Diy balsamic ointment: recipe and preparation
Published on February 23, 2022 - Aromatherapy
Welcome back!
Today, I’ll tell you how to prepare a balsamic ointment for use on chilly days in case of headaches and nasal congestion. You can apply it under your feet, on your chest and back, on your temples, or simply inhale its soothing aroma.
It will help ease tension in your head and facilitate better breathing during the night, providing you with significant relief.
The ointment is primarily a formulation rich in fats, with a very low water content or, more often, it is made completely without water, namely, anhydrous.
This is because ointments usually have a skin-repairing function, and due to the prevalence of fats, they are particularly useful for dry skin in need of hydration and nourishment.
Once applied to the skin, the ointment is not immediately absorbed but creates a layer on the surface that retains moisture, preventing the skin from drying out. In this case, it’s referred to as indirect hydration.
The ointment doesn’t require preservatives, as its composition doesn’t promote the growth of microorganisms.
Important reminder: Due to the presence of essential oils with specific characteristics, it is not recommended to use this ointment on children.
Ingredients for the balsamic ointment:
You will need:
- 30 grams Sweet Almond Oil
- 5 grams Castor Oil
- 5 grams Shea Butter
- 9 grams Beeswax
- 10 drops Thyme ct Thymol essential oil
- 10 drops Cajeput essential oil
- 3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
- 3 drops Camphor essential oil
What are the characteristics of the essential oils used?
– Cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi Powell): also known as White Tea Tree, it boasts high antiseptic power. It has a calming effect on the body and is suitable for treating respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, cough, sore throat, and sinusitis.
– Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl): it has anti-inflammatory and balsamic properties and is used for rheumatic pains, muscle strains, and respiratory tract diseases.
– Thyme chemotype Thymol (Thymus vulgaris L.): thyme variety specific for upper respiratory tract issues.
– Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill): it has expectorant, antiseptic, and decongestant properties.
How to prepare the ointment:
- Weigh and melt the beeswax in a double boiler.
- Weigh the Shea Butter and melt it together with the beeswax.
- Add Almond and Castor oils, and mix thoroughly.
- Remove the mixture from the heat source and let it cool.
- Measure the temperature and when it’s below 40°C, add the essential oils.
- Transfer to a container and let it cool.
- Apply a label with ingredients and the creation date. It’s recommended to use the product within 3 months.
Dr. AMBRA CENTRA
Vice National Coordinator of CONELS
and Herbalist registered with RNEP No. GLT0057S
