Pain Ointment

I usually make a version of this ointment once a year for general aches and pains, for a sore back or neck and shoulder pain . Also works well for arthritis and joint pains. The herbs are selected intuitively, what I have available, and also what is growing at the time when needed.

Ingredients
20g of your chosen wax
120ml herbal infused oil *
25 drops of essential oil (optional)

* The infused oil was made with things that I had on hand. From the garden – rosemary, lavender, pine needles, juniper leaves, and new comfrey shoots that were just emerging. From the kitchen – ginger and chilli, and some dried herbs I had from last year – arnica flowers and some plantain leaves.

To make the infused oil:
a) Place olive oil in a large glass jar or a glass bowl or jug (glass jugs are easier to pour later) and add the herbs: rosemary, ginger, comfrey leaves, dried plantain, dried arnica flowers, chilli, pine needles, juniper leaves and lavender flowers or the stems.
b) Place the glass container over a bain-marie (a saucepan of water) being careful not to let the water splash in to the oil. Turn the heat on low and slow cook for 3-4 hours or longer if you prefer. Leave the oil to one side.

To make the ointment:
a) Melt the wax in another glass container. This can also be done over a bain-marie.
b) Once the wax is melted add the herb infused oil you made earlier and stir.
c) Optional: If you would like to add therapeutic essential oil, then do so now.
I used wintergreen, peppermint, turmeric, rosemary and lavender.
Mix and pour in to containers and use went set.
Apply to the problem area and deeply massage in to the skin.

Please note: Wintergreen essential oil is not suitable for children, or those with bleeding disorders, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.