This time of year, I’m reminded of my love for herbal salves, and in particular, this Gardener's Salve. The blend has been in the Mountain Rose recipe book for many years and is one that I turn to each spring and summer. Between planting, weeding, and pruning, my hard-working hands reach for this DIY hand balm time and time again. Being with the plants does wonders for my emotional wellbeing so taking the proper steps to ensure I can do it in optimal comfort and for many years to come is very important to me.

Like many things in my house, I love formulations that can also be used for other things, so I've started enjoying this soothing hand balm on other parts of the body, too. I especially recommend this as a balm for achy knees. Between kneeling for long periods in the garden and the inevitable signs of aging, my knees seem to appreciate this treatment a little more each year.

What really makes this homemade salve so useful is the organic ingredients that go into it. It calls upon the powers of arnica for help with minor skin irritations and occasional achy joints, while homemade ginger-infused oil brings heat and increases circulation to help the body repair. Rosehip seed oil brings skin-loving antioxidants and helps to keep your skin soft and supple. And lastly, we bring in our essential oils allies ginger and lavender, which bring their beneficial properties while leaving an enjoyable, almost perfume-like aroma.

Soothing Gardener’s Salve Recipe
Makes about 1 cup.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup organic arnica oil
• 1/2 cup DIY ginger-infused oil 
• 1 oz. beeswax pastilles
• 1 Tbsp. organic rosehip seed oil
• 1 Tbsp. non-GMO vitamin E oil
• 20 drops organic lavender essential oil 
• 20 drops organic ginger essential oil

Directions

1. Combine arnica and ginger oils and beeswax pastilles in a double boiler.
2. Heat until beeswax has melted and mixture is fully incorporated.
3. Remove from heat and add organic rosehip seed oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oils. Stir quickly to combine.
4. Pour mixture into tins, salve containers, or a small glass jar. Allow salve to cool completely before putting on lid.
5. Label with recipe name, ingredients, and date made. (Find a free label template here!)
6. Store in a cool, dry place. If stored properly, salves can last for 2-3 years. However, if you’re a hands-on gardener, these tins aren’t likely to be around for too long!

Pro Tips

• If you opt for DIY arnica and ginger oil, we found filling a 7 oz. pantry jar 3/4-full with the organic arnica flowers and another 7 oz. pantry jar 1/2 full with the organic ginger root was a good amount of herb for this recipe.
• If you don’t have a double boiler, a glass bowl placed over a pot of boiling water will do the trick.
• This salve is easily adapted to suit your personal needs by creating your own herbal-infused oils or using your favorite essential oils.

Want to get even more Salve-Savvy?

Check Out Our Guide to DIY Salves!

You may also enjoy: 
Zero-Waste Body Care Recipes
5 Natural DIY Foot Care Recipes 
The Importance of Continuous Blooms in the Garden