Ointment
- Preparation method
- 4 steps
- 1 herb prepared this way
Ointments contain oils or fats heated with herbs and, unlike creams, contain no water. As a result, ointments form a separate layer on the surface of the skin. They protect against injury or inflammation of damaged skin and carry active medicinal constituents, such as essential oils, to the affected area. Ointments are useful in conditions such as hemorrhoids or where protection is needed from moisture, as in chapped lips and diaper rash.
Quantity
60 g dried or 150 g fresh herb (or mixture of herbs) to 500 g of petroleum jelly or soft paraffin wax.
Steps
- Melt the petroleum jelly or wax in a glass bowl set in a pan of boiling water, or use a double boiler. Add the finely cut herb and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Pour the herb mixture into a jelly bag secured to the rim of a jug with string, and allow the liquid to filter through.
- Wearing rubber gloves, squeeze as much of the hot herb mixture as possible through the bag into the jug
- Quickly pour the molten ointment into jars before it sets in the jug. Place the lid on each jar without securing it firmly. When cool, tighten the lids and label.
Traditional amounts
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Apply a little 3 times a day.
Storage
Store in sterilized, dark glass jars with lids for up to 3 months.
Put it to use
Herbs traditionally prepared this way
1 herb whose traditional preparation text names this method.
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