DIY Herbal Cold Sore Ointment (featuring chamomile & lemon balm

• Produce

  • 1/4 oz Lemon balm
  • 10 drops Lemon balm

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 2/3 cup Carrier oil
  • 5 drops Roman chamomile essential oil

• Other

  • .5 oz beeswax
  • .25 oz chamomile flowers
  • You will also need tins or jars and organic cheesecloth

Found on scratchmommy.com

Description

Ingredients

• ⅔ C carrier oil (plus an extra 2 tablespoons for topping up, if needed)
• .25 oz chamomile flowers
• .25 oz lemon balm
• .5 oz beeswax
• 10 drops lemon balm (Melissa) essential oil
• 5 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
• Optional: 1 tsp castor oil
• You will also need tins or jars and organic cheesecloth

Directions

• The chamomile will first need to be infused in the oil. I prefer the cold method, as it extracts the beneficial properties of the herb without much work (just put the ingredients in the jar and wait).
• If you are able to infuse herbs via this method (meaning, you dont need to make this ASAP), simply fill a jar about ¼ of the way with dried chamomile flowers. Crumble the flowers slightly as you place them in the jar, this will allow more of the herb to be extracted. Pour oil over the herbs until
• Pour oil over the herbs until the jar is mostly full. Stir and then close with lid. Put jar in a dark place for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Place herbs in a heat proof jar (such as a canning jar) and add the oil. Stir to combine. Place jar in a saucepan and pour water into the saucepan so it comes about ¼ way up the side of the jar. Simmer over low heat for at least 4 hours. It is highly important that you stay close by as more water may need to be added to the pan throughout this time.
• A quicker heating method can be achieved by placing herbs and oil in the top of a double boiler and warming for about an hour.
• Once oil has been infused, strain out the herbs. Use cheesecloth and squeeze out as much oil as possible.
• Measure out ½ cup of infused oil. If you do not have ½ cup after the oil has been infused, top up with extra oil until it makes ½ cup.
• Place infused oil, beeswax, and castor oil in the top of a double boiler. Warm (dont boil) until melted.
• Pour into clean tins or jars. Allow to cool completely before closing with lid.
• Apply to cold sore as needed. This ointment will keep for approximately one year.