E ZHU GAO - Nourishing Ointment

Also known as: E Zhu Gao, Nourishing Ointment, Softening Ointment, Nourishing Psoriasis Cream.

Three ingredients. Sesame oil, beeswax and zedoary root oil. That is the entire formula.

It is the simplest ointment Dermatology M makes and one of the most concentrated, because there is nothing in it diluting the E Zhu.

What's doing the work

• E Zhu (Curcuma zedoaria, zedoary root oil) is the only active. It invigorates blood and breaks up stasis, which is what thickened, built-up skin needs.
• Sesame oil and beeswax, and nothing else.

Dermatology M's label glosses zedoary as turmeric. Botanically they are relatives rather than the same plant; true turmeric is Curcuma longa.

How to use

Apply twice a day. Cover with cling film where you can, which improves absorption considerably on thickened skin.

Pairs well with

Not for widespread or unstable skin, per Dermatology M. Use Bai Bi Er Hao Shui Gao or Zi Cao Shui Gao there instead.

Full ingredients

Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Curcuma Zedoaria (Turmeric) Root Oil.

Ingredients as published by Dermatology M. Check the panel on the item you receive.

Good to know

• 50ml.
• Contains sesame seed oil as the base ingredient, not a trace. Do not use if you have a sesame allergy.
• Not vegan. Contains beeswax. Halal.
• Do not use on widespread or unstable skin.
• Zedoary is a deep-coloured oil and it will stain.
• Dermatology M's retail listing shows a jojoba base rather than sesame, so check which one you receive if sesame matters.
• Patch test first. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

Dermatology M, formulated by Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji. Selected and reviewed by Dr. Stacee Munroe, OMD, L.Ac. Cosmetic use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.