Mother’s Day Gardeners’ Hand Salve: A Nurturing Gift for Busy Hands
A Mother’s Day gift for the gardeners, the tenders of the Earth, nurturing its soil and sowing seeds of life. With hands stained with earth and hearts filled with reverence, may you uncover the quiet beauty within both, fostering a connection rooted in harmony and care.
Here’s a hand salve—a perfect mother’s day gift for gardeners (or for anyone who needs hand care, for any occasion), outside in the sun, working methodically with their hands—I can’t think of a better way to slow down and be present.
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Craft the Salve:
At the start, place 4 ounces of violet, rose, and comfrey herbal oil in warm water to make blending easier and faster later on.
Begin melting 1 ounce of beeswax in a double boiler on medium heat. I find glass works best. Use a chopstick to stir and encourage melting.
When beeswax is almost melted, turn down the heat. Keep it warm enough to keep the beeswax melted. If you begin to see it solidify around the edges, increase the temperature slightly.
Wipe down the jar containing the warmed oil to ensure no water remains on the outside, preventing water from dripping into the salve.
Slowly pour the warmed herbal oil into the melted beeswax while stirring to blend and dissolve the remaining wax thoroughly. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as some herbs may lose their potency at temperatures above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer for this purpose.
Remove the mixture from the heat. Let sit for about a minute and then add 16 drops of rose, 16 drops of carrot seed, and 16 drops of chamomile essential oil for additional therapeutic benefits. But, also not necessary. The herbal oils in this salve will provide enough. Stir slowly to combine evenly.
Carefully pour the salve mixture into containers of your choice, such as tins or jars, leaving some space at the top for easy access.
Set the containers aside to allow the salve to cool and solidify completely.
Once cooled, store the salve in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
For instruction on how to make an herbal oil, find the instructions here.
For recommendations on which carrier oil to choose, find my favs here.
