The notion of ointment comes from the Latin word unguentum. The term allows to refer to the substance that can be spread or smeared.
An ointment is a medicine that is applied to the outside of the body. They are ointments that combine fats and active ingredients and, unlike creams, do not contain water. In the Middle Ages, the assistant who prepared ointments at the request of a doctor was known as an ointment. These people had a role similar to pharmacists today.
On a chemical level, ointments are very varied. The common characteristic is their fatty composition and that they are generally found, at room temperature, in a semi-solid state. The base of the ointment is usually petrolatum, which is a combination of hydrocarbons. Lanolin or liquid paraffin can also be used. Common ingredients include different types of oils (such as almond oil or sesame oil) and beeswax. The uses of ointments can vary. They are usually used to treat dry lesions and to improve skin conditions when this organ is cracked or excessively dry. Various types of rashes, burns, rashes, wounds and other skin problems can be treated with ointments. Obviously, it is up to the health professional to indicate whether it is convenient to use ointment or another medication according to the particularities of the patient. If the person has a skin infection, for example, the use of ointment is not recommended. This is due to the occlusive function of these elements. The concept of ointment usually goes hand in hand with homemade recipes, which also include creams and infusions as an alternative to traditional medicine, or as a complement. This is useful both for those who do not trust doctors and for those who do not have money to buy medicines, since home remedies are usually much cheaper than industrial ones. The treatment we apply to our skin depends on several factors of our health and our state of mind. Unlike internal organs, we can easily see their condition in daylight, without the need for clinical procedures; if it’s rough, or if we have an allergic reaction or injury, we immediately know to act. But skin care must start before the incidents, through nutrition.
For this, it is essential to choose ointments and creams that provide the right nutrients. Although there are very good commercial products, they always bring ingredients for their preservation, something that we can avoid with homemade preparations. Essential oils are a safe and pleasant natural option for the senses, widely included not only for their many benefits, but also because we can use them without the risk of adverse reactions. Let’s talk about a specific example, a homemade ointment to treat cough. The ingredients needed for this recipe are easy to find and relatively inexpensive: thyme and rosemary oil, 30 ml; essential oils of cypress, eucalyptus and black pepper, 10 drops of each; beeswax, 3 grams. This ointment can be applied to the soles of the feet before going to bed at night, and then worn with warm socks to let the heat do its work. In addition, it can be combined with a lemon and ginger tea. For sprains and bumps, we can also prepare a homemade ointment, just with the following ingredients: hypericum and arnica oil, 30 ml; helichrysum, rockrose, wintergreen, and eucalyptus blue essential oils, 7 drops each; beeswax, 3 grams. The amount of the latter is directly proportional to the hardness of the product, something to take into account if we want to take it home for unforeseen events, which is more practical when less aggressive.
