It is incredibly satisfying getting your hands in the dirt and watching your garden grow.
Gardening reduces stress, boost your vitamin D and immune system and allows you to spend time with nature! Beyond these benefits though, one big downside is what I call a gardener's badge of honor...
A Gardener's dry hands, dry skin, rough hands and cracked skin,
and dirt that gets into deep cracks. I've tried pretty much everything out there, but what really works for me is a salve (i.e. hard lotion) the becomes your "Gardener's Best friend".
To make your own skin salve, here are the ingredients:
1/3 Beeswax: Creates a protective barrier, locks in moisture, and shields the skin from environmental stressors.
1/3 Organic Sunflower Oil: Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, it deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, promoting elasticity and repair.
1/3 Shea Butter: Provides intense moisturization, soothes irritated skin, and supports skin regeneration with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Sometimes I add rosemary, peppermint or lavender essential oil, but unscented is always an option. Using it before gardening helps keep my hands not too dry from the dirt. Because it absorbs deeply, using both before and and after gardening definitely prevents my skin from cracking. I also use these during the dry cold winters we have here in Minnesota.
In every gardener is a child who loves to play in a dirt. In every child is a gardener striving to grow!
With all of this on my mind...
I created my Everything Salves for hands, lips, skin - for everything that comes from gardening!
Natural protection, hydration, and skin regeneration of beeswax, organic sunflower oil, and shea butter. Handcrafted for you in small batches in delightfully durable tins. It's the same recipe as above but with a little TLC in the form of my four signature essential oil compositions - BREATHE, REVIVE, SOOTHE, & UPLIFT.
BREATHE Everything Salve with Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)
- Soothing: Peppermint oil has a cooling and soothing effect, providing relief to tired or sore muscles.
- Anti-inflammatory: Known to reduce swelling and inflammation, especially in respiratory conditions.
- Stimulating: It can invigorate the mind and body, boosting focus and energy while enhancing mental clarity.
- Decongestant: Commonly used to relieve nasal congestion, peppermint helps open airways for easier breathing.
REVIVE Everything Salve with Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis)
- Uplifting: Orange oil has a refreshing and revitalizing scent that helps boost mood and alleviate stress.
- Antioxidant: Rich in Vitamin C, it helps protect the skin from free radical damage and supports skin repair.
- Cleansing: It helps purify the skin by removing excess oil and promoting healthy-looking skin.
- Stimulating: Orange oil stimulates blood circulation, which can help energize the body and mind.
and with Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
- Purifying: Lemongrass oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it ideal for cleansing and purifying the skin.
- Astringent: It helps tighten and tone the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Anti-inflammatory: It also reduces inflammation, which can help soothe irritated or swollen skin.
- Mental Clarity: Known to reduce mental fatigue and support focus, it works to clear the mind and promote concentration.
SOOTHE Everything Salve Lavender Essential 40/42 Oil (Lavandula angustifolia, hybrida, latifolia, & stoechas)
- Calming: Lavender is renowned for its ability to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory: Lavender’s soothing properties help reduce inflammation and irritation in the skin.
- Antiseptic: Lavender is known for its ability to promote healing, particularly on minor cuts or abrasions.
- Relaxing: Its calming scent is ideal for promoting relaxation and better sleep.
UPLIFT Everything Salve Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin)
- Grounding: Patchouli oil has an earthy, grounding aroma that helps calm emotions and reduce feelings of stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: Patchouli oil can soothe inflamed or irritated skin, promoting healing.
- Antioxidant: It has antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from aging and environmental damage.
- Skin Regeneration: Known for its ability to promote healthy skin regeneration, patchouli oil encourages skin renewal and vitality.
So those are the recipes for what I've created.
But I also encourage you to make your own formulations. Let me know in the comments what you've made that works for you or reach out to me directly through my contact page. Happy gardnening!
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