“Shortly after the close of the Civil War, a Liniment was placed upon the market which became widely known for its remarkable ability to relieve aches and pains. This Liniment was compounded and bottled by a resident of Winona, Minnesota, Mr. J. R. Watkins, according to his special formula which he had developed. Mr. Watkins at first supplied this Liniment chiefly to his friends and neighbors. Soon, however, these friends began telling their friends about it, and Mr. Watkins found the demand for his Liniment growing greater day by day. He was thus induced to abandon his other pursuits and devote his entire time to making and supplying ‘Watkins Liniment.’ In 1868—The same year General Grant was elected President of the United States—Mr. Watkins founded the business which today bears his name.”
—excerpted from Watkins Timely Suggestions, circa 1920
The First Product J R Watkins developed!
The very first product formulated by J. R. Watkins
in the year 1868 and still one of our best-selling
health aids! Provides great relief from the discomfort of minor muscle pain, soreness, stiffness and
backaches. Just pat on for soothing relief.
• Time-tested: Since 1868!
• Liquid form: Just pat onto skin; liniment is
absorbed deeply for fast relief.
• Deep penetrating formula: Reduces muscular
discomfort due to overexertion, fatigue and strains;
provides temporary relief for minor aches and
pains associated with simple backache, arthritis,
strains, bruises, sprains, and stiffness.
Active Ingredient
Camphor 3.5% w/w: Occurs in nature in the
camphor tree, an Asian evergreen related to cinnamon. When applied to the skin, camphor produces
a mild local anesthetic action (depresses some nerve
endings and stimulates others). It also acts as an
antipruritic, which means it relieves itching.
Also Contains
Capsicum (red pepper): A raw material that
produces a warming effect on the skin; at higher
levels, a burning sensation. The burning could
become unpleasant if rubbed vigorously; therefore,
we recommend that this product be patted on
rather than rubbed in.
Massage Oil for Sore Muscles
Mix a 2 to 1 ratio of Watkins Red Liniment and Watkins
Natural Massage Oil to rub onto sore muscles or aches
from flu and other ailments. “It rubs on easily and does
not burn my hands when rubbing.â€
2 tsp Watkins Red Liniment
1 tsp Watkins Natural Massage Oil
Combine Liniment and Massage Oil and rub onto
sore muscles. (This does not blend well in a dish,
but goes on well with hands and is very gentle
when applying). For more “heat†use 3 tsp Liniment.
Provided by Mary Burgett.
Testimonial —
Individual results may vary.
“I’ve had extreme pain in my knee for quite some
time, so I had arthroscopic surgery. After surgery,
the pain eased up a bit but then increased to the
point that I was about to give up. A friend of mine
told me about Watkins products, which I recognized
from my childhood as soon as I got the catalog.
I ordered the Watkins Red Liniment and Linimaxâ„¢,
and after only one week I am pain-free.â€
— Loretta Parris, Pennsylvania
Medicine Chest 78
The statements made and opinions expressed on this page are those of the Independent Watkins Associate who is the publisher of this document, and are not to be construed as the statements or opinions of Watkins Incorporated.
