Liniment/ˈlɪnəmənt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Topical Use Liniment is meant to be applied on the skin, not taken by mouth. Remember to rub the liniment on the area where you feel pain. Pro Tip 2/3Physical Relief Liniments are typically used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains. After spraining my ankle, I found relief using a cooling liniment. Pro Tip 3/3Hands-on Application Usually, one applies liniment with their hands, enabling massage to the sore area. He gently massaged the liniment into the strained muscles.