How to Make Dit Da Jow: A Traditional Chinese Liniment for Healing Injuries

Hello, Good News! Welcome to our article on how to make dit da jow, a traditional Chinese liniment that has been used for centuries to heal injuries, reduce pain, and improve circulation. If you are looking for a natural and effective remedy for bruises, sprains, strains, or other types of trauma, you might want to give dit da jow a try.

Dit da jow literally means “hit fall wine” in Cantonese, and it is a herbal concoction that is applied externally to the affected area. It is made by soaking various herbs in alcohol for a period of time, usually several weeks or months, until the alcohol extracts the essence of the herbs. The resulting liquid is then strained and stored in a dark glass bottle for future use.

What are the Benefits of Dit Da Jow?

Dit da jow has many benefits for healing injuries and promoting health. Some of the main benefits are:

  • It speeds up the healing of bruises by breaking up blood clots and dispersing stagnant blood.
  • It decreases inflammation and swelling by reducing heat and fluid accumulation.
  • It relieves pain and soreness by numbing the nerves and relaxing the muscles.
  • It prevents infection and scarring by cleansing the wound and stimulating tissue regeneration.
  • It enhances circulation and energy flow by opening up the meridians and balancing the yin and yang.

Dit da jow is especially useful for martial artists, athletes, and anyone who engages in physical activities that may cause injuries. It can also be used for chronic conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, or joint pain.

What are the Ingredients of Dit Da Jow?

Dit da jow is made from a variety of herbs that have different properties and functions. Some of the common herbs used in dit da jow are:

Dragon’s Blood

Dragon’s blood is a resin that comes from a type of palm tree. It has a dark red color and a bitter taste. It is used to stop bleeding, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and heal wounds. It also has antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Safflower

Safflower is a flower that has bright yellow or orange petals. It is used to invigorate blood, remove blood stasis, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. It also has anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Frankincense

Frankincense is a resin that comes from a type of tree. It has a yellowish color and a fragrant smell. It is used to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and heal wounds. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Myrrh

Myrrh is a resin that comes from a type of tree. It has a dark brown color and a bitter taste. It is used to invigorate blood, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and heal wounds. It also has antibacterial and antiseptic effects.

Clove

Clove is a flower bud that comes from a type of tree. It has a reddish-brown color and a spicy taste. It is used to warm up the body, stimulate blood flow, relieve pain, and prevent infection. It also has anesthetic and antiseptic effects.

Angelica Root

Angelica root is a root that comes from a type of plant. It has a yellowish-brown color and a sweet taste. It is used to nourish blood, regulate menstruation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

How to Make Dit Da Jow?

Making dit da jow is not difficult, but it requires some patience and preparation. Here are the basic steps to make dit da jow:

  1. Gather the herbs you want to use for your dit da jow recipe. You can either buy pre-made herb packs from online stores or herbal shops, or you can buy individual herbs and mix them yourself according to your preference.
  2. Grind or chop the herbs into small pieces using a mortar and pestle, a blender, or a knife. This will help release their active ingredients more easily.
  3. Prepare a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid that can hold at least one gallon of liquid. Sterilize it by boiling it in water for 10 minutes or washing it with alcohol.
  4. Fill the jar or bottle with the herbs, leaving some space at the top. You can use a measuring cup or a scale to measure the amount of herbs you need. A general rule of thumb is to use one ounce of herbs for every pint of alcohol.
  5. Pour alcohol over the herbs until they are completely submerged. You can use any type of alcohol that is at least 40% proof, such as vodka, whiskey, or gin. Alcohol acts as a solvent that extracts the essence of the herbs and preserves them.
  6. Seal the jar or bottle tightly and label it with the date and the name of the herbs. Store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat.
  7. Shake the jar or bottle once a day for the first week, then once a week for the next three months. This will help mix the herbs and alcohol and speed up the infusion process.
  8. After three to four months, your dit da jow is ready to use. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the herbs. Transfer the liquid to a smaller glass bottle with a dropper or a spray nozzle for easy application.

You can also add other ingredients to your dit da jow, such as black tea, vinegar, honey, or essential oils, to enhance its flavor, color, or aroma. However, these ingredients may affect the shelf life and potency of your dit da jow, so use them sparingly and with caution.

Dit Da Jow Recipes Comparison Table

There are many different dit da jow recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, each with its own benefits and uses. Here is a comparison table of some of the popular dit da jow recipes and their ingredients:

Recipe Name Ingredients Benefits
Qi Li San Blend Dragon’s blood, artemisia, safflower, catechu, peach seed, frankincense, myrrh, clove, pinellia, borneol Stops bleeding, reduces swelling, relieves pain, heals wounds
Shaolin Wu Xiang Jiu Angelica root, cnidium, sappan wood, achyranthes root, safflower, clove, costus root, frankincense, sandalwood, fennel seed Promotes blood circulation, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, heals wounds
North Shaolin Training Blend Frankincense, myrrh, safflower, angelica root tail, aurantium, cnidium, peach seed, costus root, aquilaria sinensis, schizonepeta bud, red peony root, platycodon root, gardenia fruit Promotes blood circulation, reduces swelling, relieves pain,
Northern Praying Mantis Blend Aster root, sichuan aconite (prepared), pinellia (prepared), fossilized bone (prepared), prickly ash pepper (sichuan), pumice stone (prepared), arisaema tuber (prepared), goji berry (lycium fruit), aconite tsaowu (prepared), sulfur (prepared), stemona root (prepared), veratrum nigrum (prepared) Invigorates blood flow and energy flow in meridians; reduces swelling; relieves pain; heals wounds; prevents infection; strengthens bones and tendons
Ancient Way/Monks Fist Blend Aconite (prepared), pinellia (prepared), lycium root bark (prepared), stemona root (prepared), fossilized bone (prepared), arisaema tuber (prepared), safflower flower (prepared), cnidium fruit (prepared), cnidium rhizome (prepared), pseudoginseng root (prepared), dragon’s blood resin (prepared), frankincense resin (prepared), myrrh resin (prepared), clove flower bud (prepared), angelica root slice (prepared) Invigorates blood flow and energy flow in meridians; reduces swelling; relieves pain; heals wounds; prevents infection; strengthens bones and tendons

Dit Da Jow FAQ

How do I use dit da jow?

To use dit da jow for injuries or pain relief:

  • Clean the affected area with soap and water.
  • Apply a few drops or spraysof dit da jow to the affected area and massage gently for a few minutes.
  • Repeat the application two to three times a day until the symptoms subside.

To use dit da jow for health maintenance:

  • Apply a few drops or sprays of dit da jow to the acupressure points on your body that correspond to your health needs. For example, you can apply dit da jow to the following points:
  • LI4 (Hegu) – located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger. It is good for headaches, toothaches, facial pain, and stress relief.
  • ST36 (Zusanli) – located on the front of the lower leg, four finger widths below the kneecap and one finger width outside the shin bone. It is good for digestion, energy, immunity, and general wellness.
  • LIV3 (Taichong) – located on the top of the foot, between the first and second toes. It is good for liver health, menstrual problems, emotional balance, and eye health.
  • Massage the points gently for a few minutes after applying dit da jow.
  • Repeat the application once a day or as needed.

How long does dit da jow last?

Dit da jow can last for several years if stored properly. To preserve its quality and potency, you should:

  • Store it in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Keep it away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.
  • Avoid exposing it to air or contaminants.
  • Shake it well before each use.

How do I know if my dit da jow is good or bad?

You can tell if your dit da jow is good or bad by its appearance, smell, and taste. A good dit da jow should have:

  • A clear or slightly cloudy liquid with a dark brown or reddish color.
  • A strong and pleasant herbal aroma that is not rancid or sour.
  • A bitter and slightly sweet taste that is not metallic or moldy.

If your dit da jow has any signs of spoilage, such as sediment, mold, foul odor, or bad taste, you should discard it and make a new batch.

Can I use dit da jow internally?

No, you should not use dit da jow internally. Dit da jow is meant for external use only and may be harmful if ingested. Some of the herbs in dit da jow are toxic or have adverse effects when taken orally. For example:

  • Dragon’s blood can cause vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, and blood disorders.
  • Safflower can cause bleeding disorders, allergic reactions, and interactions with blood thinners.
  • Aconite can cause nausea, vomiting, numbness, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmia, and death.

If you accidentally swallow some dit da jow, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Can I use dit da jow on open wounds?

No, you should not use dit da jow on open wounds. Dit da jow is not sterile and may introduce bacteria or other contaminants into the wound. This can cause infection, inflammation, or delayed healing. You should only use dit da jow on closed wounds that have been cleaned and disinfected first.

Can I use dit da jow on broken bones?

No, you should not use dit da jow on broken bones. Dit da jow is not a substitute for proper medical care and may interfere with bone healing. You should seek professional help if you suspect a fracture or dislocation. You can use dit da jow after the bone has been set and stabilized by a doctor to help with pain relief and circulation.

Can I use dit da jow during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, you should not use dit da jow during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Dit da jow may contain herbs that are contraindicated for pregnant or nursing women. Some of these herbs may cause miscarriage, premature labor, bleeding complications, hormonal imbalance, or harm to the fetus or infant. You should consult your doctor before using any herbal products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Can I use dit da jow with other medications or supplements?

Maybe, but you should be careful. Dit da jow may interact with some medications or supplements and cause unwanted effects. Some of these interactions may include:

  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners) – Dit da jow may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising by inhibiting blood clotting.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Dit da jow may enhance or reduce the effects of these drugs by affecting inflammation and pain.
  • Antibiotics – Dit da jow may interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of these drugs by altering the intestinal flora or pH.
  • Antidepressants – Dit da jow may affect the mood or mental state by influencing the neurotransmitters or hormones.

You should inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before using dit da jow. You should also monitor your symptoms and report any changes or adverse reactions to your doctor.

Can I use dit da jow on children or pets?

No, you should not use dit da jow on children or pets. Dit da jow is not suitable for children or pets because they have different physiology and sensitivity than adults. Dit da jow may cause irritation, allergic reactions, toxicity, or overdose in children or pets. You should only use products that are specifically designed for children or pets under the guidance of a pediatrician or veterinarian.

Can I make my own dit da jow?

Yes, you can make your own dit da jow if you have the right ingredients, equipment, and instructions. Making your own dit da jow can be fun and rewarding, as well as cost-effective and customizable. However, you should also be aware of the potential risks and challenges of making your own dit da jow, such as:

  • Finding quality herbs that are authentic, fresh, and organic.
  • Measuring and mixing the herbs correctly according to the recipe.
  • Choosing and preparing the alcohol that is suitable for extraction and preservation.
  • Storing and aging the dit da jow properly to ensure its quality and potency.
  • Avoiding contamination, spoilage, or leakage of the dit da jow.

If you decide to make your own dit da jow, you should follow the instructions carefully and consult an experienced herbalist if you have any questions or doubts.

Conclusion

Dit da jow is a traditional Chinese liniment that has many benefits for healing injuries and promoting health. It is made from various herbs that are soaked in alcohol for a period of time. It is applied externally to the affected area to speed up healing, reduce pain, and improve circulation. It can also be used for health maintenance by applying it to acupressure points on the body.

Dit da jow is easy to use and has few side effects if used correctly. However, it is not a cure-all and should not replace proper medical care. It should also be used with caution and respect, as it may have some contraindications or interactions with certain conditions, medications, or people. You should always consult your doctor before using dit da jow or any herbal products.

We hope you enjoyed this article on how to make dit da jow and learned something new. If you want to learn more about other natural remedies or health topics, please check out our other articles on our website. Thank you for reading!