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Herbal Ointment Print E-mail

How to Make Herbal Oils & Ointments

The essential oils of most aromatic herbs contain the active ingredients that are beneficial in medicines. Steam distillation is done commercially to extract the oils, and these oils are much stronger than concoctions made at home, so adjust accordingly if you are using a prepared herbal oil.

 

To make your own herbal oils and ointments, combine about 4 ounces of the fresh (or 2 ounces of dried) herb with 1 pint of olive, safflower, or other pure vegetable oil. Heat gently, uncovered, for about one hour. For oil, strain and bottle when cooled. For a thicker ointment, add 1 to 1-1/2 ounces of beeswax to the mixture as it heats. Let cool and bottle appropriately.

 

Occasionally, lard is used instead of the vegetable oils. If your recipe calls for this, use 2 ounces of fresh herb (or 1 ounce of dried) in 3/4 pound of fat. Heat slowly, and when the herbs have broken down, strain and let the mixture set. Again, beeswax can be added while the mixture is still warm for a firmer ointment.

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Herbal Lore

The name "salvia"comes from the Latin root word for salvation. Sage earned this name because it was considered so powerful a remedy that if could save people from illness and even death. The Romans called sage, "herba sacra" or sacred herb.

Wise Tips

Choose only the best leaves and flowers for drying, and discard any that are going brown, or have been damaged by insects. Snip off the leaves and flowers carefully with scissors to avoid damaging the plant. Gather your herbs on a day without rain so the leaves and flowers dry quickly and are less likely to go mouldy.

This information is solely for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor.  Be aware that many of the techniques and remedies published on this site have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Use of these remedies in connection with other medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you read on naturalmedications.com.