Dry Cracked Heels? Make It Better With Butter

Old Man Winter has long been blamed for nipping at noses and biting at toes but many of us are all too familiar with the havoc he reeks upon our poor heels (not to mention all the torn pairs of pantyhose as a result of this burden).

This problem sends thousands of men and women alike to podiatrists, pedicure chairs, and to the local pharmacy desperately seeking relief from the pain, roughness and unsightly appearance of this common foot complaint. Is there any relief in sight when time and money simply aren't of the essence? This little Ayurvedic remedy just may be just what the "foot" doctor ordered.

Medicated Ghee http://www.ehow.com/about_5488953_benefits-medicated-ghee.html

Gheeis the Ayurvedic term for clarified butter. It has long been used not only for its fine culinary properties but for its wonderful ability to remedy a multitude of skin problems and leave behind a "healthy glow". Because the butter has been "clarified" (i.e. all dairy solids have been strained away) it requires no refrigeration, has an indefinite shelf life and is believed (much like a fine wine) to grow better with time.

Medicated ghee is clarified butter that has specific herbal oils or extracts added to it for medicinal properties. I recommend to addition of essential oils of calendula and lavender to heal skin lesions (cracked heels) and soften rough, calloused skin.

How to Make Medicated Ghee Heel Balm

You Will Need:

1. 1 lb unsalted sweet cream butter
2. Calendula essential oil (pure-can be diluted)
3. Lavender essential oil (pure)
4. A glass mason jar (with a lid)
5. Cheesecloth
6. A sauce pan or double boiler and a funnel

• Heat butter in saucepan or double boiler over medium/high heat (do not stir) until it begins to bubble and form a thick white foam on top.
• Lower heat to medium and continue to let butter cook until the white foam floating on top turns a deep golden amber color(this will probably take 10 to 15 minutes).
• Skim as much as the foam from the top with a wooden spoon or slotted spoon as possible and discard (wipe with a paper towel as needed).
• Place a cheesecloth inside the funnel and place the funnel inside the mouth of a clean empty mason jar.
• Slowly pour the liquefied butter through the funnel (make sure none of the brown dairy debris makes its way into the jar...if this happens just strain a second time).
• Ghee to cool in the jar for about 15 minutes and add 30 drops lavender essential oil and 15 drops calendula essential oil (if the oils are added while the ghee is too hot the volatile oils will evaporate and the ghee will lose its potency).
• Tightly screw the lid onto the mason jar and shake vigorously.
• The medicated ghee will solidify as it cools. It may be stored at room temperature but if you prefer a firmer balm it is best stored around 45 to 50 degrees F.

To Apply:

Remove an acorn-sized amount of ghee from the jar using a small disposable spatula or popsicle stick(you don't want to contaminate your ghee) and massage into cracked dry heels as needed. Tip: put an old pair of cotton socks on your feet after ghee is applied unless you don't mind greasy stains on the sheets or carpet!)

Making your own medicated ghee heel balm may not seem as easy or convenient as making a trip to the local drug store, but the results will be well worth the 15 minutes it took to prepare it and a couple dirty dishes, and chances are your friends and pedicurist will want you to let them in on your little secret.