The coloured pommades derive their respective tints from tinctorial matter added to the melted fat before perfuming it. Green is given by gum guaiacum (in powder), or by the green leaves or tops of spinach, parsley, lavender, or walnut;—RED, by alkanet root and carmine;—YELLOW and ORANGE, by annatto or palm oil; WHITE POMMADES are made with mutton suet, instead of beef suet. The BROWN and BLACK hard pomatums, vended under the name of ‘COSMETIQUE,’ are noticed at page 513. A few compound pommades are used as skin cosmetics.
Pommade. Syn. Pomatum. Prep. 1. (Plain pomatum, Simple p.)—a. From lard, 2 lbs.; beef suet, 1 lb.; carefully rendered as above. The ordinary consistence for temperate climates.
b. Lard and suet, equal parts. For warm climates. Both may be scented at will.
2. (Scented pomatum.)—a. Plain pomatum, 1 lb.; melt it by the least possible degree of heat, add of essence of lemon or essence of bergamot, 3 dr.; and stir the mixture until it concretes. This forms the ordinary ‘pomatum’ of the shops.
b. Plain pomatum, 11⁄2 lb.; essence of bergamot, 11⁄2 dr.; essence of lemon, 1 dr.; oils of rosemary and cassia, of each 1⁄2 dr.; oil of cloves, 20 drops. More fragrant than the last.
Pommade, Castor Oil. Prep. 1. From castor oil, 1 lb.; white wax, 4 oz.; melt them together; then add, when nearly cold, of essence of bergamot, 3 dr.; oil of lavender (English), 1⁄2 dr.; essence of ambergris, 10 drops. Supposed to render the hair glossy.
2. (Crystallised.) From castor oil, 1 lb; spermaceti, 3 oz.; melt them together by a gentle heat, add, of essence of bergamot, 3 dr.; oil of verbena, lavender, and rosemary, of each 1⁄2 dr.; pour it into wide-mouthed glass bottles, and allow it to cool very slowly and undisturbed.
Pommade, Castor Oil and Glycerine. (American receipt.) White wax, 11⁄2 oz.; glycerin, 2 oz.; castor oil, 12 oz.; essence of lemon, 5 dr.; essence of bergamot, 2 dr.; oil of lavender,
1 dr.; oil of cloves, 10 drops; annatto, 10 gr.; rectified spirit and distilled water, of each a sufficient quantity. By a moderate heat dissolve the wax in a small portion of the castor oil (one fourth), and triturate it with the remainder of the oil and glycerin till quite cool; then add volatile oils. Lastly, rub the annatto with a drachm of water till smoothly suspended; add a drachm of alcohol, and stir the colouring into the pomade until it is thoroughly mixed. Avoid much heat.
Pommade, Cazenave’s. Prep. From prepared beef marrow, 4 oz.; tincture of cantharides (P. Cod.), 3 to 4 dr.; powdered cinnamon, 1⁄2 oz.; melt them together, stir until the spirit has, for the most part, evaporated, then decant the clear portion, and again stir it until it concretes. Recommended as a remedy for baldness and weak hair. It is to be used night and morning; the head being washed with soap-and-water, and afterwards with salt-and-water, before applying it. Dr Cattell scents it with the oils of origanum and bergamot instead of cinnamon.