My latest reenactment project is in the field of ancient cosmetics and pharmacy. I have remade a probable cream (ointment) with olive oil, coriander seeds and sage, plants that were used by the Romans (as attested in Dioscorides, De Materia Medica) for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. After boiling the plants in bain marie for over an hour, I filtered the oiled and them heated it again with natural beeswax. As the quantity was small, the quantity of was added was rather approximate - herbalists online recommend 1 g of was for 7 ml of oil. The cream was thus rather soft, so in the future more besswax is needed. In color it was also rather green, so I might try adding wheat starch as well to see how that goes. Here are some images of the first attempt:
The ointment was available for trying during the latest event at Camp Virtus - Roman elegance, held yesterday near Cluj, in Salicea. I promise improved recipes next time. Sign up here for the newsletter!
No comments:
Post a Comment