There are many different types of Dit Da Jow formulas and liniments available for purchase, each with it's own healing and strengthening characteristics, some with herbs that are attuned to certain body tissues, or areas of the body and so on. In addition, there are low quality formulas in the market, some made improperly, made with low grade herbs or made from incomplete or improper combination of herbs. So, with all of these variations, how does one go about  selecting a Dit Da Jow formula? Below are some tips to help you on your search:

1. Look for a Dit Da Jow Formula that addresses your specific needs. Are you training hard and want to heal bruises and eliminate pain? Did you pull a muscle playing racquetball? You may be having pain in your neck and shoulders, or want to heal a hairline fracture on your foot.  Determine first what it is that you want Dit Da Jow to do for you.
2. Dit Da Jow Must Be Made from High Grade Herbs. The quality of the herbs is the key to an effective Dit Da Jow. Low grade herbs are cheaper and are used to keep costs down by many suppliers of Dit Da Jow. If possible, ensure that your supplier only uses high quality herbs.
3. Darkness, Murkiness or Sediment are NOT reliable indicators of High Quality Dit Da Jow. Darkness or coloration of Dit Da Jow is a based on the herbs that go into making it. Some will lighter, others darker. Sediment or floating particles show that the liniment was not filtered prior to bottling. This has nothing to do with strength or potency of the liniment. Filtered Dit Da Jow will not have heavy sediment or floating particles.
4. Dit Da Jow Must Be Aged Properly. Dit Da Jow potency increases with age. Aging occurs best before bottling, and is part of the production of a good Dit Da Jow. Make sure your Dit Da Jow is aged in years (1 year minimum), and that it was aged prior to being bottled.
5. The Bottle Makes a Difference. Dit Da Jow must only be made, aged and bottled in glass, ceramic or earthenware containers. Plastic should not be used under any circumstances. Suffice it to say that plastic is harmful to the formula and can be harmful to the user. Food grade, glass bottles, properly sealed are by far the best choice for most quality producers of Dit Da Jow.
6. The Formula must be from an Authentic Source. Authentic formulas have a history of use and effectiveness that validates their safe use. Sometimes, formulas are modified to fit your specific needs. These modifications should only be made by a qualified Chinese Herbologist who is experienced in Dit Da medicine. Before buying a Dit Da Jow, confirm its background and source.

The best way to esure that the above points are all covered and that you get the best formula possible is this: Find a reputable source, well known and trusted and with a high reputation. The source should offer a wide range of formulas for different needs, as there is no silver bullet. They should be able to answer your questions and be willing to take the time to provide information, background and  reasoning behind their recommendations. And remember, the biggest or most popular are not always the best.....

Shen Martial Arts - Dit Da Jow