Calendula handcream

[Hillbilly]

I have no idea which forum section this would go in?

Anyway, saw Shirlz's post on another thread about needing some rich handcream and thought this might be good. I make it and use it as nappy balm and also as handcream as my hands get cracked without it.

You need

2 pints of Calendula heads.
Large chunk of pure beeswax
3 x the weight of beeswax in Olive Oil (extra virgin is best)

As you would melt chocolate in a glass bowl over hot water, do the same with the beeswax and olive oil. Add the calendula flowers and let it simmer slowly, very slowly, stirring constantly for 10 minutes. Leave for a further 15 minutes over the bowl of hot water. Strain it then whisk it like you would double cream. It'll go a whitish/yellow colour once its the same consistency as whipped cream then you can put it into tubs and use.

[Martin]

sounds great - how well does it last? - is it a "fridge"job?

[hedgewitch]

oooh - I've never tried whisking it before!!
I'll have to give this a go - thanks for posting Hillbilly

You don't need to keep it in the fridge but I'm not sure how long it'd last - a fair few months for sure.

[ina]

I hope that my calendula will survive the onslaught of slugs, leatherjackets at late frosts - I desperately need a good cream, my hands are like sandpaper!

Mind you, that can come in handy when you are doing a bit of woodworking.

[cat]

If the calendula doesn't survive, i do a similar thing with lavander essential oil. It's excellent for babies bottoms with nappy rash too!