Azure Gardener's Balm

Just as we love getting our hands into the soil and dirt, and just as we enjoy tending to our beloved plants, our hands need gentle, loving care at the end of the day.

Herbal allies to soothe aching hands are lavender, geranium, and yarrow. Combining these with locally sourced pine resin and beeswax creates a soothing balm that relaxes and softens hardworking hands. It also features the added healing properties of horsetail, lemon balm, indigo leaf, holy basil (tulsi), pine resin, and mugwort.

Grown by Green Fox Apothecary at their garden in Enoshima, Kanagawa.

Both lavender and yarrow have been used as healers since ancient times. Roman army physicians are said to have used both to stop bleeding, reduce red, inflamed skin, speed up wound healing, and prevent bacterial infections. These two herbs are beloved by herbalists and gardeners alike, not only growing in the garden but also soothing battle-hardened skin.

Geranium is another herb with a long history of beneficial properties for the skin, including notable anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.

Pine resin is a magical gift of nature that works in several ways. It can draw out stubborn thorns while exhibiting antibacterial effects. All of these plants are well known for their natural tendency to relieve inflammation, which can soothe muscle and joint pain.

Ingredients:

• Herb-infused olive oil (6 weeks)
  
• Pine resin oil (soaked in olive oil for 6 months)
  
• Local beekeeper's beeswax.
  
• Lavender and Horsetail Tincture 0.5%
• Blue Yarrow Essential Oil 0.5%

Notes:

• The blue color of the balm is natural, derived from yarrow. Azulene is the blue compound found in yarrow essential oil. Hence, we call our gardener's balm "azure".
• The scent starts with citrus, followed by the spicy scent of yarrow, with lavender as the base note. Smooth application and no sticky residue. Recommended to apply generously to hands and feet before bed.
• This balm is specifically designed for hands and feet. Avoid use on the face or sensitive skin. Avoid use if pregnant, as the scent of yarrow may rarely irritate the uterus.
• Keep pets away from your hands after applying this balm, as yarrow can be toxic to some animals.
  
• Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of pets and children.
• Use within 6 months of opening. Store in the refrigerator during extremely hot weather.
  
• This balm is safe for sensitive skin, but discontinue use if you experience any irritation.