Topical herbal preparations can soothe, nourish, and protect the skin while delivering the benefits of medicinal herbs directly where they are needed. The best preparation depends on your goal: ointments and balms help protect and seal the skin, while creams and lotions absorb more easily for lightweight moisture and daily use.

Ointment
Best for: Protecting, sealing, and creating a moisture barrier on dry, cracked, or irritated skin.

Ingredients

• ½ lb lard or petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
• 3 tablespoons dried herb

Instructions

1. Melt the lard or petroleum jelly in a saucepan over very low heat.
2. Add the dried herb and stir well.
3. Heat gently for about 2 hours, or until the herb begins to crisp slightly.
4. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
5. Pour into clean glass ointment jars and allow to cool completely.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year, if equipment and containers are clean and sterile.

Balm / Salve
Best for: Dry skin, lips, scrapes, massage balms, and spot treatments.

Ingredients

• 1 cup herbal-infused oil
• ¼-⅓ cup beeswax or plant-based wax (adjust for desired firmness)
• 10-20 drops essential oil (optional)
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional, helps reduce rancidity)

Instructions

1. Melt the wax in a double boiler.
2. Add the herbal-infused oil and stir until fully combined.
3. Add vitamin E and optional essential oils, if desired.
4. Test the consistency by placing a few drops onto a plate or into the final container:
   • Add more wax for a firmer salve
   • Add more oil for a softer salve
     
5. Pour into clean tins or jars and allow to cool completely before sealing.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.

Beeswax Alternatives
For a plant-based option, try:

• Candelilla Wax: Similar texture to beeswax
  
• Carnauba Wax: Firmer consistency
• Soy Wax: Softer texture
  
• Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, or Mango Butter: Rich and nourishing
• Jojoba Wax: Smooth, skin-friendly option

Cream / Lotion
Best for: Lightweight moisture and herbal preparations that absorb more readily into the skin.

Ingredients
Oil Phase

• ¼ cup herbal-infused oil
• 2 tablespoons emulsifying wax
• 1½ tablespoons anhydrous lanolin (optional for extra richness)

Water Phase

• ½ cup distilled water, hydrosol, or aloe vera gel
• 2 tablespoons glycerin

Optional Additions

• 10-20 drops essential oil
• ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil (helps prevent rancidity)

Instructions

1. In a double boiler, combine the herbal-infused oil, emulsifying wax, and lanolin. Heat until melted.
2. In a separate container, gently warm the distilled water, hydrosol, or aloe vera gel with glycerin.
3. Slowly pour the water mixture into the oil mixture, whisking constantly to form an emulsion.
   
4. Stir until the mixture thickens and cools slightly.
   
5. Add optional essential oils and vitamin E.
6. Test consistency and adjust if desired:
   • Add more oil for a softer texture
   • Add more wax for a thicker cream
7. Transfer to clean glass jars and allow to cool completely before sealing.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year, if properly prepared with clean, sterile equipment.