Chicken Keepers Hand Salve with Grapefruit Essential Oil
If you raise chickens, you likely know that there is the potential for them to transmit salmonella and other germs to humans, so washing your hands after handling your chickens is critical.
All that hand washing can dry out hands, but this smooth, rich salve feels wonderful rubbed into your hands after finishing coop chores and washing up.
Not only will the coconut oil and sweet almond oil in the salve moisturize your hands, the addition of uplifting, energizing grapefruit essential oil has its own benefits - in addition to smelling wonderfully citrus-y.
Spending time with chickens is good for the soul. I always feel calmer, more balanced and centered after watching our chickens free range.
Keep that balanced feeling going well after you come back inside with the fresh, citrus scent of grapefruit - which is uplifting to the mind and will make you feel energized and more alert.
If you overdid it while you were doing chores, massaging in some grapefruit salve will help alleviate cramping and muscles stiffness, as well as joint pain.
Did you cut yourself while you were out working in the coop? The grapefruit in this salve can help disinfect your cut and prevent it from getting infected.
And the best part? Studies have shown that grapefruit essential oil can help protect against staphylococcus, Salmonella and other bacterial infections, which can be rampant in even the cleanest, most well-maintained chicken yard.
So join me in whipping up a batch of Chicken Keepers Hand Salve and keep it handy for when you're done spending time with your flock.
Melt beeswax and coconut oil over a double boiler until they melt into a liquid, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond oil and essential oils (I like to add a bit of vanilla to soften and relax the scent a bit).
Allow to cool slightly, then pour into a small covered container and cool completely.
To use, scoop out a generous amount of the salve and massage into your hands (or other body parts) as desired after finishing up your chicken chores.
I love my Fresh Eggs Daily Herbal Salve. I keep one container in our coop first aid kit and another in the house. I love that it's natural, we can use it on all our animals - chickens, ducks, geese and dogs - and that it helps to protect and heal cuts, abrasions, and and bug bites. It's 100% natural and not only helps keep wounds from getting infected, it helps speed healing - naturally.
