Do you remember the great salve disaster of 2009? Well, I am now bravely re-attempting this project based on some of your suggestions and recommendations. These herbs are now covered with oil, and the little pots catch the sunlight just so as they sit in the windowsill. So even if the infused oils are a flop (again), I have been cheered by the process and the fact that I found a terrific local herb store. But still, I’d really like it to work. So fingers crossed, and I will report back.

Next installation of tincture-mania: I tried to skip junior varsity tictures and cruise right to salves, but got smacked down like an uppidy freshman.

As you might remember, the last time we checked I was merrily hanging foraged rosemary and fennel in our kitchen windows. I decided to try a salve, which involved stewing the dried herbs in olive oil for a couple hours until the oil became green and herby. So I busted out the cutest enamel pot ever (from same generous friend who supplied those red glasses you all loved so much), and at this point I was feeling pleased as punch with myself.

Well, fast-forward a few hours and the smell was making my husband and me kind of sick to our stomachs. Which didn’t exactly bode well, as the finished salve was going to be a birthday present. Nothing like making a birthday girl puke on her big day.

It was just so unctuous and foodie smelling. And even though it was simmering on the very lowest flame, the heat crisped the delicate fennel. I perservered, even setting it all up in a cheesecloth. My wildly optimistic brain took over, thinking maybe I would strain the sickly smell out. But in the end, not even the dog wanted to go near it. And if I told you some of the things she’s attracted to, you would realize what an enormous thumbs down that is.

So has anyone out there had any success with salves? I think I’ll double-boiler it the next time, but beyond that, any other great tips? I know there is a master salve maker out there just waiting to illuminate us all.