I’ve found that my remedy box has grown into a cupboard over the years.  I tend to study and read up on a condition and seek out the most effective and reliably recommended remedy to treat it.  most herbs, tinctures, and essential oils have more than one therapeutic use, and my knowledge has grown as a result of having some of these herbs in my cupboard.  Often, the range of uses is wide; for example, lavender oil is indicated for skin conditions, respiratory and circulation problems, nervous tension and exhaustion, coughs and colds, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps, as well as cuts.  I stanched a deep cut on my toe with lavender oil recently, a new use for me, and it worked great.  It’s a natural disinfectant, too!  I would estimate that this cure cost me about a dime as opposed to a $2000 trip to a crowded emergency room, with an exposure to myriad viruses.  It was peace of mind for pennies.

I keep a well-stocked first aid kit.  Instead of expensive over-the-counter products, we use essential oils, witch hazel, calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, and both arnica cream and calendula cream.  We are ready for (almost) anything!

Creams and ointments are often expensive to buy but can be made easily at home.  Here is an easy recipe to make your own curative cream.

Make Your Own Skin-Soothing Salve

            stainless steel saucepan, bowl, whisk, and thermometer

            small clean jars or cans to store your ointment in

            15 grams (1 tablespoon) beeswax

80 milliliters (5 tablespoons) organic vegetable oil (sunflower oil is effective and affordable; jojoba oil and avocado oil are nice but pricey)

            tincture; add 30 drops of arnica tincture to make an arnica cream;

30 drops of calendula tincture & 10 drops lavender oil to make lavender calendula cream

Melt the beeswax and vegetable oil in a double boiler (or in a bowl over a saucepan).  When the beeswax is fully melted, remove the bowl or pan from the heat.  Whisk the ointment until it is cooled to around 100◦ F, then stir in the tincture you are using. This is optional but I like to add a teaspoon of lavender buds whisked in when it is still warm. The scent is divine and the healing power is heightened.

Label and store in clean, sealable lidded jars or cans.  These homemade creams will last longest if you keep them refrigerated and are good as a beauty aid and for healing in a hurry.