Gardener Hand Salve Recipe
Gardener Hand Salve Recipe. My hands have spent the better part of each day these past few weeks sunken deep down into the warming soil. In fact, just today, they've planted three hundred red onion starts, dug up a few worms for early morning fishing tomorrow, transplanted forget-me-nots into the potager beds, and pushed a cart full of new lilac plants through Lowe's. They've also mixed up sourdough focaccia bread for tomorrow's breakfast, folded a few loads of laundry, prepared three meals for the family, held many little Elliotts...... and probably wiped a snotty nose or two. 
Yes, my hands do much for me. And they often look it. At the risk of sounding vain, last week's YouTube video highlighted my "Grandma hands" (as I affectionately call them). They looked like proper rough in that video, enhanced by the harsh sun rays and perfect shadows. I'm pretty sure I could all but use them to exfoliate my face at this stage of the year.I'd like to argue that I'm far too busy sorting out the market garden rows and potager perennials to bother with my well-worked hands. And frankly, in some weird sort of twisted pride, I'm proud of them. They're hard. A bit rough. Full of work. I think that's a blessing. But then there are moments, such as the anticipation of Easter coming up this weekend, that makes me want to polish up a bit. As much as I love sweating in flannels, Levis, and muck boots, I'm equally excited to doll up in a pencil skirt and heels for a special occasion. I love getting ready for church and feeling clean and fresh and lovely. Except for my hands. They tell the truth of how I spend my days. Anyway... all that's to say... I've been working on my hands these past few days so they're ready for the Easter holiday. I bought some press-on nails. I've been scrubbing the dirt out from the creases on my fingers. And I've been using this gardener hand salve recipe each morning and night to ease the dry, rough skin. I thought you might enjoy it. 
Gardener Hand Salve RecipeYou will need: - 1/2 cup sweet almond oil or jojoba oil - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons beeswax - 30 drops Yarrow-Pom essential oil* *This blend naturally up-regulates the body’s protective transcription factors while activating skin-protecting proteins (inhibiting the enzymes that breakdown elasticity and collagen) with the added benefit of promoting collagen production. Basically, this means it does MAGIC for making your hands look younger. Each bottle of Yarrow-Pom will make about 15 batches of this hand salve. Point being: you'll be set for a while. I use this oil on my face every night before bed.
- Add the sweet almond oil, olive oil, and beeswax into a small glass bowl. Place the bowl over a small saucepan of boiling water - to create a double boiler of sorts. Heat the mixture just enough to melt the beeswax and stir to completely combine. Remove from the heat.
- Add in the Yarrow-Pom oil and stir again.
- Store in small glass mason jars at room temperature.
There are some special whipped hand salves that feel like satin when you rub them in. This isn't one of those. This is a simple gardener hand salve recipe that's designed to sit humbly in a jar right by your bedside. It's not meant to smell fancy (though you could certainly add any oils you'd like). It's simply meant to be easy for you to make and to serve your hardworking hands well. 
I often wonder what Tasha Tudor's hands felt like. The woman lived in her garden, much as I do this time of year, and work like that is certainly reflected in one's body. I love that about life and particularly about older woman, like Tasha. The stories their hands... their bodies... could tell. They've served meals and ironed linens. They've born children and nursed for years on end. They've sworn, laughed, wept, and mourned. Their brains have learned, their hearts have loved, and their bodies have worked. One can only hope of such a gift. Enjoy the gardener hand salve recipe. 