Years ago our whole family started taking jujutsu for a season. We all had fun, but the rolls, throws and climbs definitely came more easily to the kids! Any activity that involves Wooden swords And rolling will inevitably cause some bumps and bruises along the way.
After a class, the sensei (instructor) shared herbal remedies. It has been used for years in Asian countries for pain relief and quick healing. Dit da Jou (literally translated as “beaten wine medicine”) is basically the same. Herbal tincture Or linen packed with healing herbs.
What is Dit Da Jow?
Dit Da Jow is the pain reliever of choice for martial artists. Often a martial arts master will combine many aromatic herbs such as myrrh, ginseng and traditional TCM herbs. Combination to stimulate blood circulation, reduce pain and swelling, and improve injuries and accelerate wound healing.
The culture is known as “hit medicine”. Many people find this fluid reliever helpful in reducing the discomfort of muscle pain, arthritis, and rheumatism.
Dit Da Jow recipe
I researched Dit Da Jo’s traditional recipes and while many are hard to come by (most are considered secret family recipes), I finally found a mix that worked really well for us. Traditional dit da joe uses a long list of herbs native to Asia, many of which are difficult to find in the US.
The version I brought has the same benefits, but most of the herbs are available in the US. Although this is not considered as true as Dit Da Jow, it was very effective for our throats and wounds. It also helps you recover faster from martial arts related injuries so I keep it stocked in our natural medicine cabinet.
You can also get more traditional. Dit Da Jow If you want to try it here.
Benefits of diet da joe
General Dit Da Joo helps reduce inflammation and speed healing from bumps and bruises. Since the recipes are so varied, I’ll just give a quick overview of the benefits of the herbs I’ve chosen.
- Arnica – It is often used for stress, swelling and scratching.
- Plant leaves – Going to herbs to soothe and heal minor cuts, wounds and irritated skin. Plantain helps reduce inflammation and support recovery from skin damage.
- Compal leaf – Nicknamed “Boneknit”, comfrey heals the skin quickly and supports bone healing.
- Incense – This gum helps to relieve inflammation and repair tissue. It is ideal for soothing sore muscles, joints and damaged skin locally.
- Myrrh – Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh supports wound healing. It also reduces inflammation and relieves pain in injured or strained tissues.
- Strawberry – Fennel provides gentle warmth and anti-inflammatory support to relieve muscle tension. It promotes blood circulation for quick recovery.
- Angelica root – This warming root helps relieve pain and inflammation in muscles and joints and supports blood circulation for faster healing times.
- Calendula – A gentle herb that promotes quick healing of cut, cut and irritated skin. It also soothes and reduces inflammation for overall tissue repair.
- Dandelion root – Rich in minerals, Dandelion root supports detoxification and reduces inflammation. It helps to reduce swelling in muscles and joints.
- Horsetail – With a high silica content, horsetail strengthens connective tissue and supports bone and tendon repair for better resistance after injury.
- Cleaned leaf – Packed with minerals and microelements, it nourishes refined tissues, reduces inflammation, relieves muscle and joint pain.
- Cloves – Clove is a thermal anesthetic 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 by supporting the body’s natural healing process.
How do herbal medicines work?
Alcohol removes the beneficial properties of herbs. When topical alcohol is applied, it quickly penetrates our skin and works quickly. You may know that herbal tinctures to take internally, this is only a topical version. This recipe is for external use only, not the type of tincture you take internally.
Yes, the recipe calls for a lot of herbs, but I’ve seen it get rid of sores and pain overnight! This Dit Da Joo recipe has been so effective that I have shared it with our family and others.
Diet Da Joe Muscle Liniment Recipe
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Place all herbs in a 16 ounce glass mason jar.
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Fill the rest of the jar with food-grade, 80-proof or higher alcohol and mix with a clean spoon.
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Put the lid on the bottle. Store the jar in a cool/dry place, shaking daily, for at least three weeks and up to 1 year. I usually leave the herbs for six weeks.
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Strain through cheesecloth and strain the herbs. Store the tincture in colored bottles or clear glass jars.
Use on skin as needed to help with wounds, muscle aches and pains. Do not use on cut or broken skin.
As with any natural remedy, consult with a natural health care practitioner before using, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have medical conditions.
Shelf life and storage
Typically, Dit Da Joo is eaten for months, if not years. Some studies show that a 5-year immersion group has more benefits than a 1-year immersion group. You don’t want to wait that long before using your cover though. I have found that even 6 weeks is enough to get the herbal benefits. Also, the traditional recipes are often prepared with stronger Chinese root vegetables like plantain, calendula, etc.
You can keep the herbs in the bottle and filter the liquid as needed. Make sure the herbs are completely covered in alcohol. After using a lot of liquid, just rinse the plants. Store your Dit Da Jow in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat.
What are your favorite herbal remedies for muscle aches and pains? Share below!
