Last week we were talking about dry feet, and today we’re moving on to the hands. Hands take the brunt of the cold weather, even if you wear gloves. Fingers and nails dry out from the lack of humidity, and they’re worn out from all the shoveling and scraping. So this time of year, I get addicted to hand creams. And this homemade honey hand balm is not only easy to make, it’s both soothing and healing. It’s great for the cuticles, and the essential oils mixed with the beeswax give this balm great staying power. I’ve also used this balm in the summer as an emergency conditioner for the ends of my sun-scorched hair and to calm sunburned skin, although I try really hard not to get sunburned anymore. This balm isn’t sticky, and it has a lovely smell. Also, you can change out the lavender oil for any other scent you prefer.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because all of these ingredients are known for their soothing and restorative properties.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup almond oil
- 1 Tablespoon shea butter
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons honey
- 10–20 drops of lavender essential oil
- Sterilized tins with tight-fitting lids
Directions for Honey Hand Balm
- In a glass bowl, stir together the coconut oil, almond oil, and shea butter. Heat in the microwave for two minutes, but use 15-second bursts and stir in between each interval.
- While the ingredients are melting, sterilize your tins and lids (or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, if you prefer)
- Once the oils and butter are melted, stir in the honey and lavender oil. If you’re not happy with the texture, and want it smoother, you can microwave it again and add more beeswax and essential oils. When it’s all combined, pour into the tins or glass jar. Cool before adding the lid.
- USAGE: Rub into your hands anytime your hands feel dry and cracked.
- NOTE: You can use any scent of essential oil you prefer, I just like lavender in the winter.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
