The notion of ointment comes from the Latin word unguentum . The term allows reference to the substance that can be smeared or anointed .
The medicine whose application is carried out on the outside of the body is called an ointment. These 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 unguentary . These people had a role similar to that performed by 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 .
Typically, the base of the ointment is petroleum jelly , which is a combination of hydrocarbons. Lanolin or liquid paraffin can also be used. Among the common ingredients are different kinds of oils (such as almond oil or sesame oil) and beeswax .
The uses of ointments may vary. They are often 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. Of course, a health professional should be the one to indicate whether it is convenient to use ointment or another remedy according to the patient's particularities.
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 part of 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 the money to pay for the purchase of medications, since home remedies are usually much cheaper than industrial ones.
Various factors of our health and our mood will depend on the treatment we give to our skin. Unlike internal organs, we can see their condition easily, in daylight, without the need for clinical procedures; If it is rough, or if we have an allergic reaction or injury, we know immediately that we must act. But skin treatment must begin before the incidents, through nutrition .
To do this, it is essential to choose ointments and creams that provide adequate nutrients . Although there are very good commercial products, they always include ingredients for 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 multiple benefits but because we can use them without the risk of adverse reactions.
Let's talk about a concrete 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 of them; beeswax, 3 grams. This ointment can be applied to the soles of the feet before going to bed at night, and then wearing warm socks so that the heat promotes its action . Additionally, it can be combined with lemon and ginger tea.
For sprains and bumps , we can also prepare a homemade ointment, only with the following ingredients: St. John's wort and arnica oils, 30 ml; essential oils of helichrysum, cistus, wintergreen and blue eucalyptus, 7 drops of 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 outside the home for unforeseen accidents, where it is more practical the less watery it is.