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\nGardening- Cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes! \u2013 Author Unknown<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
There are so many benefits to gardening<\/u><\/a> besides just the fresh produce. Gardeners are known to live longer and I know many elderly people\u00a0who still spend hours gardening each week\u2026 in their 90s!<\/p>\n
It might be the abundance of vitamin D, the beneficial organisms<\/u> in the soil<\/a>, the exercise, or even just the time in nature. But gardening certainly has its benefits.<\/p>\n
I prefer not to wear gloves when I garden<\/u><\/a> so I can feel the plants and soil. I feel comfortable doing this since we use organic pest control<\/u><\/a> and fertilizer options. Sometimes though it can leave me with cracked or dry hands.<\/p>\n
The Magic of Salves<\/h3>\n
Salves are nourishing, oil-based ointments often infused with beneficial herbs to speed healing. Unlike lotion which uses a blend of oils and water for hydration and moisture loss, they\u2019re oil and wax-based. You can use different oils depending on what you want your salve to do. Coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and even rosehip seed oil are some of my favorites to use.<\/p>\n
I use salves often for various purposes. From cracked heals, to stretch marks, to drawing out splinters\u2026 salves are a mainstay in our home. I have salves for hand care and one specifically for dry cuticles.<\/p>\n
Gardeners Hand Salve Recipe<\/h2>\n
This particular salve has many soothing herbs that help nourish dry skin and quickly heal any small cuts from gardening. It also leaves hands silky and soft, even if you aren\u2019t a gardener. The dark green color of this salve comes from the many herbs that are infused into the oils and it has a delicious earthy and medicinal scent.<\/p>\n
I prefer to make salves with dried herbs, as this reduces the chance of spoilage since no water is introduced to the oils from the leaves of the plants. Salves can also be made with essential oils, but I\u2019ve found that this infused version is more effective and less likely to sting eyes if you accidentally rub them. Although I do add a little lavender essential oil to boost the healing properties. <\/p>\n
Herbs to Use<\/h3>\n
You can use many different restorative herbs here, but I used these:<\/p>\n
Before You Begin: Infuse the Herbs Into the Oil<\/h3>\n
This is an important step for making this salve effective. It takes a while, and there are two ways to infuse the herbs, depending on how much time you have. <\/p>\n
I use olive oil, but you can also use another liquid carrier oil, like avocado or sweet almond. Coconut oil can also work if using the one day infusion option, but you would want to reduce the beeswax in the hand salve recipe.<\/p>\n
Option 1: One Day Option<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you want to make your salve quickly and don\u2019t want to wait weeks for the herbs to infuse, you can speed up the process in a double boiler.<\/p>\n
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- Place 1 cup of olive oil (or other carrier oil) in the top of a double boiler.<\/li>\n
- Add a few inches of water to the bottom and turn the stove on medium heat.<\/li>\n
- Bring to a simmer and reduce to low.<\/li>\n
- Simmer for 3-4 hours or until the oil has turned very dark green.<\/li>\n
- Strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth and keep the oil in a clean, air-tight container.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Option 2: Longer Option<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you have the time and patience, here\u2019s how to do a slower infusion.<\/p>\n
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- Place the herbs and 1 cup of\u00a0olive oil (or other carrier oil) into a pint-size glass mason jar with an air-tight lid.<\/li>\n
- Leave for at least 3 weeks to give the herbs time to infuse and shake occasionally. If it\u2019s warm enough, this mixture can be left in the sun to create a solar-infused oil.<\/li>\n
- Strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth and keep the oil in a clean, air-tight container.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Once you\u2019ve strained the oil you\u2019re ready to make your hand salve!<\/p>\n
\n\nGardeners Hand Salve<\/h2>\n
This herb-infused hand salve is perfect for damaged, dry hands. Great for gardeners and anyone who is rough on their hands.<\/p>\n