HERBS FOR SKIN CARE: OINTMENTS

How to Make Ointments

Bee’s Wax 20 g, Oil 100 mis, Wheatgerm Oil 25mls, Essential Oils 1.5 mis Heat the oil and wax together, in a double saucepan. When the mixture melts take off the heat.

Before the mixture solidifies add essential oils and pour into jars. To speed up the cooling process place jars into a cold water bath. Then label and store in a cool place.

Optional – ltbsp., honey or 5 mis of vinegar can be added to ointments. Ointments to have in your medicine chest -

Papaya Ointment: can be used for age spots, boils, bums, eczema, psoriasis, skin disorders, sore nipples, wounds, insect bites, nappy rash. Guava ointment: arthritis, bums, eczema, gout, psoriasis, impetigo, itching, joint and muscular pain, rheumatism, scabies and wounds. Other beneficial ointments are arnica, calendula, thuja and St. John’s wort, (see herbs).

Creams

Creams are sometimes preferred to ointments as they are absorbed more readily into the skin. Where large areas of the skin are treated, creams are decidedly more convenient especially for sunburnt skin.