It’s that time of year when you can fall foul to blisters be it hoeing in the garden or hiking on a country walk.

Here’s a great herbal ointment you can make at home to treat not only blisters but minor cuts, burns, abrasions and fungal infections:

You’ll need:

15 grams dried calendula blossoms
15 grams dried comfrey root
450 ml of almond, olive or other vegetable oil
120 grams of finely chopped beeswax
10 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of tea tree essential oil

Combine the herbs and vegetable oil in a pan and heat on the lowest setting covered up for two to four hours.  Keep checking the mixture to stir the ingredients and prevent sticking.  When the oil turns yellow and has a herby smell it is ready.  Strain the ingredients through a sieve into a large measuring jug.  For each ¼ litre of infused oil add 60 grams of beeswax.  Heat again over a very low heat until the wax has melted.  Test the consistency by placing a teaspoon of the mixture in the freezer for 1 to 2 minutes.  It should be the consistency of a spreadable paste.  If it’s too thin add beeswax, if it’s too thick add oil.  Take off the heat and quickly add the essential oils.  Pour into clean glass containers and seal.  Leave to cool.