Everything about oleo-calcareous liniment (+ DIY)

Wholesome and natural, oleo-calcareous liniment is a very old product that has been used for generations. It has become an essential part of baby's toilette. What are its other uses? And how do you make your own homemade liniment?

What is oleo-calcareous liniment?

Oleo-calcareous liniment is a more or less liquid solution, obtained by mixing equal parts of olive oil and limewater. Limewater is a solution of calcium hydroxide. Ivory in colour with a smooth, creamy texture, it separates into two phases when left to rest. This is why it must be shaken before use. It is today primarily used for changing babies, but that is not its only purpose.

The various uses of oleo-calcareous liniment

When a child urinates in their diaper, the urine acidifies their skin, which causes the child to develop nappy rash. Limewater, being an alkaline solution, helps restore the natural pH of your child's skin. As for the olive oil, it forms a protective layer on the skin to limit its contact with urine.

In addition, it can also serve as an emergency emollient if your child suffers from cradle cap.

Liniment can also be used as a make-up remover or cleansing lotion. It effectively removes impurities and leaves the skin well hydrated. However, the skin must be rinsed after being cleansed with liniment, as its pH is too alkaline for the skin.

Aside from burns, it is also very effective as a treatment for redness, particularly eczema.

It is also very effective for conditioning your leather goods. It will nourish and clean your shoes, sofa, and so on.

Precautions for use

Liniment must be stored away from heat and light. Furthermore, it must be shaken before use, so that the two aqueous and oily phases blend together harmoniously.

How to make your own homemade liniment?

Making your own liniment is really very simple and requires only two ingredients in its most basic form: limewater and olive oil! Limewater can be purchased at a pharmacy. It is very important that it be kept away from light. Choose organic, virgin, cold-pressed olive oil.

Then simply pour 50% olive oil and 50% limewater into your mixer and whisk for approximately 3 minutes. Once the mixture has turned white and thickened, you can transfer it to an opaque bottle. There you have it — your homemade liniment is ready; simply shake before use!

Homemade liniment is more liquid than shop-bought. If the texture bothers you, you can add a few grams of beeswax — the mixture will be more stable. It is also possible to add a few drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract, which is an excellent natural preservative.

And if you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to share it on your social media or pin it on Pinterest.