There are dozens of ointments and creams available on the market. Many of them are made with synthetic or chemical ingredients and those with sensitive skin sometimes experience serious allergic reactions to these preparations. One good solution to this problem is to substitute homemade ointments to soothe your aches and pains. They're easy to make and have the potential to soothe your aches just as well as their commercial counterparts.
Ointment for Aching Joints
Many individuals suffer from aching joints, whether caused by work, arthritis, or some other type of illness. This natural ointment is designed to soothe those aches and pains.
Start by gathering 2/3 cup of avocado butter, 1 tbsp. of menthol crystals, 1 cup of sesame oil and some eucalyptus and lemon essential oils.
Mix the sesame seed oil and menthol in a double boiler, heat the mixture over moderate heat until the crystals melt. After the menthol melts, remove the mixture from the boiler and add the avocado butter, 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and 3 drops of lemon oil.
Stir the mixture until it is well blended and pour into small jars with lids for storage. Use as often as necessary to soothe your aching knees, back, shoulders, or any other painful joint area.
Ointment for Aching Muscles
Muscular aches and pains are not uncommon either, especially for those who work outside or play sports. This particular ointment is easy to make and is great for anyone who regularly seeks a way to ease muscle aches without taking oral medications.
Start by gathering camphor essential oil, peppermint essential oil, rosemary essential oil, 1 tsp. of menthol crystals, and 8 oz. of sesame oil.
Heat the oil and menthol crystals in a double boiler, until the crystals melt. Remove the mixture from the heat and add 5 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, 5 drops of rosemary essential oil, and 1/2 tsp. of camphor essential oil. Blend the ingredients thoroughly and store your oil in a bottle for easy application.
Healing Calendula Ointment
Calendula ointments are great for a wide variety of healing needs, especially when it comes to soothing the itch associated with bug stings or bites, soothing small cuts or relieving the pain associated with mild burns.
Making this ointment will take a couple of days but is simple to do. Start by making your own oil infused with calendula flowers. Place 32 oz. of olive oil in the top section of a double boiler and add 8 oz. of dried calendula petals and flowers. Bring the water in the double boiler to a simmer and allow it to simmer beneath the oil for an hour. Place a lid over the oil and flower mixture and it in a dark place until the next day. Refrigeration is not necessary. Repeat this once a day for three days. Strain the petals out of the mixture and store your infused oil in a dark colored bottle.
To make the actual ointment you'll need 3 oz. of beeswax, 2 oz. of cocoa butter, and a 1/2 tsp. of vitamin E oil in addition to your prepared calendula oil. Heat all of the ingredients, along with 8 ounces of your calendula oil, over a double boiler until everything is melted and blended together.
Remove the mixture from the heat and pour it into small pot-type jars and allow it to cool. If you want the ointment to last longer, store it in the refrigerator. Make a small batch at first to determine whether or not you like the consistency. If you'd like a softer ointment, reduce the amount of beeswax you use. If you'd like something firmer, add a little extra beeswax to your next batch.
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