Homemade Homemaker: Wound Ointment
The recipe for this ointment is fairly simple.
You’ll need:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup liquid oil (I used grapeseed)
- 2 Tbsp shaved beeswax
- 8-10 drops tea tree oil
- 6 1-ounce sized containers (or containers of various sizes totaling 6 ounces)
Put the measuring cup inside the saucepan surrounded by water. I don’t know why I’ve never used this method before!
Place the oils and beeswax into a glass measuring cup. Put the cup into a saucepan and put some water in the pan. Heat on low until the beeswax melted. Remove from heat, stir, and add the tea tree oil.
If it doesn’t seem to be melting well, take it off the heat. It didn’t mix well for me until the heat lowered!
Pour into your containers. This is good for most minor scrapes, burns and stings. It can also be used on acne, hives and chickenpox!
You can use a spoon to help direct the liquid being poured, it will keep it from getting all over the place!
One of the main reasons why I decided to make my own ointment, is I’ve been hearing how Neosporin is not good for you. It’s classified as a pregnancy class C medication, which means they don’t know the risks to the baby and you shouldn’t use it. They also don’t know if it’s safe to use while nursing, though as long as it’s not directly applied to the nipple it should be okay. You shouldn’t use it for over a week because it can lead to antibiotic resistance (MRSA!), you shouldn’t use it over large areas because it can enter your bloodstream and it can possibly lead to hearing loss and kidney damage! It is possible to overdose, and if inhaled into the lungs can cause pneumonia. Most topical ointments also contain petroleum based products which can be carcinogenic and don’t let the wounds breathe and heal properly.
So, what should you know about the ingredients in this ointment, and why is this better?
Coconut Oil: What can I say, I think it’s awesome. It’s benefits can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. These properties are antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and soothing. There are so many benefits and uses.
Beeswax: It is used in many cosmetic and food products commercially. It is good to use in homemade products to help your product stay on your skin (deodorant, lotion, ointment, etc). It is also a good barrier cream, keeping moisture and such out of wounds.
Tea Tree Oil: When used topically, it is also has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities.
Liquid oil options:
Grapeseed Oil: I chose grapeseed oil because it helps with skin moisturization and contains antioxidants. It has been traditionally used for stretch marks and helps reduce scarring.
Sweet Almond Oil: It helps skin retain moisture and reduces scarring.
Olive oil: Traditionally has healing qualities and is a good skin moisturizer. It is unlikely to cause allergic reaction. When used after sunburn may decrease likelihood of developing skin cancer (I’ll have to remember this one!)
Since this makes so much ointment, keep a container in your first aid kit, purse, diaper bag, car, etc!
UnorthadoxMomma 