Post by MyShell on Oct 29, 2003 19:12:11 GMT -5
The essential oils of most aromatic herbs contain the active ingredients that are beneficial in medicines. Steam distillation is done commercially to extract the oils, and these oils are much stronger than concoctions made at home, so adjust accordingly if you are using a prepared herbal oil.
To make your own herbal oils and ointments, combine about 4 ounces of the fresh (or 2 ounces of dried) herb with 1 pint of olive, safflower, or other pure vegetable oil. Heat gently, uncovered, for about one hour. For oil, strain and bottle when cooled. For a thicker ointment, add 1 to 1-1/2 ounces of beeswax to the mixture as it heats. Let cool and bottle appropriately.
Occasionally, lard is used instead of the vegetable oils. If your recipe calls for this, use 2 ounces of fresh herb (or 1 ounce of dried) in 3/4 pound of fat. Heat slowly, and when the herbs have broken down, strain and let the mixture set. Again, beeswax can be added while the mixture is still warm for a firmer ointment.
To make your own herbal oils and ointments, combine about 4 ounces of the fresh (or 2 ounces of dried) herb with 1 pint of olive, safflower, or other pure vegetable oil. Heat gently, uncovered, for about one hour. For oil, strain and bottle when cooled. For a thicker ointment, add 1 to 1-1/2 ounces of beeswax to the mixture as it heats. Let cool and bottle appropriately.
Occasionally, lard is used instead of the vegetable oils. If your recipe calls for this, use 2 ounces of fresh herb (or 1 ounce of dried) in 3/4 pound of fat. Heat slowly, and when the herbs have broken down, strain and let the mixture set. Again, beeswax can be added while the mixture is still warm for a firmer ointment.