The best thing I have made so far is a nice nappy rash ointment that does not just work on nappy rash, but other rashes and abrasions as well
An ointment, or salve is made by combining the decoction of a herb with olive oil and simmering it until the water has completely evaporated. A little beeswax is then added to get a firm consistency. Some gum benzoin or a drop of tincture of benzoin per ounce of fat will help preserve the ointment.
What I do is pack equal parts of:
Calendula (marigold flowers)
Comfrey
St. John's Wort
Vitamin E
into a jar, and cover it with Olive Oil, Then close the jar with a lid
In a crock pot, fill it with water, just to come below the bottom lip of the jar, careful as not to cover where the lid is, as some of the oils, no matter how tight will leak out.
I let this cook for about 2 hours, but you can letter it go longer so the herbs infuse into the oil even longer, (and it makes it stronger.
After it has "cooked" I then take a strainer, and pour the oil into another jar minus the herbs.
Put the jar back into the crock pot as I slowly add shaving of beeswax to it. I use the handle of a wooden spoon, and dip it into the oil/wax, and stir until the wax is melted.
To check the consistance, I then take the wooden spoon handle and put a couple of drops on a cool plate, and see if it is the right consistency for an ointment.
Apply liberally to the rash. This stuff works miracles, and usually nappy rash is gone by the next nappy change.
I have made some for the creche workers, and they swear by it.
