Gardeners Hand Balm

A jar of my gardeners hand balm has become a staple in my house. I have a jar in the kitchen and on my bedside table.

What is a Gardeners Balm

Similar to a salve, a balm is a fragrant ointment or preparation used to heal or soothe the skin. This gardeners hand balm is a traditional balm; it is firm in the jar and will melt into the skin as you rub it in (salves are usually softer in consistency).  If you prefer the consistency of a salve vs a balm, you could lower the amount of beeswax in the recipe.

Gardeners hand balm soothes dryness, heals cracks and generally helps my tired hand (and flaky elbows). If you garden or work outside you know how hard the dirt, sun, sweat, etc can be on your hands. This is a great balm to put on after you get inside. But you’ll find it hard to keep everyone out of the jar because it just feels so good on the skin.

The gardeners hand balm isn’t just for HANDS – elbows, knees, heels; anything that needs a little extra hydration and healing.  It can also be good for those with eczema.

These little jars are great for gifts too – just wrap some raffia or a pretty ribbon around it.  I have even made these in smaller baby food jars as giveaways at our garden exchange.  Easy Peasy!

Gardeners Hand Balm Recipe With Healing Lavender

• 2.5 oz of Beeswax (what I used)
  ~Firms the balm and adds a layer of protection to the skin when applied.
• 2.5 oz of Shea Butter (what I used)
  ~Healing, protecting, fights aging and deeply moisturizing to the skin
• 5.5 oz of Coconut Oil (what I used)
  ~Naturally moisturizing with  antibacterial and anti-fungal properties
• 2.5 oz of Sweet Almond Oil (what I used)
  ~Filled with Vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, proteins, potassium and zinc (reference)
• 30 – 40 drops of high quality Lavender Essential Oil, optional (my preferred brand)
  ~Known to clean and soothe cuts. burns and other skin irritations. The scent is also calming to the mind and body.
• Jars for storing the balm – I used 2 of these + a baby food jar, filling them all to nearly the top. So you could leave more head space and do more jars. Make sure to clean them and allow them to completely dry before filling
• Double boiler or a substitute – I do not recommend microwaving these ingredients.

Gardeners Hand Balm Recipe – Directions

1. Prepare your double boiler
2. Add your Beeswax to the double boiler and melt completely
3. Add Shea Butter to the Beeswax and allow it to melt completely
4. Add in Coconut oil, I stir with a fork that I only use for making balms, lotions, etc
5. Add in Sweet Almond Oil, stir
6. Once everything look completely meshed together remove from the heat and allow it to cool for 2 – 3 minutes
7. Add in your essential oil, optional
8. Pour into your containers
9. Allow it to harden for a few hours – or put it in the refrigerator, like I do, to speed up the process

Your Gardeners Hand Balm is now ready to use.  Keep some for yourself and share as gifts. FYI, I often keep a jar in the fridge because I find it extra soothing in the summer heat.

Enjoy!