Homemade remedies can bring relief inexpensively. No additives and the use of ingredients purchased from trusted and local sources make these remedies part of a "green" lifestyle. Antibiotic herbs and essential oils can be located in reference books like Maggie Tisserand's "The Magic and Power of Lavender" or Marcel Lavabre's "Aromatherapy Workbook."
Base Ingredients
Homemade creams are created using beeswax, lanolin and olive oil (or other vegetable oils like avocado, almond or jojoba) as a base. Beeswax and lanolin can be found in health food stores. For a basic recipe, use two drams of beeswax, one-half ounce of lanolin, one and one-half ounces of olive or other vegetable oil, and heat together over a low flame.
Beeswax may be a problem for those with pollen allergies because it can contain traces of pollen. To create a cream without beeswax, purchase a premade, fragrance-free cream base from a cosmetic supplier or use an unscented thick lotion or cream from a local retailer. Body butter bases are another alternative. Premade bases may have preservatives in them to extend their shelf-life.
Antibiotic Ingredients
Choose a single essential oil or herb that has antibiotic properties to add to the cream. Lavender has a long history as an antibiotic and general healing herb. Lavender is also an easily found plant, sold as an herb and an essential oil. In a separate pot, bring to a boil one and one-half ounces of distilled water and pour the boiling water over a tablespoon of lavender flowers. Strain the mixture and add the liquid to the heated oil base; stir to blend. Add twenty drops of lavender essential oil only when the mixture begins to stiffen.
Consider purchasing lavender or other herbs and oils from local growers and makers. Tea tree, lemon and sandalwood have antibiotic properties too, if lavender is not satisfactory or to your liking.
Storing Creams
Use small plastic or glass jars with lids to store the cream. These jars can be found at craft stores or they can be purchased in large quantities through bottle suppliers. You can use recycled jars by sterilizing them in the dishwasher or by hand, using hot water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry before filling with homemade antibiotic cream. Make only small amounts of the homemade antibiotic cream and use it within several weeks or a month, to avoid the vegetable oil from becoming rancid.
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