Last week, in the span of one day, three of my children needed a bandage for some reason. With six children who love to climb, jump and live in their tree house, this is a common phenomenon. I decided to find a natural ointment option to use instead of conventional ointments like Neosporin.
How to use a healing balm
I'm not a fan of Neosporin because it's petroleum jelly based. Plus, there are plenty of natural options that work just as well.
My homemade healing ointment (or “boo lotion,” depending on the kids) is helpful on cuts, bruises, stings, poison ivy, and skin irritations. It also helps with diaper rash and skin irritations in babies. For cloth diapers, be sure to cover them with a disposable liner first.
This herbal healing ointment is also great for eczema, scrapes, abrasions and insect bites. And it moisturizes dry skin and cuticles. If there is a problem and it concerns your skin, this healing ointment is likely to help you.
Healing ointment herbs
So how can we make so much balm? The medicinal herbs here are naturally antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and astringent. This makes it perfect for any herbalist first aid kit.
- Echinacea – Antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. May help prevent the spread of infections caused by snakes and venomous insects. Good for burns. Endangered in the wild, so choose cultivated sources (or grow your own!).
- Comfrey – Nicknamed bone knitting for its ability to heal broken bones so quickly. Stimulates tissue repair for rapid healing. Used for sprains, swelling and bruises, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic.
- Plantain – Nicknamed “Indian Band-Aid” by the Cherokee. Good for bites, stings, cuts and scrapes, poison ivy and sunburn. A plantain poultice helps remove splinters and stingers. Stimulates collagen growth for faster wound healing.
- Calendula – Anti-inflammatory, astringent (tightens loose tissues), antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Used for cuts, burns, diaper rash, bites, sprains, bruises, rashes, sunburns, abrasions and slow healing wounds.
- Yarrow – Helps restore stagnant or congested blood circulation while helping to stop bleeding. A vulnerary, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent and pain reliever.
- Rosemary – Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal. Shows positive results against drug-resistant infections. Stimulates blood flow to the area and relieves muscle pain and inflamed joints. Also good for wounds, bruises, sores, eczema and sprains.
Note on comfrey
Because comfrey can heal skin so quickly, it is important to use it with other herbs. You don't want the skin to heal so quickly that it seals off the infection. By using antimicrobial herbs like rosemary and echinacea, it helps prevent this problem.
Other ingredients
You can also add lavender essential oil or tea tree oil for additional skin benefits. Lavender is a natural antihistamine, so it's great for soothing itchy and stinging skin. Tea tree is a powerful antifungal and also provides soothing relief from itching. You can use any skin-friendly essential oil blend you prefer. Frankincense, chamomile, and helichrysum are other options.
It's easy to prepare and some ingredients even grow in your yard during the summer. One of the herbs I use is plantain, which grows in most of the United States and is excellent for the skin. You may also be able to find yarrow growing wild in your area. All of the herbs above are useful for many things and some can also be used internally or in food.
Almost any liquid oil will work in this recipe, but I usually use olive oil. If you are using coconut oil, you may want to reduce the beeswax a bit, otherwise it may become too harsh in cooler temperatures. Sunflower oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil are other options.
Choose your container
The ointment stores well in metal cans or in a glass jar. I prefer boxes for easy travel and I don't have to worry about a glass jar breaking. Lip balm tubes are another great option. This makes it really wearable and easy to apply.
Healing Balm Recipe
This healing ointment is a natural alternative to antibiotic ointments. Great for all kinds of cuts, scrapes, rashes and more.
Yield: 2 cups
Infuse the herbs
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Combine the olive oil and herbs in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and let sit for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking daily. This option does not work well with coconut oil.
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OR heat the olive oil (or other oil) and herbs over low heat in a bain-marie for 3 hours (low heat!) until the oil is very green.
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Another option is to put the herbs and oil in mason jars with lids. Place in a bain-marie in a slow cooker set to low heat and leave to infuse for at least 24 hours. Refill water in slow cooker as needed.
Make the balm
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Pour the oil through cheesecloth and strain the herbs. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible.
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Compost the herbs.
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Mix the infused oil and beeswax in a double boiler.
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Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the wax is melted.
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Add essential oils if desired.
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Pour into small jars, glass jars or lip balm tubes and use as needed.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
Storage and shelf life
This healing ointment lasts a year or more when stored properly, so I make it in large batches. However, you can reduce the size if necessary. I always keep it on hand when gardening for skin irritations and insect bites. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat.
Adding a little vitamin E helps extend shelf life and prevents oils from going rancid as quickly.
Have you ever made your own salves? Share below!
