Jethro Kloss Healing Herbal Liniment: Recipe, History, and How to Make Your Own
This trusted herbal liniment recipe is easy to make and can benefit anyone who needs relief from aches, pains, insect bites, poison ivy, bumps, and bruises. But what makes it so special, and who was Jethro Kloss? We explain.
Quick Reference: Kloss Liniment
- What it is: alcohol-based herbal liniment for topical use on sore muscles, joints, sprains.
- The 6 herbs: myrrh, goldenseal, capsicum (cayenne), echinacea (originally), tincture in alcohol.
- Source: Jethro Kloss’s 1939 book Back to Eden, one of the foundational texts of modern American herbalism.
- External use only. Never apply to broken skin, mucous membranes, or eyes.
- Tool: the Almanac’s Halloween herbal folklore.
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Jethro Kloss (1863 to 1946) was an American herbalist whose 1939 book Back to Eden became one of the foundational texts of modern American herbal medicine. His healing liniment is a 6-herb alcohol tincture applied topically to sore muscles, joints, and sprains. This guide is the history, the recipe, the safety considerations, and what NIH NCCIH research says about the active herbs.
What Each Herb Does (the Research)
Per NIH NCCIH herbal monographs.
- Myrrh. Antimicrobial. Traditional use for skin and muscle injury. NIH classifies as having some evidence for topical antimicrobial activity.
- Goldenseal. Antimicrobial. Contains berberine, well-studied antimicrobial alkaloid.
- Capsicum (cayenne). Contains capsaicin, the active compound in topical pain creams (Capzasin, others). Acts as counterirritant and pain reliever for joints and muscles. Well-supported.
- Echinacea. Originally included; immune-supportive when ingested but minimal topical evidence.
- The alcohol carrier. Vodka or grain alcohol. Extracts active compounds from herbs and acts as preservative.
Safety and How to Use
Standard practice.
- External use only. Never ingest. Never apply to mucous membranes or eyes.
- Avoid broken skin. Capsicum on a cut burns intensely.
- Patch test first. Apply to a small area, wait 24 hours, watch for redness or irritation.
- Wash hands after applying. Capsaicin transfers easily; touching eyes is painful.
- Storage: dark glass bottle in a cool dry place. Lasts 2+ years.
Kloss Liniment Recipe and Background (Detail)
Below are the original sections covering the recipe, who Jethro Kloss was, and why the liniment works.
Who is Jethro Kloss?
Born April 27, 1863, in Wisconsin, Jethro Kloss was a renowned natural health enthusiast and herbalist in his day. Greatly influenced by his Seventh-Day Adventist faith and the teachings of Ellen G. White, Kloss adhered to a natural lifestyle that included vegetarianism, hydrotherapy, and herbalism.
He devoted his life to caring for the sick, lecturing on healthy living, and research which advocated the use of soy as a viable protein source. In fact, he started his own factory to manufacture soy-based food products. He was a true pioneer in the natural health movement.
In 1935, Kloss published his book Back to Eden: A Human Interest Story of Health and Restoration to be Found in Herb, Root, and Bark. In 1939, the book was revised and expanded and this original text has sold over 5 million copies.
Although some of his remedies have since proven unwise or even toxic (Kloss was a proponent of using kerosene for wound care), the book is a great representation of what natural health and herbalism looked like in the 1800s.
But one recipe was a true success: his recipe for liniment. Although he prescribes its use for everything from pain and stye on the eye to headaches and athletic foot trouble, maladies for which science has invented other more convenient remedies, nothing surpasses it for good old aches and pains.
In her book, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, says of Kloss’ liniment, “This is a very old, very strong recipe, and it’s one of the finest disinfectant remedies you’ll ever have on hand. … this liniment is useful for reducing inflammation of the muscles, cleansing wounds, and soothing insect bites.”
Why Kloss’ Liniment Works
The herbs in Kloss’ Liniment have several healing properties:
Cayenne “serves as a catalyst to the system” and is an “excellent warming circulatory herb,” notes Gladstar.
The active component in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, is a neuropeptide releasing agent which helps to control nerve pain. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter analgesic formulas. No wonder Kloss wanted it included in his liniment formula.
Myrrh is the gummy resin taken from several trees of the genus Commiphora. It is best known as one of the three gifts the wise men brought the baby Jesus and has been used historically as an incense, perfume, and medicine. Its antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing properties make it an important ingredient for any skin or wound care preparation.
Goldenseal is the root of an endangered herb. Always make sure the goldenseal you buy is sustainably sourced. According to WebMD.com, “Goldenseal is applied to the skin for rashes, ulcers, wound infections, itching, eczema, acne, dandruff, ringworm, herpes blisters, and cold sores.”
Give this liniment a try and see if it doesn’t instantly become the go-to remedy in your herbal medicine chest you’ve been looking for!
Kloss Liniment FAQ
What is Jethro Kloss healing liniment?
An alcohol-based herbal liniment from Jethro Kloss’s 1939 book Back to Eden, applied topically to sore muscles, joints, and sprains. The active compounds include capsaicin from cayenne, berberine from goldenseal, and antimicrobial compounds from myrrh.
Does Kloss liniment actually work?
Some evidence supports the active ingredients individually. Capsaicin (from cayenne) is well-documented as a topical pain reliever and is the active compound in commercial creams like Capzasin. Myrrh and goldenseal have some topical antimicrobial support. The combination is traditional rather than clinically tested.
Can you make Kloss liniment at home?
Yes. Combine the dried herbs with vodka or grain alcohol in a glass jar. Steep 2 to 4 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain through cheesecloth. Bottle in dark glass. The exact original recipe varies by edition of Back to Eden.
Is Jethro Kloss liniment safe?
For external use, generally yes if applied properly. Always patch test first. Avoid broken skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. Wash hands after applying (capsaicin transfers easily). Never ingest. Pregnant or nursing women should consult a physician before use.
Who was Jethro Kloss?
American herbalist (1863 to 1946) whose 1939 book Back to Eden became one of the foundational texts of modern American herbal medicine. The book has been in continuous print for over 85 years and remains widely cited in American herbalism.
Carol J. Alexander
Carol J. Alexander is a Virginia writer specializing in sustainable/green living, home remodeling, and lifestyle topics. She has written for over 100 national, regional, and local print publications, as well as online. She is the author of Homestead Cooking with Carol: Bountiful Make-Ahead Meals, available on Amazon Kindle and in paperback.
- Carol J. Alexander
- Carol J. Alexander
- Carol J. Alexander
I add comfrey to mine to “glue” the cut together. 1 pint rubbing alcohol combined with 1 teaspoon each of Kloss herbs plus comfrey. I love this liniment!
Thank you for the additional tips!
how can i get getall those ingredients for i am here in Tanzania and they aren´t here please?
Hi, you may want to try an online search that may be your best best.
Try Herbalcom.com for herbs. They have these herbs by the pound. I’ve ordered from them for years. Hope this helps.
Try Mountain Rose Herbs
Will give this a try, the ingredients are easy to come buy at some very exclusive health food shops. Thanks again.
When I first studied herbs, home remedy’s, etc, my “GO TO”
bible was Back to Eden!!
this is cool seeing these things become the gospel again!!
I do wish there was a way to print this recipe!!
Love it that Farmers Almanac is sharing this stuff,
Suzie
Thanks! We found it fascinating too. Glad you enjoyed it.
you can print it, send it to PDF or email it