natural hand manicure, cuticle cream, warm oil hand treatment, spa manicure, rubbing lightly

Gardener’s Hand Cream

This is good for hard-working hands

3 tablespoons beeswax, grated or shaved

½ cup sesame oil

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon honey

2 tablespoons calendula tea

3 drops lavender essential oil

½ teaspoon baking soda

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix all the ingredients. Set the microwave to a medium heat and cook 30 seconds or until beeswax is melted. Remove from oven with hot pads and allow to cool.
2. Pour mixture into a widemouthed, sterilized jar with a tight top. Store in cool, dark place until ready to use.

Cuticle Cream

Spa in the comfort of your own home.

3 tablespoons paraffin

½ cup mineral oil

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon glycerine

1. In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, combine the paraffin with the oils. Stir until paraffin is melted andz the mixture is blended. Stir in the glycerine and remove the pan from the heat. Let mixture cool.
2. Apply cooled cream to cuticle area. Rub in and allow to rest for ten minutes or so.
3. Trim cuticles with a cuticle tool.  Massage away cream by applying a gentle body or hand lotion and rubbing lightly, then rising with warm water.

Warm Oil Hand Treatment

1 tablespoon olive or other carrier oil

1 teaspoon almond extract or 1 drop lavender essential oil

2 small plastic bags that will fit over your hands

1. Place the oil on a microwave dish and heat it on medium high for a few seconds until it is warmed, not hot. And almond extract or lavender, if desired. Stir.
2. Rub the oil on your hands, massaging your fingers and palms cover your hands with the plastic bags and wrap a clean hand towel over the bags. Sit comfortably for about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the bag and rinse your hands with warm water, massaging away the oil. Gently pat dry with the towel and apply a light hand lotion.

Cornmeal Hand Scrub

This gentle massage scrub costs about a nickel to make and leaves your hands smooth and soft.

¼ cup cornmeal

3 tablespoons milk

1 drop almond oil or almond extract

1. In a small saucepan, mix the cornmeal with the milk. Heat the mixture over a low flame on the stovetop until it forms a paste. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond oil. Allow to cool.
2. Spread mixture on hands and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Gently scrub your hands with the mixture and then rinse off with warm water.