Allan C: Did you use any herbs in the salt water and tea solutions? I've found tarragon in the water and irish lavender in the tea works fine. Regarding the fire, you get great smoke with soaked rosemary branches. For all: Many years ago I had a Navy doctor say to me as he had his flock of interns probe my open wounds, "Shut up Lieutenant, pain builds character". Perhaps there's message there for those of us, including me, now seek comfort & sympathy to heal our dainty pinkies.