Garden & Outdoor Protection Balm

What conditions it helps with:

• Intensive hand protection during yard work

• Barrier against soil bacteria

• Protection from rough tool handles

• Defense against spring sun

• Minor wound protection from thorns

• Prevention of "gardener's hands"

• Cracked knuckles from outdoor work

• Heavy-duty moisture for demanding activities

Why this is a great DIY recipe: Spring yard work inflicts serious damage: soil bacteria, plant sap, tool friction, sun exposure, wet-dry cycles. This heavy-duty balm stays put during sweaty activities and through multiple washings. The kombo butter and cocoa butter combination creates unprecedented staying power—protects for 4-6 hours of continuous work. The antimicrobial properties prevent infection from inevitable nicks and scrapes.

Ingredients:

• Kombo butter: 30ml (2 tablespoons)

• Raw cocoa butter: 25ml (1.5 tablespoons)

• Raw shea butter: 25ml (1.5 tablespoons)

• Virgin coconut oil: 15ml (1 tablespoon)

• Palm kernel oil: 10ml (2 teaspoons)

• Red palm oil: 5ml (1 teaspoon)

Instructions:

1. Melt kombo, cocoa, and shea butters in double boiler over medium-low heat

2. Stir occasionally until liquified (5-7 minutes)

3. Remove from heat, cool 4-5 minutes

4. Add all oils, stirring vigorously for 90 seconds

5. Pour into tins or wide-mouth jars

6. Allow to set at room temperature 4-5 hours

7. Apply 15-20 minutes before outdoor work

8. Reapply at 3-4 hour mark during extended work

Customization Ideas:

• Add 1 teaspoon beeswax for enhanced water resistance

• Include 8-10 drops tea tree essential oil for extra antimicrobial protection

• Increase cocwaya butter for maximum firmness in hot weather