This homemade first-aid ointment is the perfect addition to your family’s natural first aid kit. It’s super helpful in relieving the bumps, bruises, minor burns, scrapes, and scratches that are part of life with kids.
One particular name brand of triple antibiotic ointment has been burned into our brain as the ointment to use for cuts and open skin. But that brand uses a petroleum byproduct for its base, and petroleum isn’t the most effective way to heal a wound.
You can round out your natural first aid kit with this homemade first-aid ointment option. And you’ll feel better knowing you can trust the ingredients because you made it yourself.
How to Make Your Own Natural First-Aid Ointment
We’ve been using this recipe for 10 years and have seen great results on everything from chapped hands to cuts and rug burns.
1/3 cup Organic Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon Organic Beeswax Pastilles
1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
10 drops Tea Tree Oil
1 glass storage cube
If you don’t have beeswax and vitamin E on hand, consider giving the recipe a try with Waxelene. An all natural (GMO-free) alternative to petroleum jelly that can be picked up at your local health food store and several drug stores.
2 tablespoons Waxelene
2 tablespoons Organic Coconut Oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
10 drops Tea Tree Oil
1 glass storage cube
1) Place all ingredients (except for the essential oils) in a double boiler. (You could also place a mason jar into a pot of water on the stovetop.)
2) Stir gently until the mixture has become liquid and clear.
3) Remove from heat and add 10 drops of each oil (Lavender & Tea Tree).
4) Stir and pour into a sterilized storage container.
We love these adorable 4 oz Wean Cubes for homemade salves, and be sure to date and label your homemade first-aid ointment.
Antiseptic properties of essential oils
The essential oils used in this DIY first-aid ointment are known and studied for the following antiseptic and healing / supporting properties:
Tea tree oil: antibiotic, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial
Lavender: analgesic (pain relief), antibiotic, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial
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Debra says
How long is its shelf life?
Amanda Hearn says
This should last for a long time. The salve itself should be fine, the essential oils may lose potency over time, but keeping it in a cabinet (away from light) or in a dark jar will help.
Tiffany says
Could this be used for diaper rash? Thank you!
Amanda Hearn says
The ingredients are all CD safe, so it should be fine, but we do have a great cloth diaper safe balm recipe as well and it would be a better fit 🙂
https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/caring-diaper-rash-naturally/
Jennifer says
This is really going to come in handy with two rough and tumble boys! I noticed a date on your jar in the picture, but there is no mention as to how long this is good for. Does it have an expiration date? Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Hearn says
I noted the date on the jar out of habit. I think this would last for quite a long time. I have jars of store bought salve that are a couple of years old but still work great, and I would expect the same of this so long as it’s kept out of direct sunlight and extreme temps.
Linda Mom says
ThAnk you foe the recipe for cut and bruise cream. I love getting cost saver ideas, especially when they are better for you.
Linda Mom says
Thank you for the recipe for cut and scratch cream. Love to get this replacement ideas.
Julie H says
Hi! In regards to the recipe for the homemade first-aid ointment using Waxelene; I read the reviews on Amazon and it looks like Waxelene is an ointment all on its own so is there any benefit to purchasing the other ingredients/oils when Waxelene could be used by itself? I’ve never experimented with any homemade items like this before so it’s all new to me! Thanks for any input!
Amanda Hearn says
I have Waxelene and it’s fine on its own, but the essential oils and coconut oil contain additional properties that aid healing and inflammation.
Marian says
I grew up with a product called Hearn’s Salve in Carrollton, GA. It worked wonders. My mom even sent a tin with me to summer camp. It was patented in the 1920’s.
Clyde Dekle says
Marian-would appreciate information about Hearns salve.I have used since childhood, understand that someone in my family (Tyos?) made it in Carrollton,Ga. I still have a little bit of a tin left, and would like more. Regards, Clyde Dekle, St Simons Island, Ga.