• 30 ml (2 tbsp) of organic shea butter (raw) or mango, hemp or oat butter
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) or 7 g of raw Quebec beeswax (Or half as much sunflower wax since plant wax is more brittle.)
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) of organic camelina oil or a vegetable oil of your choice
• 20 ml (1 tbsp + 1 tsp) of Castile soap
• 10 ml (2 tsp) of fine sugar
• 2 drops of vitamin E (optional)
• 8 drops of organic true lavender essential oil (Lavandula officinalis)
• 3 drops of organic sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
• 100 ml amber glass jar

Need to bring out the big guns?

• nail brush

1. In a double boiler, melt the vegetable butter and wax in the oil.

2. Once everything has melted, remove the mixture from heat right away.

3. Add the vitamin E (optional) and the essential oils. Mix well.

4. Pour into a large enough container.

5. Place in the freezer for a few minutes (uncovered), until the ointment starts to solidify a bit on the sides.

6. Add the Castile-style liquid soap. Mix.

7. Add the sugar. Mix.

8. Return to the freezer for a few minutes to cool completely. Mix a few times during cooling so the sugar doesn't settle at the bottom.

9. Close the container and store the ointment in a cool place.

After your gardening session, start by wetting your hands. Then scoop 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ointment with a small spoon or a stick (to avoid getting water into it).

Gently rub your hands with the ointment, not forgetting to scrape your nails against your palms to dislodge the dirt. Rinse under water. Finally, gently pat off the water, without completely removing the little protective film the ointment leaves on your hands. It will be absorbed by your skin quickly, leaving you with lovely soft hands!

Note: If you find your hands too greasy after rinsing with water, wash them with a little soap to remove the excess grease.

A treatment that's welcome after a morning spent with both hands in the soil!

Happy gardening season!