Gardening offers a lot more than just fresh veggies. It’s known to help people live longer, and I know several elderly individuals who enjoy spending hours in their gardens, even in their 90s! The benefits of gardening might come from getting plenty of vitamin D, working with beneficial soil organisms, enjoying some exercise, or simply spending time outdoors.
When I garden, I prefer not to wear gloves because I like to feel the plants and soil. I use organic pest control and fertilizers, which gives me peace of mind. However, this sometimes leaves my hands dry or cracked.
For that, salves are fantastic. They are nourishing, oil-based ointments that include helpful herbs for quick healing. Unlike lotions that combine oils and water, salves rely on oil and wax. You can choose different oils based on your salve’s purpose; some of my favorites are coconut, avocado, olive, and rosehip seed oil.
Salves are versatile, and I use them for everything from cracked heels to drawing out splinters. They’re a household staple, especially for hand care and dry cuticles. My favorite salve includes soothing herbs that deeply nourish dry skin and help heal small gardening cuts, leaving hands soft and smooth. It has a rich green color from the herbs infused in the oils, and it smells both earthy and medicinal.
I prefer making salves with dried herbs to avoid spoilage, as no water from plant leaves gets mixed in. While essential oils can be used, I find infused salves more effective and gentler on the eyes if accidentally rubbed. I do add a touch of lavender essential oil for its healing properties.
You can choose from various restorative herbs, but here’s a basic method for infusing them, depending on your time frame.
For oil infusion, I typically use olive oil, but you can also try avocado or sweet almond oil. Coconut oil is another option, especially if you’re using the quicker infusion method, though you’ll need to adjust the beeswax in your recipe.
Option 1: Quick Method
For a speedy salve, use a double boiler for infusion and you can make it in a day.
Option 2: Slow Method
If you don’t mind waiting, try a slower infusion for potentially better results.
Once you’ve strained the oil, it’s time to make your hand salve!
These salves cater to a range of skincare needs with their botanical oils and waxes. Plus, they’re free from parabens, phthalates, and other unwanted chemicals since you get to decide what goes into them!
Have you ever tried gardening or used a moisturizing hand cream or salve for your hardworking hands? Let us know how it went!
