An ointment is a cream that can have different characteristics and uses.
An ointment is a creamy substance that is used in medicine and cosmetics for various purposes. Generally, the application of the ointment to the skin provides some type of benefit to the subject on which it is applied, which can be a person or an animal.
Ointments, unlike creams , do not have water, but are usually composed of fat and other ingredients that give them a semi-solid consistency. Thanks to their active ingredients, they can serve as a remedy .
In this way, there are ointments to reduce physical pain in some area of the body and others that help with expectoration, to name two possibilities. For example: “The traumatologist recommended that I apply an ointment to my foot that hurts,” “Carla was given an ointment to improve the condition of her joints,” “They are launching a new ointment that relieves the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.” ” .
Characteristics of an ointment
The medicinal properties of plants are often talked about, with applications so diverse that they range from the treatment of a simple cold to the control of anxiety. Far from being one of the modern market trends, the use of vegetables for healing purposes takes us back to many ancient cultures . Among the products that we can prepare at home with natural ingredients are ointments.
As explained at the beginning of the definition, the ointment does not contain water; On the contrary, it is made from oils or fats, and this gives it a very particular texture and consistency. Given its solidity, it is possible to apply it to the desired area, forming a protective layer, unlike creams, which tend to be diluted with skin secretions.
The polish that is applied to shoes can be referred to as ointment.
Homemade preparation
To prepare a homemade ointment there are various procedures, each with different levels of difficulty and demand. One of the many recipes requires the following materials and ingredients :
- 500 grams of paraffin or Vaseline. For example, it is possible to use Vaseline for lips that is sold in supermarkets and beauty stores.
- 60 grams of leaves, roots or petals of the plant that has the desired properties. In herbalists there is usually a great variety, and right there you can check which one best suits our needs.
- a glass container for the preparation and others, made of glass or plastic, to store the ointment.;
- a saucepan with a wooden spoon.
- a filter or piece of cloth to strain the mixture.
- a jug
The procedure is as follows:
- We melt the Vaseline or paraffin in a bain-marie.
- We add the chosen plant and keep it on low heat for two hours.
- We strain the mixture into the jug and then pour it into the containers intended for storage before it solidifies.
- Let it cool to room temperature and store in a cool, dry place.
Other uses of the term ointment
In some countries , the notion of ointment is used to name the polish that is applied to footwear to make it shine and protect it from water and wear in general. It is common, in many cities, to find people on the street who work as shoe shiners, cleaning and applying polish to their clients' shoes.
In informal language, finally, the concept of ointment can refer to a position of privilege or a certain status : “Miguel is in the ointment, he has direct access to all the ministers,” “Since he has been in the ointment, Lucas has not “He calls me more on the phone,” “I was in the ointment but, for refusing to participate in an act of corruption, they left me out.”