Our hands take a beating. In the dish water and out. In the workshop then out. Plant the garden, weed the garden. You get the picture. In the Winter my husbands hands become especially dry and cracked when the dry air and his constant sanitizing and hand washing at work combine forces.
We needed to find a hand salve that we could use year around. Something that was light enough to use in the Summer but that sealed the moisture in, in the Winter. It also had to be all natural of course. Because we are crunchy like that.
This shea balm is the perfect fit. We use it for all.the.things. Diaper cream, dry hands, ouchies, foot rubs…wait that’s just my wishful thinking. I imagine it would be great for foot rubs. If you get a foot rub with this salve, let me know. Thanks.
But really, with its lavender and calendula infused oil its gentle yet effective. They are so very healing. It’s been something I’ve found myself making again and again. The shea butter is great for moisturizing and the beeswax helps seal that moisture in.
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Infusing the oil was something new to me the first time I experimented with this recipe. Infusion allows you to have all the herbal and holistic benefits of the flowers, while still maintaining a creamy, smooth salve. I bought the dried flowers on Amazon. I’ve linked everything below for easy shopping!
I also always use a pan of simmering water as a double boiler rather than a microwave. We currently do not have a microwave, thats another post for another day. I feel that heating the oils and butters in this way is slower and gentler and preserves as much of the beneficial qualities of these ingredients as possible. However, if you want to use a microwave, more power to ya!
I store the salve in tins like these. They are so easy to toss in the diaper bag or my husbands work bag. I also love that they have a screw on lid.
Shea Balm
Equipment
- Pan of Simmering Water
- glass measuring cup
- Tablespoon
- 2 oz Tins
- Fine Strainer
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp dried lavender
- 2 tbsp dried calendula
- 4 tbsp beeswax pellets
- 4 tbsp shea butter
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Gently heat coconut and olive oil in a glass measuring cup in a small pan of simmering water. You can also use the microwave.2. Add the dried calendula petals and lavender buds. Let steep for 30-60 minutes then strain. (Warm again if it's too thick to strain.)3. Place the infused oil back into the measuring cup and add beeswax. Melt again in the simmering water or microwave.4. Remove from heat and add the shea butter. Shea butter will melt quickly. Stir to combine.5. Let cool slightly, if using add the lavender essential oil. 6. Pour into tin or clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Let cool completely before using.Will keep for several months. Use as often as needed.
Buy Ingredients Here:
Bees Wax Pellets Coconut Oil Dried Lavender Dried Calendula Shea Butter Lavender Essential Oil
If you don’t want to DIY this salve, you can find it at Flyaway Market, downtown Cambridge.
Thanks for stopping by!
-Jess
I’ll make ya a deal. You make me some Hand Salve and I’ll come give you a foot massage.