salve

Calendula (or plantain) salve

The cracked-hand, shallow-burn, scraped-knuckle tin. Make it in September.

Not in a deep dirty wound (it can seal the door). Cool a burn with water for 10–20 minutes before any salve.

Method

1.Wilt fresh calendula heads or plantain leaf overnight so they are less watery. Pack a jar. Cover with olive oil.
2.Warm the jar in a pot of water that never boils, 2–3 hours, or a sunny window for 2 weeks. Strain through cloth.
3.For each cup of oil, add about 1 oz grated beeswax (a bit less for a softer salve). Warm together just until the wax melts.
4.Test a spoonful on a cold plate. Too hard: more oil. Too soft: more wax. Pour tins. Label.

Dose

Thin film on clean, cooled, shallow skin trouble, 2–3 times a day.

Store

Cool dark, a year. If it smells like old crayons and rancid nuts, remake it.