A few years ago, my whole family started learning Jiu-Jitsu for a season. We all enjoyed it, but the rolls, throws, and climbs definitely came easier for the kids! Any activity involving swinging or rolling a wooden sword will inevitably result in some bumps and bruises.
After a lesson that left us particularly sore, our teacher shared some traditional herbal remedies. It has been used in Asian countries for years to relieve pain and speed healing. Dit Da Jow (literally translated as “heat wine medicine”) is essentially an herbal tincture or liniment containing healing herbs.
What is Dit Da Jow?
Dit Da Jow is a painkiller traditionally preferred by martial artists. Often martial arts masters blend many aromatic herbs, such as myrrh, ginseng, and traditional TCM herbs, into their own unique blends. This combination helps stimulate blood circulation, reduce pain and swelling, improve injuries and speed up wound healing.
This tradition became known as “heat medicine.” Many people have also found this liquid pain reliever useful in reducing the discomfort of muscle pain, arthritis, and rheumatism.
Dit Da Jow Recipes
I researched traditional Dit Da Jow recipes and although many of them were difficult to find (many of which were considered secret family recipes), I finally found a mixture that worked really well for us. Traditional Dit Da Jow uses a variety of herbs native to Asia, many of which are difficult to find in the United States.
The version I came up with has the same benefits, but many of the herbs are found in the US. Although this is not considered a true Dit Da Jow, it has been very effective for bumps and bruises. Also, if you have a non-martial arts-related injury, keep it in your natural medicine cabinet as it helps speed recovery.
You can also find the more traditional Dit Da Jow here if you want to try it.
Advantages of Dit Da Jow
Overall, Dit Da Jow helps reduce swelling and speeds healing from bumps and sprains. Since every recipe is different, I will briefly explain the benefits of the herbs I chose.
- arnica – Often used for strains, sprains, and bruises.
- plantain leaves – An herb that helps soothe and heal minor wounds, cuts, and irritated skin. Plantain also reduces inflammation and helps repair skin damage.
- comfrey leaves – Comfrey, nicknamed “boneknit,” helps heal skin faster and supports bone healing.
- frankincense – This resin helps soothe inflammation and promote tissue repair. It is a favorite for topical soothing of sore muscles, joints and damaged skin.
- myrrh – Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh helps wound healing. It also reduces swelling and relieves pain in bruised or strained tissues.
- fennel – Fennel helps relieve muscle tension by providing mild warmth and anti-inflammatory support. It also promotes circulation for faster recovery.
- angelica root – This warming root relieves pain and inflammation in muscles and joints while supporting blood circulation to speed healing time.
- calendula – A gentle herb that promotes rapid healing of cuts, abrasions and irritated skin. It also soothes and reduces inflammation for overall tissue repair.
- dandelion root – Mineral-rich dandelion root aids detoxification and reduces inflammation. It is used to reduce swelling in sore muscles and joints.
- horsetail – Horsetail, with its high silica content, strengthens connective tissue and supports bone and ligament repair, improving recovery after injury.
- nettle leaves – Rich in minerals and micronutrients, nettles help nourish tissues, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle and joint pain.
- cloves – Clove is a warming pain reliever that relieves deep muscle pain and supports blood circulation, helping you recover faster.
- turmeric – This powerful anti-inflammatory herb reduces swelling and pain in muscles, joints and ligaments while supporting the body’s natural healing process.
How do herbal liniments work?
Alcohol extracts the beneficial properties from herbs. When applied topically, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the skin and acts quickly. You may be familiar with making herbal tinctures to take internally. This is just a topical version. This recipe is for external use only and is not a tincture to be taken internally.
Yes, the recipe calls for a lot of herbs, but I have seen it eliminate bruising and pain overnight! This Dit Da Jow recipe has worked really well for my family and others I’ve shared it with.
Dit Da Jow Muscle Liniment Recipe
Place all herbs in a 16-ounce glass Mason jar.
Fill the remainder of the bottle with food-grade, 80 proof or higher alcohol and stir with a clean spoon.
Place the lid on the jar. Store bottle in a cool, dry place, shaking daily, for at least 3 weeks and up to 1 year. I usually let the herbs sit for 6 weeks.
Strain through cheesecloth and compost the herbs. Store tincture in colored dropper bottles or clean glass bottles.
Use on skin as needed to relieve bruising, muscle aches and pains. Do not use on skin with cuts or wounds.
As with any natural remedy, consult a natural health care professional before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.
Expiration date and storage
Traditionally, Dit Da Jow is brewed for months, if not years. Some studies have shown that batches soaked for five years have significantly more benefits than batches soaked for one year. But you probably don’t want to wait that long before using the liniment. I have found that even 6 weeks is enough to reap the herbal benefits. Additionally, traditional recipes are often made using tougher Chinese root herbs, such as plantain and calendula.
You can store the herbs in a jar and strain the liquid as needed. Make sure the herbs are completely covered with alcohol. After using more liquid, just strain out the herbs. Store Dit Da Jow in a cool, dark place, avoiding direct sunlight and heat.
What are your favorite herbal remedies for muscle aches and pains? Share below!
