Relief & Recovery Pain Relieving Rub (Shu Huan Zhi Tong You) – Deep Tissue Herbal Liniment
Penetrating herbal muscle and joint rub formulated with traditional Chinese oils and modern external analgesic ingredients.
Quick Facts
- Size: 50 ml / 1.69 fl oz
- Type: Topical external analgesic liniment (liquid rub-on oil)
- Best for: Sore, overworked muscles; minor sprains and strains; simple backache
- Texture: Lightweight oil that absorbs with massage
- Use on: Neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, elbows, hands, feet, and other large muscle groups
- For external use only: Do not ingest. Do not use on broken or irritated skin.
What Is Relief & Recovery Relieving Rub?
Relief & Recovery Pain Relieving Rub (Shu Huan Zhi Tong You) is a classic Chinese herbal liniment combined with well-known external analgesic ingredients. It is designed for people who want a rub-on oil they can massage directly into tight, overworked, or stiff areas.
Each bottle contains a blend of:
- Active External Analgesic Ingredients: menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor, capsicum oleoresin
- Traditional Chinese Herbal Oils & Extracts: Dong qing you, Bo he nao, Zhang nao you, La jiao you, Du huo you, Zi cao, Bing pian, Hong hua, Ru xiang you, Xun yi cao you, Chuan xiong you, Kang wu you, Mo yao you, Tian san qi, Song jie you
- Other Ingredients: Angelica pubescens oil, Arnebia euchroma root extract oil, Borneol, Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) flower extract, Frankincense oil, Lavender oil, Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome oil, Mineral oil, Myrrh oil, Panax notoginseng root extract, Turpentine oil
This combination brings together the cooling, warming, and circulatory actions that traditional Chinese liniments are known for, in a convenient bottle you can keep at home, in the clinic, or in a gym bag.
Label Uses & When to Reach for Relief & Recovery
According to the manufacturer’s label, products of this type are used for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints, such as those associated with:
- Simple backache
- Minor strains and sprains
- Bruises and minor sports injuries
- Overworked or stiff muscles after activity
Everyday scenarios where people reach for Relief & Recovery:
- After gardening, lifting, or house projects that leave areas feeling tight and overused
- Following a workout, long walk, or new exercise routine
- After sitting at a desk or driving for long periods and feeling stiff
- As part of a massage routine for localized areas of tension
This information is for educational purposes and describes traditional and manufacturer-indicated uses. It is not a substitute for medical care. Always follow the product label and consult your healthcare provider with questions.
Why This Rub Is Different
1. Deep Tissue Rub with Traditional Chinese Herbs
The active analgesic ingredients provide familiar cooling-warming comfort, while the Chinese herbal oils are traditionally used to:
- Invigorate circulation in the local area
- Move stagnation according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory
- Support tissue recovery after minor trauma or overuse (from a traditional use perspective)
2. Rub-On Oil – Not a Heavy Cream
Because this is a liquid oil liniment, it spreads easily and can be massaged deeply into specific points or larger areas. Many people prefer this texture when they want:
- Hands-on massage into tight knots or bands of tension
- To layer a light cotton covering over the area (without wrapping tightly)
- A non-waxy, non-greasy feel that absorbs with massage
3. Hand-Selected by 1st Chinese Herbs
At 1st Chinese Herbs, we specialize in trusted, time-tested formulas used by herbal enthusiasts, acupuncturists, and natural health clinics.
- Working with herbal formulas since 1994
- GMP-manufactured brand (Bamboo Pharmacy) with drug facts label
- Batch-coded products sourced from respected suppliers
- Orders ship from Washington State, USA
When you buy this rub from 1st Chinese Herbs, you’re working with a company known for Chinese herb expertise, education, and long-term trust.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view, liniments like Shu Huan Zhi Tong You are often chosen when there is:
- Qi and blood stagnation in the channels and muscles
- Discomfort that feels fixed, sore, or stiff
- A desire to move circulation and gently warm or cool an area, depending on the blend
The herbal components in this rub are traditionally used to:
- Move blood and support healthy circulation (Hong Hua / safflower, Ru Xiang / frankincense, Mo Yao / myrrh)
- Dispel wind-damp and support joints and muscles (Du Huo, Angelica pubescens, Ligusticum chuanxiong)
- Open the orifices and awaken the area (Bing Pian / borneol, menthol, camphor)
This description reflects historical and traditional TCM theory and is not a medical diagnosis or claim. Always consult your practitioner if you’re working with specific health conditions.
How to Use Relief & Recovery Relieving Rub
Basic Use (Per Label Instructions)
- Make sure the skin is clean, dry, and not broken.
- Apply a thin layer of the rub to the affected area.
- Massage gently until the oil is absorbed into the skin.
- Use up to 3–4 times daily, or as directed on the product label.
Do not:
- Apply to open wounds, broken, or inflamed skin
- Use with a heating pad
- Wrap the area tightly (no occlusive bandaging)
- Get it into your eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes
Where People Commonly Apply It
- Neck and shoulders after long hours at a computer
- Lower back after house or yard work
- Knees, calves, or thighs after walking or exercise
- Forearms, elbows, or wrists after repetitive work
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying to avoid accidentally getting product into the eyes.
Who Might Consider This Rub?
Often Chosen By People Who:
- Prefer a rub-on herbal oil instead of a heavy cream or patch
- Use TCM-inspired liniments as part of their wellness routine
- Are looking for a topical option to support minor muscle discomfort from daily life
- Want something convenient to keep in a gym bag, travel kit, or desk drawer
Who Should Talk with a Healthcare Provider First?
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with very sensitive skin or a history of topical reactions
- People who are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates
- People using other topical products on the same area
- Anyone under a doctor’s care for ongoing pain conditions
If any uncertainty arises, it’s always wise to check with your licensed healthcare practitioner before use.
How Relief & Recovery Compares
| Option | Texture | Main Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relief & Recovery Pain Relieving Rub | Liquid oil liniment | Deep-tissue massage, circulation support, minor aches & strains | Those who like traditional Chinese liniments with modern analgesic actives |
| Typical menthol-based cream | Thicker cream/gel | Cooling sensation only | Quick application without much massage |
| Herbal teas and internal formulas | Internal use | Body-wide support from a TCM perspective | Working with a practitioner for whole-body patterns |
Many customers use Relief & Recovery topically while also exploring Chinese herbs for joint and muscle support with their practitioner.
Why Buy From 1st Chinese Herbs?
- Trusted since 1994: Decades of experience specializing in Chinese herbs and formulas.
- Herbal education: We provide in-depth guides, how-to articles, and herb explanations so you know what you’re buying.
- Carefully selected brands: We choose products from manufacturers that follow GMP standards and offer clear, transparent labeling.
- Supportive customer service: Our team is happy to help you find the right herbs and herbal accessories for your wellness goals.
When you choose Relief & Recovery from 1st Chinese Herbs, you’re working with a company that understands TCM traditions, modern quality expectations, and what real customers need from their herbal products.
Ready to add this to your wellness toolkit?
Scroll to the top of the page to select your quantity and click Add to Cart. Keep Relief & Recovery on hand for the next time your muscles and joints need some extra support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Relief & Recovery Rub an herbal supplement?
A: No. Relief & Recovery is a topical external analgesic liniment with a drug facts label, designed for use on the skin only. It is not taken internally and is not a dietary supplement.
Q: Can I use this rub every day?
A: Follow the label directions and do not apply more than the recommended number of times per day. If discomfort lasts more than 7 days, worsens, or returns after a few days, stop use and speak with your healthcare provider.
Q: Can I use it with a heating pad or tight wrap?
A: No. Do not bandage the area tightly and do not use with a heating pad. Both can increase absorption and may lead to irritation.
Q: Is this safe for children?
A: Always follow the age guidelines on the product label and consult a pediatrician before using any topical pain-relieving product on children.
Q: Can I use Relief & Recovery at the same time as oral pain relievers?
A: Many people use topical and oral products together, but because every situation is different, it is best to check with your prescribing provider or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Q: Does this replace medical care?
A: No. This product is intended for temporary relief of minor aches and pains. Persistent, severe, or unexplained pain should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always read and follow the directions on the product label and consult your licensed healthcare provider with any questions about your individual health situation.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-massage
