Post by Jen on Dec 3, 2006 16:43:23 GMT 1
Making Ointments
Ointmets contain oils or fats heated with Herbs and, unlike creams, contain no water. As a result, ointmets 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 haemorrhoids or where protection is needed form moisture, as in chapped lips and nappy rash.
Ointments can be made with dozens of bases and they vary in consistency, depending on the constituents and proportions used. The easiest way to make a soft all purpose ointment is to use petroleum jelly.
Petroleum jelly is impermeable to water and provides a protective barrier for the skin. Herbs can be added and used as required, provided they are finely cut, and essential oil can be stirred in.
A solid and relatively grease free ointment will spread easily and is useful for preparations such as lip balms. These may be made using alternatives to mineral oils. Melt 140g of Coconut oil with 120g of beeswax and 100g of powdered herb. Simmer gently for 90 mins over a double boiler. Strain through a muslin of coffee filter, squeezing as much of the herb mixture as possible. Pour into clean, sterilised jars and label.
A less solid ointment, for conditions such as skin rashes, may be made by combining Olive oil and beeswax. Melt 60g of beeswax with 500ml Olive oil and 120g of dried or 300g of fresh Herb and repeat as above.
Of course it ¡s always fun to experiment with different bases and to find out which works best. I like to use a combination of Olive oil, Shea butter, beeswax and Coconut oil. But the possibilities are endless.
Making Creams
Making a cream involves combining oil or fat and water in an emulsion. If the process is rushed, the oil and water will separate. Unlike ointments, creams blend with the skin and have the advantage of being cooling and soothing while at the same time allowing the skin to breath and sweat naturally.
They can, however deteriorate quite quickly and are best stored in dark, airtight jars in the fridge.
Small quantities of additional ingredients such as tinctures, powders and essential oils can be added to a cream before or after it is put in jars and adding an essential oil such as 1 ml of Tea tree counters mould growth and lengthens shelf life, as does 5 ml of borax.
Melt 150 g of emulsifying wax in a bowl over a double boiler. Add 70 g glycerine, 80 ml of water and Herbs whilst stirring and simmer for 3 hours. Strain through a muslin or coffee filter and stir continuously until it cools and sets. Spoon into jars, label and store.
Ointmets contain oils or fats heated with Herbs and, unlike creams, contain no water. As a result, ointmets 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 haemorrhoids or where protection is needed form moisture, as in chapped lips and nappy rash.
Ointments can be made with dozens of bases and they vary in consistency, depending on the constituents and proportions used. The easiest way to make a soft all purpose ointment is to use petroleum jelly.
Petroleum jelly is impermeable to water and provides a protective barrier for the skin. Herbs can be added and used as required, provided they are finely cut, and essential oil can be stirred in.
A solid and relatively grease free ointment will spread easily and is useful for preparations such as lip balms. These may be made using alternatives to mineral oils. Melt 140g of Coconut oil with 120g of beeswax and 100g of powdered herb. Simmer gently for 90 mins over a double boiler. Strain through a muslin of coffee filter, squeezing as much of the herb mixture as possible. Pour into clean, sterilised jars and label.
A less solid ointment, for conditions such as skin rashes, may be made by combining Olive oil and beeswax. Melt 60g of beeswax with 500ml Olive oil and 120g of dried or 300g of fresh Herb and repeat as above.
Of course it ¡s always fun to experiment with different bases and to find out which works best. I like to use a combination of Olive oil, Shea butter, beeswax and Coconut oil. But the possibilities are endless.
Making Creams
Making a cream involves combining oil or fat and water in an emulsion. If the process is rushed, the oil and water will separate. Unlike ointments, creams blend with the skin and have the advantage of being cooling and soothing while at the same time allowing the skin to breath and sweat naturally.
They can, however deteriorate quite quickly and are best stored in dark, airtight jars in the fridge.
Small quantities of additional ingredients such as tinctures, powders and essential oils can be added to a cream before or after it is put in jars and adding an essential oil such as 1 ml of Tea tree counters mould growth and lengthens shelf life, as does 5 ml of borax.
Melt 150 g of emulsifying wax in a bowl over a double boiler. Add 70 g glycerine, 80 ml of water and Herbs whilst stirring and simmer for 3 hours. Strain through a muslin or coffee filter and stir continuously until it cools and sets. Spoon into jars, label and store.
