My Favorite Winter Hand Salve

Winter cold struck again! Here comes the tough weather... For someone with eczema like me, the cold does not just require an extra immuno-protection, it also necessitates an extra care of your skin. 
I have a very dry skin. with the cold weather and the daily use of chalk on the blackboard during my teachings at the faculty, I end up with scaly oozing painful hands that fail to heal. I tried every cream and ointment out there, nothing seemed to help. I hate relying on cortisone creams, so I decided to try my own formula... and it worked like magic... I love it!!

Here is what you need for my Winter Hand Salve:

• 2 cups calendula oil - I'll explain how to make your own if you can't find it.
•  1 cup unbleached bees wax pellets
  
• 1/4 cup  aloe Vera gel - I used mine freshly squeezed but you can buy yours if you have no access to fresh aloe Vera

• 1-2 tsp of your favorite essential oil (I used Benzoin and cedarwood, I love their earthly tone... you can also try lavender and tea tree oils )

Preparation:

• Melt the beeswax on a double boiler (water bath)
  
• When the wax is melted add the calendula oil, then turn off the heat
• Add the aloeVera gel and continue stirring till all ingredients blend well together. Don't worry if the mixture becomes a bit cloudy to begin with, it will eventually blend just fine.
• Add the essential oils at the end
• Pour in the final jars and leave till it it sets

The salve is very rich and oily so you only need a tiny drop. Massage well on your skin until it absorbs it. You can use it as frequently as you need, it is very safe and healthy.

Prepare your own Calendula oil:
I like to prepare my own herbal oils and vinegars. It is a very easy process and ensures a higher quality. Here is how to make your calendula oil:

• Pack a 1 liter (quart) mason jar with dried calendula (marigold) flowers
  
• Add extra virgin olive oil to completely cover the herb. You need the level of the oil to be about  1 inch higher them the herb to make sure it won't spoil by air bacteria or fungi
• leave in room temperature for at least 2 weeks shaking it from time to time.
• After the 2 weeks, filter through a cheesecloth or gauze. and your oil is ready for use. 

Calendula and olive oil are so healing and nourishing to the skin in their own right so even this simple oil is amazingly good for eczema, atopic dermatitis or any form of dry skin. This oil can also be used internally added to your salad or dips. Besides being delicious, the combination of calendula and olive oil makes it extremely nourishing to your cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.

Have a great winter and keep extra warm!