What is Dandelion Salve Good For?
One of the things I absolutely love to make when dandelions start appearing is this lovely dandelion salve. This is such a simple wildcrafted recipe that’s suited to beginner herbalists.
So, while my neighbors are out doing everything the can to have dandelion-free lawns, I am relishing the sight of these golden beauties.
I bet you’re wondering what you can possibly use dandelions for. Theyre actually highly nutritive and medicinal.
Dandelion flowers have pain releiving and anti-inflammatory properties which makes this dandelion salve the perfect herbal formulation for aches and pains and for dry, cracked or itchy skin…plus dandelions are so easy to forage for.
How Long Does Dandelion Salve Last?
The shelf life of strained infused oils is typically around 1 year and is how long you can expect your salve to last.
I always use food grade tins for my salves and I keep them in a coolplace so that the don’t liquidize.
How Do YouMake Dandelion Salve?
Yield12 ounces or 6 – 2oz. tins.
Ingredients
Dandelion Herbal Oil
- 1 cup dandelion flowers wilted for a day or so
- 1 ½ cups carrier oil approximately; I like to use a blend of equal parts extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil.
Dandelion Salve
- 1 cup dandelion infused oil
- 1 ounce beeswax
- 1 ounce refined shea butter
- 12-24 drops essential oils of your choice lavender and sweet orange work well (optional)
Instructions
Dandelion Infused Oil
- Put the wilted dandelion flowers into a pint sized jar and cover them with the carrier oil of your choice. If you use coconut oil, it’s helpful to melt it first.
- Let your dandelion oil sit in a dark place for a week or two, but not too much longer than that as it can spoil pretty quickly.
- Strain out the flowers using a fine mesh sieve and a cheesecloth so that you can really squeeze all of the dandelion goodness out.
Dandelion Salve
- Create a makeshift double boiler by putting a small bowl or a glass Pyrex measuring cup over a pot with about an inch of simmering water.
- Put the dandelion oil and beeswax into the small bowl or Pyrex, and heat until the beeswax completely dissolves into the oil, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shea butter and stir until it completely dissolves.
- Stir in the essential oils.
- Carefully pour the mixture into small jars or tins and let sit until the salve sets up completely.
Notes
Dandelion flowers have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, so this salve is good for all kinds of aches and pains. It is particularly good for sore and tired muscles and joints.-
I can’t wait to try this!
Awesome! I’m glad to hear it!