The herb(s) used will vary, depending on the purpose of the ointment. For an effective ointment to help heal minor cuts, sores and minor burns, Marigold (Calendula) flowers or Comfrey Root may be used.
A quick, easy and simple way to make an ointment is to take the herb, dried or fresh, add about two teaspoons of the dried, two tablespoons of the fresh herb to four ounces, (one half cup) of Vaseline in a small stainless steel or non- metallic sauce pan. Melt the Vaseline and simmer the herb very gently on the lowest heat setting or the tiniest flame for about ten minutes, stirring well and constantly.
DO NOT LEAVE THIS MIXTURE ALONE FOR EVEN A MOMENT!
If the baby cries, REMOVE THE PAN FROM THE HEAT, go tend the child, when you return, reheat the oil. Any hot oil is highly flammable! Also be very careful to not toast or burn the herb.
Allow to cool a bit, filter through a fine stainless strainer, several layers of cheese-cloth or fine gauze. Press out all the liquid possible and pour the still warm liquid into a small clean jar with a well fitting lid.
Thats all there is to it.
Another old time method uses begins with a decoction of the desired herb or herbs in water. Simmer two teaspoons (or tablespoons, depending, dried or fresh herb) in a half to one cup of water for ten minutes. Filter as above, squeeze the herb residue to extract all possible liquid. Clean your sauce pan and return the liquid to the pan. Add a half to three quarters of a cup of almond or other light oil. Simmer all together, stirring constantly until all water is evaporated.
AGAIN, COOK ON THE LOWEST POSSIBLE HEAT SETTING AND DO NOT LEAVE THIS ALONE, ALL HOT OILS ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE!
Then add about two tablespoons of grated beeswax per half cup of oil, continue stirring until the wax has melted. Whip this mixture very well, adding a teaspoon of glycerin for smoothness and a pinch of gum benzoin (a couple of drops of the tincture) or a scant quarter teaspoon of Vitamin E oil to preserve freshness.
If the ointment is too stiff, warm and add some oil, if too liquid, add a little more beeswax.
I have used an adaptation of the old fashioned cold cream formula for an ointment or salve with pleasing results. Make the decoction as above and set aside, Keeping the liquid as hot as possible. In a double boiler, melt a scant four tablespoons of grated beeswax in the oil. When the wax has melted, add the hot decoction slowly, whisking or beating all the while. Add a quarter teaspoon of glycerin for smoothness (this will also help with the emulsion). A little gum benzoin or Vitamin E to help preserve freshness can be added also. Remove the top of the double boiler from the heat and set it into the sink or a large pot containing with cold water, continue whisking until cool. Spoon the cooled cream into a clean jar with a tight fitting lid. I use jelly jars for this.
The list of herbs that can be used is long, however Arnica flowers, (NOT for open wounds, bruises only), Chickweed, Comfrey Root, Cucumber, Elder Flower, Eucalyptus, Golden Seal, Lady's Mantle, Marigold (Calendula) flowers, Marshmallow Root, Plantain, Slippery Elm Bark, St. Johns Wort, Yarrow, and Woundwort are all particularly good for use in external healing mixtures.
For a stronger ointment add more herb. Echinacea can be added as a germicide or antibiotic.
I believe essential oils can be used in place of the fresh or dried herbs, however I have no experience using this approach.
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