Make the Gardeners Hand Salve

• If you're making your own herb-infused oils, and I encourage you do do so, please head over to read how you can make them over here.
• Fill the larger of your pans with water and bring to a boil.
• Measure the beeswax in the smaller pan and float it inside the pan of boiling water. This evenly distributes the heat and is important since beeswax should never be melted over direct heat.
  
• When the beeswax is melted, pour in the herb-infused oils (instructions on how to make these will follow the salve recipe). Stir with the spatula until the oils are just melted. Take the pan off the hot water and set it on a cloth or pot holder.
  
• Stir in the essential oil (optional) and pour into tins or containers and allow to cool*. It will take around four hours to come to room temperature. During this time, don't cover the containers as it can cause condensation on the inner part of the lid. Put lids on after the balms are completely cooled.
• You can use the salve immediately. As for shelf-life, it can be up to one year or the closest best-by date of the ingredients you used. Check for these on the back of all your bottles and remember that fresh oil is always best when cooking or making beauty products.