Many gardeners love to stick their hands in the soil as they work. The feeling of soft, loamy dirt is so satisfying. The problem is this delightful practice leaves our hands feeling rough and chapped. Working with wood or working in damp, cold weather also draws the moisture out of my skin despite wearing gloves. I got tired of my nails getting brittle and chipped each year around April so I devised this simple hand soak to heal the cracks and soften my neglected fingers.
Calendula is famous for healing the skin. It not only soothes skin but it serves as an antiseptic to prevent wounds from getting infected. Comfrey does wonders to knit damaged tissue. Horsetail contains silica which rebuilds brittle nails. The combination of all of these herbs relieve blisters within one or two soakings.
Potters, ceramic artists and those who work with clay will also benefit from this remedy.
Ingredients
- chopped, dried Calendula flowers, 1 part
- chopped, dried Comfrey leaves, 2 part
- chopped, dried Horsetail leaves, 1 part
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon
- a resealable container or bag large enough to hold all your herbs
- a label
Procedure
- Pour the herbs into the mixing bowl and gently stir them with a spoon. Try not to break up the plant parts since this will release the essential oils.
- Pour the mix into a resealable container.
- Label the container with the name of the mix, ingredients and date mixed.
Storage and Use
Gardener’s Hand Soak should be stored in an air-tight container or bag away from sunlight.
To use this mixture, bring 4 cups of water in a pot to a boil on the stove. Stir in 1/2 cup Gardener’s Hand Soak mix. Cover the pot and turn off the heat. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. Strain out the herbal mixture as you pour the warm water in a bowl large enough to fit both of your hands comfortably. Soak your hands in the herbal water until the water gets too cool to be comfortable. Repeat this procedure every night until your skin is soft and pliable again.
Chickweed may be used as a substitute for Calendula.
Plantain is a good substitute for comfrey particularly if combined with marshmallow leaves and flowers.
If the mixture is going to be used only once, fresh herbs may be substituted for dried herbs.
