Herbal hand soak

This is a simple recipe for keeping your hands and nails looking healthy and helping to get rid of any unsightly cuts or infections. It can be made using either fresh herbs gathered from the garden or using the essential oils extracted from the same plants. Peppermint, rosemary and lavender is a lovely combination for the hands to cleanse, purify and refresh. Jojoba oil is a superb moisturizing agent and myrrh oil is added for its healing properties.

Ingredients

2 drops rosemary essential oil (or a sprig of the fresh herb)
2 drops lavender essential oil (or a sprig of the fresh herb)
2 drops peppermint essential oil (or a sprig of the fresh herb)
1 drop myrrh essential oil
1 teaspoon jojoba oil

Directions

Fill a shallow bowl or basin to the brim with hot water. If using fresh herbs, add these to the water immediately for their aromatic effects. Add the myrrh oil plus any other essential oils to the jojoba oil and then add this to the bowl.

Place your hands in the aromatic hot water, gently massaging the oils and herbs into your palms, fingers and cuticles, and soak your hands for 10 to 15 minutes while relaxing.

Mud, Salt + Medicine

In her latest book, Julia Lawless shares an array of aromatic recipes that use essential oils, herbs and other natural ingredients such as clay, salt and charcoal. The author, who has penned several books, including The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, inherited her herbal know-how from her mother, a Finnish biochemist who was involved in researching the healing potential of natural aromatics. Published by Welbeck, £18.99