Remember that homestead calendula bounty? How I dried a heap of petals and split them into two portions, one left steeping in oil, the other in alcohol? Well, this week they were ready for the final part of the process.

Google Calendula and you will see it connected with any number of wonder cures: gingivitis to nappy rash to athletes foot. Literally head to tail to toe. Don’t worry, I’m not going to go all herbally evangelistic on you. Rather, I’m just here to say my mistreated, gnarly old gardeners hands are really enjoying the return of calendula salve to the homestead potion arsenal.

If you ever find yourself facing an over supply of calendula and don’t want to invest a couple of months in an unproven recipe, feel free to try this one.

It’s a good’un. Go on, stir that cauldron!