Unscented lotion and ointments make ideal basis for healing herbs, when you need to apply them externally. Homemade ointments and lotions provide a neutral base for herbal preparation and a convenient way of applying herbs to the skin. Add antiseptic herbs to treat cuts in graces or anti-inflammatory herbs to soothe skin complaints.
Choosing the most suitable herbal remedy
Ointments contain natural fats dissolved in oil. They sit on the skin and are excellent for the first aid. Lotions can be creamy or liquid. Creamy lotions combine oil or fat and water in an emulsion that blends into the skin. Liquid lotions are simply cold infusions or decoctions of herbs that are applied externally and are most suitable for use in compresses. Choose the most suitable form of lotion or ointment for your ailment to ensure you gain the full benefit of the herbs you use.
Making your own lotions and ointments
Preparing lotions and ointments is easy and economical, requiring few ingredients and no specialist materials.
Beeswax ointment recipe
1. Place for tablespoons of sunflower oil and 1 teaspoon of grated beeswax into a heat proof bowl.
2. in a separate bowl, place for tablespoons of strained herbal infusion or decoction. Place both balls in a roasting pan and fill with water, ensuring that the water does not overflow into the bowls.
3. Place the pan in a hot oven. When the water boils, turn down the heat. Remove the pan after the beeswax melts.
4. Allow to cool slightly for easier handling. Slowly pour the infusion into the oil and wax, whisking with a hand whisk or blender. Pour into a screw top dark glass jar.
Melt the beeswax and sunflower oil in the oven at the same time as you warm the decoction or infusion.
Making an Herbal lotion
1. Place 2 teaspoons of grated or finely chopped beeswax and 1/2 cup of and refined olive oil into a heatproof basin.
2. Place the ball in a pan of water. Gently bring the water to a boil and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the beeswax melts.
3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of chopped herbs to the ointment.
4. Pour the mixture into screw top paralyzed, dark glass jars before the ointment sets.
5. Wait until the mixture cools before tightening the lid.
How to make a healing calendula ointment
Pour 2 cups of extra virgin olive oil onto 2 cups of your chosen herbal ingredient, for example dried marigold flowers (calendula) Rosemary or thyme. Mix them together in a large glass bowl.
Stand the mixing bowl in a roasting pan filled with water. Place the pan in an oven preheated to 400°F for approximately 2 hours.
After this, cover the mixture with a dish towel or lid and allow it to stand in a warm place, such as near a radiator or water heater, for a week. Strain the mixture retaining the liquid.
Gently heat 3 teaspoons of beeswax in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water until the wax has melted.
Slowly pour the strained herbal oil into the melted wax and combine the two. Pour the claimant into screw top, sterilized dark glass jars.
A soothing calendula ointment is antiseptic for cuts and soothes eczema and other skin complaints.
A Rose Marie ointment will provide antibacterial and antiseptic protection.
A lavender ointment is antimicrobial.
The herb you choose to add to your ointment will depend on the type of ailment you wish to cure.
