DIY Hand Balm Recipe

By Emma Merritt

In the wintertime, especially in the Northeastern U.S., it is a time when care for our skin and hands in particular becomes important.  And in 2020, with all the extra hand-washing even more so!  Here's a recipe to make your own hand balm at home.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sunflower oil (or other liquid oil of choice)

• 1/2 cup herbs (comfrey, calendula, and/or chamomile, to your liking)

• 4 tbs coconut oil

• 1 tbs beeswax

• 1 tbs cocoa butter

• 2 tbs shea butter

• Essential oils (optional)

Steps:

1. Combine oil and herbs and heat in a double boiler for at least 20 minutes (alternately use oven or sun method)

1. Strain oil

1. Clean out glass vessel and return oil to it

1. Add solid ingredients and stir until everything is melted

1. Remove from heat and pour into glass jars

1. Label, date, store in a cool, dark place or next to the sink

Use liberally as needed. Works great for dry hands.

For a thicker salve, use more beeswax.

Want to learn more?  Check our our brand new "DIY Herbalism" online medicine making course where you'll find more recipes and instructional videos.

Have fun, and let us know if you have any questions!

Emma Merritt is a clinical herbalist and educator with over eight years of experience. She graduated from Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism’s Three Year Clinical Training Program in 2012. Emma believes that connection to the earth is where healing begins. She teaches classes on medicine making and basic principles of herbalism. As a clinical herbalist, Emma works with people with a variety of health goals. Many of her clients are interested in improving digestive health, relieving stress and anxiety, hormone balancing, allergy relief, and better sleep. She takes a gentle, client-centered approach to healing.  You can book an herbal consultation with Emma here.

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