How to Make an Ointment Out of Banana Stem Extract

Banana stem extract has many health benefits. Applied to wounds, it speeds healing by 30 percent to 60 percent, according to a study done by a group of dental students at the Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia. Arthritis, inflammation, sunburn and insect bites are also improved by applying banana stem extract to the affected areas. The easiest way to apply the extract topically is with an ointment. Although commercial ointments containing banana stem extract are available on the market, it is relatively simple to prepare an ointment at home.

Things You'll Need

• Beeswax
• Vegetable oil (ex. Sunflower, Sesame, Olive, Jojoba, Almond)
• Banana stem extract
• Essential oils
• Ceramic bowl
• Stainless steel pan
• Fork
• Small enamel or stainless steel containers with lids

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Boil water in pan and remove from heat.

• 2

  Place 1/2 cup beeswax and 1/3 cup vegetable oil of choice into a ceramic bowl. Sit the bowl inside a pan of hot water until the beeswax melts.

• 3

  Use a fork to blend the beeswax and vegetable oil together until smooth. If a thick, hard ointment is desired, add more beeswax, reheating if necessary. If a softer ointment is desired, add more vegetable oil, 1 tbsp. at a time until optimum consistency is reached.

• 4

  Add 15 to 20 drops of banana stem extract to mixture once it has cooled to room temperature. If desired, add 5 to 10 drops of other essential or medicated oils to enhance aroma or health benefits. Mix thoroughly.

• 5

  Pour ointment into small containers. Write the date and contents on each container. Store in a cool, dry place.