A bottle of traditional Dit Da Jow can last a long time if you look after it properly. Store it badly and it can leak, spill, evaporate or end up where it shouldn’t, such as in the hands of a curious child. This article is a practical guide to storing and looking after your Dit Da Jow or other herbal herbal massage liquid, including how to use a spray cap and what to do when travelling.
Why storage matters
Dit Da Jow is made by steeping herbs in alcohol. That makes it:
- Volatile: the alcohol can evaporate if the bottle isn’t sealed properly.
- Flammable: it should be kept away from heat and naked flames.
- Staining: the dark liquid can mark fabric, wood and some surfaces.
- Not for swallowing: it’s for external use only and must be kept away from children.
Good storage takes care of all four.
Where to keep the bottle
- Somewhere cool. Avoid radiators, windowsills in direct sun and hot cars.
- Somewhere dark. A cupboard is ideal.
- Upright. This reduces the risk of leaks.
- Tightly closed. Always replace the cap straight after use.
- Out of reach of children. A high cupboard or a locked cabinet is best.
- Away from food. Don’t store it in a kitchen cupboard where it might be confused with something edible.
Using an atomiser spray cap
Many students find it easier to apply herbal massage liquid with a spray cap than by pouring it into their hand. Our atomiser spray cap fits onto the bottle and delivers a fine mist directly onto the skin.
Benefits
- Less mess and fewer spills.
- Better control over how much you use, so the bottle lasts longer.
- Easier to apply to awkward areas such as the forearms or shins.
- Less herbal massage liquid on your hands, so less to wash off.
Looking after the cap
- Screw it on firmly and check it’s seated straight before you put the bottle in a bag.
- Wipe the nozzle after use so herbal residue doesn’t dry in it.
- If it starts to sputter or clog, remove it and flush the mechanism by spraying a little warm water through it, then let it dry before refitting.
- Keep the original screw lid. If you’re travelling or storing a bottle for a long time, the solid lid is the better seal.
Labelling
If you decant herbal massage liquid into a smaller bottle for your kit bag, label it clearly. Include what it is, that it’s for external use only and that it should be kept away from children. It’s also sensible to keep the original bottle, with its label and instructions, at home.
If you have more than one herbal massage liquid, such as our standard Dit Da Jow and our Iron Palm jow, label them clearly so you don’t mix them up.
In your kit bag
- Use a small, leak-proof bottle.
- Put it in a sealed plastic bag in case of leaks.
- Keep it upright if possible.
- Don’t leave your kit bag in a hot car for long periods.
Travelling
Because it’s alcohol-based, herbal massage liquid may be subject to airline restrictions on liquids and flammable items. Check the rules with your airline before flying. For car travel, keep it upright and secure, and away from direct heat.
Shelf life
Many traditional practitioners believe Dit Da Jow improves with age, and our own herbal massage liquids are aged for over twelve months before bottling. Once opened, a well-sealed bottle stored in a cool, dark place should keep well. If the liquid ever smells unusual or looks very different from when you bought it, don’t use it.
Cleaning up spills
Accidents happen. If you spill herbal massage liquid, wipe it up straight away with a damp cloth, then wash the area with warm soapy water. On fabric, rinse the stain in cold water as soon as possible and wash as normal; older stains can be stubborn. Open a window if the smell is strong, and remember that the liquid is flammable until it has fully evaporated. Keep a small old towel in your kit bag for application, so your good kit stays clean.
A quick checklist
- Cap on tight after every use.
- Stored upright, cool and dark.
- Well out of children’s reach.
- Clearly labelled if decanted.
One last reminder
However you store it, it’s an alcohol-based herbal massage liquid for external use only, so treat it like any other flammable household product and keep it where children can’t reach it. For how to use it once it’s out of the cupboard, see how to apply Dit Da Jow.
Our herbal massage liquids
We make three herbal massage liquids in-house in Halesowen: Dit Da Jow, Iron Palm jow and a 50/50 blend. You can read more about them on our traditional herbal massage liquids page. Questions? Get in touch on 07821 126 685.
Sifu Alan Bagley, Wing Chun Halesowen