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How to Prepare Useful Herbal Creams
The topical use of herbs is often a very effective means of treatment. Creams made by the practitioner in
the manner described below can be highly effective�.
Equipment
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Mixing bowl
Whisk
Stainless steel spatula
Gram scales
Place ingredients into the mixing bowl and
thoroughly blend with a whisk. Once blended,
place the cream into the jars using the spatula.
Label the jars. Record the batch details in a register.
Arnica Cream
Note: All equipment used to prepare creams
must be sterilised immediately before use
(boiling in water or soaking in “Milton” type
solutions are very effective)
(Ingredients for 3 x 50 g jars)
MediHerb Vitamin E Cream
150 g
MediHerb Arnica 1:5
15 mL
(It is not necessary to evaporate the alcohol)
Aseptic Technique
Place ingredients into the mixing bowl and
thoroughly blend with a whisk. Once blended,
place the cream into the jars using the spatula.
Label the jars. Record the batch details in a register.
MediHerb Vitamin E Cream contains a sufficient
level of preservatives to prevent microbiological
contamination in its own package, but this may
be challenged when the cream is exposed to
additives, mixing and dispensing into other
containers. To avoid contamination, an aseptic
technique as described below is recommended:
 Choose a preparation area free from open
windows and doors, and ensure the working
surface is clean
 Wash hands with soap and warm water before
using the cream and sterilised equipment
 Always use a sterile instrument to take the
cream from the jar and transfer to a sterile
container
 Store the creams below 30ºC, away from direct
sunlight and in summer store in a fridge
 Replace the lid firmly to ensure the contents
are sealed
Calendula Cream
(Ingredients for 3 x 50 g jars)
MediHerb Vitamin E Cream135 g
Calendula 1:2 (25% alcohol)30 mL
(it is not necessary to evaporate the alcohol)
Cold Sore Cream
Take 100 mL of Lemon Balm 1:2 and reduce on a
low heat (over about one hour) to 15 to 20 mL.
Pour this concentrate while hot onto 100 g of
MediHerb Vitamin E Cream and mix thoroughly
until the resultant cream has an even colour
This is a general method for making creams
with high levels of activity by incorporating large
quantities of extracts into the cream base. The
alcohol is removed during the concentration
step. This method is not suitable for herbs
containing essential oils (volatile oils) as they
will evaporate during the concentration step.
(The antiviral activity of Lemon Balm is not due
to the essential oil.)
In the case of the Cold Sore Cream, 100 mL of
1:2 extract has been recommended as the initial
volume. However for most other herbs about 30
to 50 mL of 1:2 extract, concentrated to 10 to
15 mL, is sufficient to make a cream with good
activity. Less extract can be used when making
up Arnica cream as it is quite active.
Balance Healthcare
Freephone Order Line: 0800 072 0202
Telephone: 01608 658862 Fax: 01608 658816
www.mediherb.co.uk