Classic over-the-counter antibacterial ointments are used to prevent infections and treat minor skin abrasions. They contain ingredients such as neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B, bacitracin, zinc, pramoxin or a combination of these (these ointments are sometimes referred to as "triple protection"), in a base consisting of petroleum jelly, cocoa butter, cottonseed oil and / or sodium pyruvate, tocopherol acetate. Some of these substances can cause allergic reactions or other side effects, even have negative interactions with other medicines. Also, many people avoid using petrolatum (like petroleum jelly) or other products on their skin. Thankfully, making a homemade antibacterial ointment using antifungal oils, anti-inflammatory dried herbs, antiseptic essential oils, and other natural ingredients is fun, easy, and effective.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Ingredients
Step 1. Choose the oils
Coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It should be the first ingredient, making up more or less half of the oil base (about ½ cup). However, it can be tough and difficult to work with, so you should also try to use ½ cup of another oil, such as olive, jojoba, or sweet almond.
Step 2. Choose the dried herbs
In total you will need about 2/3 of a cup. You can mix chamomile, calendula, symphite, lavender and / or plantain leaves. They are available in many health food stores, herbalists or online.
- Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, so it calms and heals the skin.
- Calendula (or marigold) is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It increases the blood supply to the affected area and promotes healing.
- The symphite is anti-inflammatory. Helps repair wounds and accelerates skin healing.
- Lavender is a natural antiseptic characterized by soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Plantain leaves are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Step 3. Choose essential oils
In addition to the dried herbs, you need to add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil, lavender oil, or both. Essential oils are substances extracted from plants characterized by many phytotherapeutic properties. Both tea tree oil and lavender oil are natural antiseptics with an anti-inflammatory function.
Essential oils can be found in many health food stores, health food stores or online
Step 4. Get the other ingredients
To make a homemade antibacterial ointment, the last (but not least) ingredient you need is beeswax (grated or in the form of balls). Raw honey and witch hazel are optional ingredients. They are all available in herbal medicine, natural products or holistic medicine stores.
- Beeswax protects the skin from irritants and promotes good air circulation in the affected area. In addition, it makes sure that the ointment maintains the right consistency.
- Witch hazel is a natural antiseptic. It cleans the affected area and helps speed up the healing process.
- Raw honey also has antibacterial properties, it also helps keep the affected area hydrated and creates a protective barrier that prevents infections.
Part 2 of 3: Getting the Ingredients and Tools You Need
Step 1. Get all the ingredients needed for the first recipe, which allows you to use whatever dried herb you want or have available
This recipe calls for the use of witch hazel water and beeswax, while essential oils are optional. To follow it, get and measure the following ingredients:
- ½ cup of coconut oil.
- ½ cup of olive, jojoba or sweet almond oil.
- ½ cup of dried herbs of your choice.
- 4 tablespoons of beeswax.
- 2 teaspoons of witch hazel water.
- 15 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil (optional).
Step 2. Get everything you need for the second recipe, which calls for dried lavender, dried calendula, raw honey and essential oils
To follow it, get and measure the following ingredients:
- ½ cup of coconut oil.
- ½ cup of olive oil.
- 1/3 cup of dried lavender.
- 1/3 cup of dried calendula.
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil.
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil.
- 4 tablespoons of beeswax.
Step 3. Get the tools you need to make the ointment
Whichever recipe you choose, you must follow the same procedure and you will need the same tools. For the preparation you will need cheesecloth (or a coffee pot filter), double boiler pots (or a glass / metal bowl to put in a pot of boiling water) and an airtight glass jar. At this point you can get started.
Part 3 of 3: Making the Antibacterial Ointment
Step 1. Mix the base oils and herbs dried in a double boiler (or by placing a glass / metal jar in a pot of water)
Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 2. Filter the herbs
Thirty minutes later, take a small bowl and place some cheesecloth (or a coffee pot filter) on it. Pour in the herbal oil solution and filter it with cheesecloth.
Step 3. Melt the sticky ingredients
Pour the infused oil into the pot you used for the double boiler (or glass / metal bowl). Now, add the beeswax and mix until it melts. If you are using raw honey, add it at this time.
Step 4. Leave to cool and add the last ingredients
Once the beeswax and honey (if you use it) have melted well, remove the solution from the heat and let it cool, then add the essential oils and witch hazel water (if you use it). Mix it well.
Step 5. Pour the mixture into a jar
Let it cool completely and pour it into an airtight jar. Keep it in a cool and dry place; it will last you up to a year.
Advice
- Before applying the ointment, clean all wounds with soap and water.
- After applying the ointment, cover the wounds with a clean bandage.
Warnings
- If you have a large, deep, or non-healing cut, see a doctor right away.
- If a cut does not improve or appears infected (more severe pain, swelling, localized redness or heat, red streaks radiating from the wound, pus, or fever), it's important to call your doctor.
- People with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or a weak immune system should pay particular attention to any signs of infection and seek immediate medical attention if worrying symptoms develop.
