How to Make Your Own Herbal Ointment

Making your own herbal ointment is a rewarding task. It's a bit challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it you won't even think about it.

I like to do this with aromatic herbs such as lavender or rose petals. It also works well with herbs like chickweed, which are used for skin problems. But if you're reading an herb book and you notice that an herb is good for a topical problem, just use that herb in the following recipe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup dried or 3/4 cup fresh herb of choice
• 1 cup oil such as almond oil (use whatever you have, but almond is one of the best)
• 1 1/2 tbsp. beeswax
• Essential oil (optional)
• Medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Sterilized ointment jar (or other glass jar)

1. Make sure the herbs you select are free from dirt, insects and mold before you make the ointment. If it's fresh and you rinsed it first, let the herb dry before making the ointment. It's best to use organic and not to wash it.

2. Make a double burner by putting 2 inches of water into the saucepan and place the mixing bowl over it. Set the heat at medium.

3. Place herbs in the double burner with the oil and let it sit for about 20 minutes. If water starts to boil, put the heat on low.

4. Strain out the herb when the time is up and transfer it back to the double burner setup. Add beeswax and heat until the wax has melted.

5. Transfer to the sterilized ointment jar (or other jar) and let it cool. Label it with the type of ointment and the date. It keeps longer if stored in the refrigerator.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use any herb or herb combination that you want.
• After transferring the ointment to the jar you can also gently stir in a few drops of essential oil.
• Get immediate medical attention if you experience an allergy.

[llparker]

on 10/29/2009 what a great idea!!!

[DiscountTickets]

on 9/23/2009 Wow, such a great herbal ointment recipe remedy, thanks for sharing.

[sankakku45]

on 9/2/2009 Great advice. I've been having trouble making a herbal rub with lanolin oil. I'll try to add the beeswax to make more of a balm. Mahaloz...

[cherry67]

on 8/14/2009 awesome I always use ointments from nature-burt's bees and a few others have bene stocked away in draws and cabinets-thanks for this-probably save money too

[mlmpizzaz]

on 8/11/2009 This is great info. I love natural healing.