3.24.2010 4:51 PM

DIY Jelly Balm for Chapped Hands and Sores

This salve works well on chapped hands and skin inflammations. It's simple to make at home!

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This gentle salve treats chapped hand and skin inflammations with marigold flowers and St. John’s wort.

Photo: Grow Your Own Drugs

By TDG Community

This gentle salve for chapped hands, skin inflammations, wounds, and hemorrhoids is very easy to make. Eucalyptus has a powerful aroma that you either love or hate—you may leave it out if you wish.

INGREDIENTS
25 g St. John’s wort flowers
20 g marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers
Olive oil, to cover
White petroleum jelly - 2 parts to 1 part of oil
Eucalyptus essential oil (optional)

PREPARATION
1. Put the St. John’s wort and marigold flowers in a jar and cover with the olive oil. Allow to stand in a cool place for 1 week and then strain through cheesecloth.

2. Melt the petroleum jelly using a double boiler. Add 1 part of the oil made above to 2 parts of melted petroleum jelly. Stir while cooling—you can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil at this stage if you like. Pour into a sterilized glass jar before the ointment solidifies.

USE: Gently rub into the affected area 3 or 4 times a day when needed

STORAGE: Keeps for at least 6 months in the refrigerator.

Read an interview with author James Wong, see more natural remedies from Grow Your Own Drugs and see why the Green Cheapskate loves the book!

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