Astringent Ointment
This astringent ointment is very useful at treating everything from Acne to hemorrhoids. Anywhere you have any type of skin erruption is the place you can use this ointment.
Ingredients:
Instructions for making the infused oil:
Natural Solar infusion method:
In a quart mason jar, thoroughly mix the plant material and the oil. Cover the jar and place in a sunny spot for a month or so. Strain your oil, return to the cleaned jar and store in the refrigerator until needed.
Crock Pot Method: (My favorite)
Add the plant material and the oil to a crock pot. Mix thoroughly, set the dial to its lowest setting, and allow to heat uncovered for 12 hours. After this time has elapsed, place the cover on the crock pot and turn the switch to off. Allow the pot to sit covered until the following morning. Then turn the crock pot once again to its lowest setting, remove the cover, and allow to heat uncovered for an additional 12 hours. Once this time has elapsed, allow the oil to cool enough that you can touch it without burning yourself, and then strain the plant material out. Now place the strained infused oil into a pint-sized mason jar and store it in the refrigerator until needed. (When straining my infused oils, I place a coffee filter into a fine metal sieve, and set the sieve over a glass bowl. I then pour the mixture into the strainer, and let it sit until all the oil has drained. Once it appears that it has completely drained, you will notice that there is much less than the 6 ounces of oil you started with. I usually take a large wooded spoon, or something else heavy, and pack the mixture into the strainer. I am always surprised how much oil is still released from the plant material. You can expect to yield approximately 15-16 ounces by weight of your infused oil)
Instructions for turning the oil into an ointment:
I have found a 5:1 ration by weight of infused oil to bees wax yields the best consistency of ointment. In a medium saucepan, heat 15 ounces, by weight, of your previously prepared infused oil over low heat. When the oil is hot enough, stir in 3 ounce of grated bees wax. When the wax is completely dissolved, dip the back of a clean cold spoon into the mixture. Allow it to cool and solidify. If you find the ointment is too hard, add a little more oil, if you find it is too soft, add a little more bees wax, until you reach your desired consistency. To make an even more luxurious feeling ointment, before it cools, try adding 2 tablespoons of lanolin to your ointments. If you are anything like me, you will love the luxurious texture, and soothing effect it has on your skin.
Comfrey Ointment
Testimonial I stumbled onto your website a couple of months ago and read your page on the effects of comfrey healing ointment. My 2 1/2 yr old son has been suffering from eczema since he was 3 months old and over the last year, his hands and feet have been dry, cracking and bleeding. Nothing we've done have helped his skin heal until we tried your comfrey ointment recipe. |
This ointment is wonderfully healing. I have never used anything remotely like it. I have a friend who is a Registered Nurse. She has said on more than one occasion how she wishes she could take it to the hospital with her, but that is not allowed. She received a patient from an extended care facility who had horrific bed sores. They would not respond to anything she applied. She was so upset that she could not make use wonderful ointment to ease that poor woman's suffering. The last thing the drug manufacturer's want is to lose their lucrative monopoly.
I would highly recommend making it for yourself, and keeping it handy. If you and your family are anything like me and mine, you will turn to it quite often.
The photos below show the results of using an ointment made from comfrey, plantain, and chickweed. I started by simmering comfrey, plantain, and chickweed in olive oil over a very low heat, for the better part of a day. I then thickened the oil with bees wax, and keep an enormous jar of it in the refrigerator. We use it on all manner of cuts, scrapes, and skin ailments.
Comfrey and Plantain both contain a compound called Allantoin, which is a natural cell regenerator. This stuff is amazing. I had a torn Achilles tendon, which the doctors said would have me down for about 6 - 8 weeks. I was up and walking without the aid of a brace or crutches in a week, and I was completely healed in 2-½ weeks.
I have a problem with dry cracking skin on the soles of my feet. they get so dry, and crack so badly that they begin to bleed. Unfortunately on December 23, 2010, I was trying to remove the dead skin, and made a mess of things. As you can see by the before picture, I had large raw, bleeding areas. I decided to treat it with my healing ointment, and see what happened. After a day and a half, the raw areas had skinned over, and had begun to heal in earnest.
I am sorry about the focus of a couple of the pictures. I should have paid more attention to the photography.
This photo was taken 12/23/2010 at 22:46
You can see, I applied the ointment liberally.
I then covered it with a band-aid. I changed the band-aid, and re-applied the ointment each morning and evening
This picture was taken 12/25/2010 at 21:23. That is approximately 46-½ hours of treatment.
Comfrey Ointment Recipe
Ingredients:
Instructions for making an infused oil:
Natural Solar infusion method:
In a quart mason jar, thoroughly mix the plant material and the oil. Cover the jar and place in a sunny spot for a month or so. Strain your oil, return to the cleaned jar and store in the refrigerator until needed.
Crock Pot Method: (My favorite)
Add the plant material and the oil to a crock pot. Mix thoroughly, set the dial to its lowest setting, and allow to heat uncovered for 12 hours. After this time has elapsed, place the cover on the crock pot and turn the switch to off. Allow the pot to sit covered until the following morning. Then turn the crock pot once again to its lowest setting, remove the cover, and allow to heat uncovered for an additional 12 hours. Once this time has elapsed, allow the oil to cool enough that you can touch it without burning yourself, and then strain the plant material out. Now place the strained infused oil into a pint-sized mason jar and store it in the refrigerator until needed. (When straining my infused oils, I place a coffee filter into a fine metal sieve, and set the sieve over a glass bowl. I then pour the mixture into the strainer, and let it sit until all the oil has drained. Once it appears that it has completely drained, you will notice that there is much less than the 6 ounces of oil you started with. I usually take a large wooded spoon, or something else heavy, and pack the mixture into the strainer. I am always surprised how much oil is still released from the plant material. You can expect to yield approximately 15-16 ounces by weight of your infused oil)
Instructions for turning the oil into an ointment:
I have found a 5:1 ration by weight of infused oil to bees wax yields the best consistency of ointment. In a medium saucepan, heat 15 ounces, by weight, of your previously prepared infused oil over low heat. When the oil is hot enough, stir in 3 ounce of grated bees wax. When the wax is completely dissolved, dip the back of a clean cold spoon into the mixture. Allow it to cool and solidify. If you find the ointment is too hard, add a little more oil, if you find it is too soft, add a little more bees wax, until you reach your desired consistency. To make an even more luxurious feeling ointment, before it cools, try adding 2 tablespoon3 of lanolin to your ointments. If you are anything like me, you will love the luxurious texture, and soothing effect it has on your skin.
Dosage:
Apply topically as needed
Soothing & Healing Plantain and Jewelweed Ointment
The following recipe is for a very soothing Jewelweed and Plantain ointment. It combines the soothing properties of Jewelweed with the healing and antiviral properties of Plantain. I carry a small jar of this ointment in one of the pockets of my cargo pants every single day. I cannot tell you how often I use it. It not only heals any skin abrasion or irritation, it also immediately alleviates any itching. I have found it to be highly effective when applied to the rash resulting from poison ivy and or poison oak contact. The luxurious feeling of the Lanolin, and the soothing nature of the Jewelweed also make it a wonderful daily moisturizer.
I would highly recommend making it for yourself, and keeping it handy. If your and your family are anything like me and mine, you will turn to it quite often.
Ingredients:
(The methyl salicylate in the Wintergreen also acts as an analgesic.)
Instructions for making the infused oil:
Natural Solar infusion method:
In a quart mason jar, thoroughly mix the plant material and the oil. Cover the jar and place in a sunny spot for a month or so. Strain your oil, return to the cleaned jar and store in the refrigerator until needed.
Crock Pot Method: (My favorite)
Add the plant material and the oil to a crock pot. Mix thoroughly, set the dial to its lowest setting, and allow to heat uncovered for 12 hours. After this time has elapsed, place the cover on the crock pot and turn the switch to off. Allow the pot to sit covered until the following morning. Then turn the crock pot once again to its lowest setting, remove the cover, and allow to heat uncovered for an additional 12 hours. Once this time has elapsed, allow the oil to cool enough that you can touch it without burning yourself, and then strain the plant material out. Now place the strained infused oil into a pint-sized mason jar and store it in the refrigerator until needed. (When straining my infused oils, I place a coffee filter into a fine metal sieve, and set the sieve over a glass bowl. I then pour the mixture into the strainer, and let it sit until all the oil has drained. Once it appears that it has completely drained, you will notice that there is much less than the 6 ounces of oil you started with. I usually take a large wooded spoon, or something else heavy, and pack the mixture into the strainer. I am always surprised how much oil is still released from the plant material. You can expect to yield approximately 15-16 ounces by weight of your infused oil)
Instructions for turning the oil into an ointment:
I have found a 5:1 ration by weight of infused oil to bees wax yields the best consistency of ointment. In a medium saucepan, heat 15 ounces, by weight, of your previously prepared infused oil over low heat. When the oil is hot enough, stir in 3 ounce of grated bees wax. When the wax is completely dissolved, dip the back of a clean cold spoon into the mixture. Allow it to cool and solidify. If you find the ointment is too hard, add a little more oil, if you find it is too soft, add a little more bees wax, until you reach your desired consistency. To make an even more luxurious feeling ointment, before it cools, try adding 2 tablespoon3 of lanolin to your ointments. If you are anything like me, you will love the luxurious texture, and soothing effect it has on your skin.
Dosage:
Apply topically as needed
Plantain Ointment
The photos below show the results of using an ointment made from Plantago major. I started by simmering fresh plantain leaves, which I picked from my yard, in olive oil over a very low heat, for the better part of a day. I then added Lanolin for a luxuriously soothing texture, and finally thickened the oil with bees wax. If kept refrigerated, this ointment will remain effective for quite a while. I use it on insect bites and stings, as well as all manner of cuts, scrapes, and skin ailments. The reason I use Plantago ointment rather than Comfrey ointment is because Comfrey heals much too fast. Now that statement may sound counter intuitive, but it makes sense when you think about it logically. Comfrey heals so quickly, that it heals from the outside in. This can be a bad thing if the would was not properly cleaned, in that it can seal impurities and infection into the cut. Plantago on the other hand also heals quickly, but it does so from the inside out, thus greatly reducing the chances of infection.
Plantago contains a compound called Allantoin, which is a natural cell regenerator. Plantago also contains the glycoside Aucubin. This compound is the plants natural defense against being eaten. You see if eaten, the Aucubin in Plantago prevents the cells of an herbivore from splitting and growing. Meaning they receive no nutritive value from eating this plant. While I cannot prove it, I believe this Aucubin is the reason why, for centuries, Plantago has been used as a natural antibiotic and antimicrobial. Viruses and bacteria often times have a relatively short life span; their virulence comes from their ability to replicate themselves quickly. If you can remove their ability to replicate you greatly reduce their virulence, and ultimately the length of an illness. Plantago has also been shown to be a superior antitoxin, and anti-venom. Many native Americans carried dried plantain as a remedy for snakebite. It is for these reasons that I turn to Plantago in either the fresh, or ointment form, whenever I have to treat an insect bite or sting.
The following images show what happened after my ex-wife was repeatedly stung by a wasp that had gotten into a pair of her sweat pants that she put on.
This photo was taken immediately after being stung. Her body immediately reacted to the stings; notice the red and swollen areas.
This photo of the same area was taken less than an hour later. Notice that all of the swelling, and most of the redness is completely gone.
The following images were taken during and after my son Stone's allergy skin test.
This photo was taken immediately following the test. As you can see, his histamine response was immediate and severe.
This photo was taken immediately after we returned home perhaps 15 minutes later. As you can plainly see, it immediately cleared up his histamine response.
I would highly recommend making it for yourself, and keeping it handy. If your and your family are anything like me and mine, you will turn to it quite often.
Recipe
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Natural Solar infusion method:
In a quart mason jar, thoroughly mix the plant material and the oil. Cover the jar and place in a sunny spot for a month or so. Strain your oil, return to the cleaned jar and store in the refrigerator until needed.
Crock Pot Method: (My favorite)
Add the plant material and the oil to a crock pot. Mix thoroughly, set the dial to its lowest setting, and allow to heat uncovered for 12 hours. After this time has elapsed, place the cover on the crock pot and turn the switch to off. Allow the pot to sit covered until the following morning. Then turn the crock pot once again to its lowest setting, remove the cover, and allow to heat uncovered for an additional 12 hours. Once this time has elapsed, allow the oil to cool enough that you can touch it without burning yourself, and then strain the plant material out. Now place the strained infused oil into a pint-sized mason jar and store it in the refrigerator until needed. (When straining my infused oils, I place a coffee filter into a fine metal sieve, and set the sieve over a glass bowl. I then pour the mixture into the strainer, and let it sit until all the oil has drained. Once it appears that it has completely drained, you will notice that there is much less than the 6 ounces of oil you started with. I usually take a large wooded spoon, or something else heavy, and pack the mixture into the strainer. I am always surprised how much oil is still released from the plant material. You can expect to yield approximately 15-16 ounces by weight of your infused oil)
Instructions for turning the oil into an ointment:
I have found a 5:1 ration by weight of infused oil to bees wax yields the best consistency of ointment. In a medium saucepan, heat 15 ounces, by weight, of your previously prepared infused oil over low heat. When the oil is hot enough, stir in 3 ounce of grated bees wax. When the wax is completely dissolved, dip the back of a clean cold spoon into the mixture. Allow it to cool and solidify. If you find the ointment is too hard, add a little more oil, if you find it is too soft, add a little more bees wax, until you reach your desired consistency. To make an even more luxurious feeling ointment, before it cools, try adding 2 tablespoon3 of lanolin to your ointments. If you are anything like me, you will love the luxurious texture, and soothing effect it has on your skin.
Dosage:
Apply topically as needed
Elderberry Syrup
This is a wonderfully healthful syrup that is meant to be taken at the first sign of cold. If you take it after the cold has taken hold, it is too late. However, if you catch it at first symptoms, it will probably stop you from getting sick.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Simmer 30 minutes, strain, and add honey/alcohol to preserve.
Dosage:
At the first sign of symptoms, take 1/2 tsp every 15 minutes for the first hour, and then every hour until symptoms subside.
This recipe was developed by Rosalee De La Foret
Jewelweed Vinegar
Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) grows in the wild, wet places in the eastern United States. The juice of the plant is a traditional remedy for all sorts of skin ailments. To use it, we simply crush the leaves and stems and rub the juice on itchy spots. To preserve and keep it handy, we make this vinegar.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Place jewelweed in a glass quart jar. Cover with vinegar, and seal with a plastic lid. You can leave the herb sit for about 4 weeks, strain and rebottle. This vinegar is excellent at alleviating any skin irritation or itch. You can also use it as a base carrier for antiseptic or insect-repellent essential oils, 10 drops to a one pint spray bottle. Vinegars will keep for about a year.
Dosage:
Apply topically as needed to alleviate skin irritation.
Antiseptic Insect Repellent Skin Oil
Oregano, thyme and tea tree oils are very strong and pungent oils, so we suggest a skin test first; if it burns when you apply it, dilute it further or don’t use it.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Add oil to a small clean bottle, preferably dark glass. Drop in the essential oils of your choice and shake well. Label and keep in a dark, cool place.
Dosage:
Apply topically as needed.
Insect Repellent Neat's-foot Oil
This is Tina’s recipe for applying to leather work boots, which conditions the boots and helps repel insects.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Add the essential oils to the neat’s-foot oil bottle and shake well. Apply to boots as directed on bottle.
Dosage:
Apply to footwear as needed
Gardener's Foot Powder
Keep your feet sweet while you work.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Put cornstarch and baking soda in a jar; add essential oils and stir.
Dosage:
Apply liberlly to feet and or socks as needed.
Herbal Insect Repellent Vinegar
I like to pour my vinegars into spray bottles for easy application.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Crush herbs with a mortar and pestle. Place herbs in a glass quart jar and cover with vinegar. Use a plastic lid to seal the jar (vinegar corrodes metal). Shake every day for 3 to 7 days. Filter vinegar within a week and use within the year.
Dosage:
Apply topically as needed.
Antiseptic Essential Oils and Herbs
Astringent Herbs
An astringent herb dries tissue and reduces discharge and secretions. Most astringents contain tannins.
Insect-Repellent Oils and Herbs
Dilute these oils in a carrier, such as vinegar, witch hazel or a skin nourishing oil (olive, almond, grapeseed, sesame or walnut) to deter mosquitoes, chiggers, gnats, ticks and biting flies.