Years ago our whole family started taking Jujutsu for a season. We all enjoyed it, but the rolls, throws and climbs definitely came easily to the kids! Any job that involves wooden swords and rolling will cause bumps and bruises along the way.
After one class that left us very sore, Sensei (the teacher) shared a folk remedy. It has been used in Asian countries to relieve pain and speed healing for years. Dit Da Jow (literally translated as “beaten wine medicine”) is a herbal tincture or tincture full of healing herbs.
What is Dit Da Jow?
Dit Da Jow is an analgesic liniment popular with martial artists. Often the martial arts master combines his unique blend of many aromatic herbs such as myrrh, ginseng, and traditional TCM herbs. The combination helps stimulate circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve injury and speed up wound healing.
This practice is known as “beating medicine”. Many people have found this liquid ingredient to be helpful in relieving muscle pain, arthritis, and rheumatism discomfort.
Dit Da Jow Recipes
I researched traditional recipes for Dit Da Jow and although it was hard to find many of them (many are considered secret family recipes), I finally found a mix that worked really well. Traditional Dit Da Jow uses a long list of native Asian herbs, many of which are hard to find in the US.
The version I came up with has the same benefits, but most of the herbs are available in the US. While this wouldn’t be considered true Dit Da Jow, it has been very effective on our bumps and bruises. It also helps speed recovery from karate-related injuries so I keep it stocked in our natural medicine cabinet.
You can also find more traditional Dit Da Jow here if you want to try it.
Benefits of Dit Da Jow
Overall Dit Da Jow helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of bumps and sprains. Since the recipes are very different, I will just give a quick overview of the benefits of the herbs I have chosen.
- Arnica – Often used for sprains, strains, and wounds.
- Plantain leaf – A cold remedy to soothe and heal minor wounds, cuts, and itchy skin. Plantain also helps reduce inflammation and supports recovery from skin damage.
- Comfrey leaf – Called “boneknit,” comfrey quickly heals the skin and supports bone healing.
- Incense – This resin helps calm inflammation and promote tissue repair. It is a favorite for soothing sore muscles, joints, and damaged skin.
- Myrrh – Myrrh known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties supports wound healing. It also reduces inflammation and relieves pain in injured or traumatized tissues.
- Fennel – Fennel provides gentle warmth and anti-inflammatory support to help relieve muscle tension. It also promotes circulation for faster recovery.
- Angelica Root – This warming root helps relieve pain and inflammation in muscles and joints while supporting circulation for faster healing times.
- Calendula – A mild remedy that promotes rapid healing of wounds, scratches, and itchy skin. It soothes and reduces inflammation to repair the tissues.
- Dandelion root – Rich in minerals, dandelion root supports detoxification and reduces inflammation. It is used to help reduce inflammation in sore muscles and joints.
- A horse’s tail – High in silica, horsetail strengthens connective tissue and supports bone and muscle repair for better strength after injury.
- Nettle leaf – Full of minerals and micronutrients, nettle nourishes muscles, reduces inflammation, and helps relieve muscle and joint pain.
- A clove – Clove is a warming analgesic that relieves deep muscle pain and supports blood circulation for faster recovery.
- Turmeric – This powerful anti-inflammatory herb helps reduce inflammation and pain in muscles, joints, and tendons while supporting the body’s natural healing process.
How Does Herbal Liniment Work?
Alcohol removes the beneficial properties of herbs. When we use it on alcohol, it quickly penetrates our skin and works quickly. You may be used to making herbal tinctures to take internally, this is the topical version. This recipe is for external use only, not a tincture to take internally.
Yes, the recipe calls for a lot of herbs, but I’ve seen it get rid of bruises and pain overnight! This Dit Da Jow recipe has really worked for our family and others I’ve had.
Dit Da Jow Muscle Liniment Recipe
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Place all herbs in a 16 ounce glass jar.
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Fill the entire jar with food grade alcohol, 80 proof or higher and stir with a clean spoon.
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Put the lid on the jar. Keep the jar in a cool/dry place, shaking daily, for at least three weeks and up to one year. I usually leave the herbs for six weeks.
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Cover with cheesecloth and compost herbs. Store the tincture in colored dropper bottles or clean glass jars.
Use on skin as needed to help with bruises, sore muscles and pain. Do not use on cut or broken skin.
As with any natural remedy, consult a healthcare practitioner before using, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have medical conditions.
Shelf Life and Storage
Traditionally Dit Da Jow is made for months, if not years. One study showed that a pile that had been submerged for 5 years had more benefits than one that had been submerged for 1 year. You probably don’t want to wait that long before using your liniment. I have found that even 6 weeks is enough to get the benefits of the medicine. Also, traditional recipes are often made with stronger Chinese root herbs than plantain, calendula, etc.
You can keep the herbs in a jar and strain the liquid as needed. Just make sure the herbs are always completely covered with alcohol. If you have used a lot of liquid, just strain the herbs. Store your Dit Da Jow in a cool, dark place, away from direct light and heat.
What are your favorite herbal remedies for aches and pains? Share below!
