspirin. A 2022 study showed that Wintergreen is an effective tool in the treatment and management of aches, pains and strains (Garg et al). 

In order for muscles to repair, they must relax. We chose Epsom Salt for our Liniment, which a 2017 study (Grober et al) shows may relax muscles and relieve soreness by delivering a dose of magnesium to affected tissues. For swelling and inflammation, we included Witch Hazel, which contains polyphenolic compounds called tannins. Polyphenols naturally occur in several types of plant species, and are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In order for all of these ingredients to reach their intended destination, they need a mode of delivery. Our Grapeseed Oil and Aloe Vera base helps to deliver the counter-irritants & anti-inflammatories deeper into tissues, as well as soothe and moisturize the skin. 

Citations:

Gröber, U., Werner, T., Vormann, J., & Kisters, K. (2017). “Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium?”. Nutrients, 9(8), 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080813

Garg, Vandana. “Counterirritants and sensory profiling of pain-relieving patches.” International Journal Of Pharmaceutical And Bio-Medical Science, vol. 02, no. 11, 7 Nov. 2022, pp. 466–478, https://doi.org/10.47191/ijpbms/v2-i11-01

Interested in learning more about our ingredients and why we use them? Check out The Ingredient Library.