Dandelion Salve is a soothing ointment made from dandelion oil, olive oil, beeswax, and coconut oil that has many benefits. This is a topical solution, but if you are interested in keeping in good health, check out my Eleven Essential Flu-Fighting Foods to keep you healthy on the inside. Please note this takes 4-6 weeks to make.
Dandelion Salve
Before you start getting rid of all the dandelions in your yard, you may want to consider using them for this healing salve. Dandelions are full of medicinal properties (but always check with your doctor before using them as herbal medicine). This recipe is not about eating or ingesting dandelions, but about a salve you can make with the dandelion oil to soothe your skin.
Dandelion Salve Ingredients
With just four ingredients, you can make your own healing salve to have on hand to soothe your skin and ease aching joints.
Dandelions: Pick enough dandelions to fill a three-ounce jar.
Olive Oil: The dried dandelions will soak in olive oil for 4-6 weeks. You can use your preferred carrier oil to soak the flowers.
Beeswax: If you don’t have a bee colony to harvest beeswax, you can buy it at the store. Beeswax helps hydrate the skin and is a natural exfoliator.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil also helps hydrate the skin, like beeswax. It also helps reduce inflammation and helps in healing wounds.
Drying and Soaking Dandelion Flowers
The first step in making Dandelion Healing Salve is to dry out and then soak the flower heads of the dandelions (making dandelion infused oil). Remove the flower heads from the stems of the dandelions and rinse them in cold water. Next, place the flowers on a pan lined with a paper towel. Set the dandelion flowers in a sunny, warm place for 24 hours.
Once dried, add the flower heads to a 3-ounce jar that has a lid. Pour enough olive oil into the jar to completely cover the flowers. Use a spoon to stir and then securely cover the jar with the lid. Place the jar in a warm and sunny place for 4-6 weeks. Occasionally swirl the jar in that 4-6 week time frame.
How to Make Dandelion Salve
After soaking the dandelion flowers, it’s time to get the healing salve made. First, strain out the oil and discard the flowers. Set the oil aside as you melt the beeswax and coconut oil.
To the 3-ounce mason jar, add the beeswax and coconut oil. You will be using the double boiler method to melt the beeswax and coconut oil. To do this, add 1-2 inches of water to a saucepan and bring the water to boiling. Place the glass jar of beeswax and coconut oil over the boiling water and whisk until completely melted. (You could also use a separate glass jar or bowl.)
To the melted beeswax and coconut oil, add the dandelion oil. Stir to combine. Store the Dandelion Healing Salve in the same jar in the refrigerator. Or, divide the salve into smaller jars to store. Again, store the salve in the refrigerator for a thicker, more balmy consistency. If you do not refrigerate the salve, it will be a bit oily. This will last from 9 months to a year.
How to Use Dandelion Salve
This soft and soothing salve is beneficial in a few ways:
- Hydrating dry skin
- Smoothing rough or chapped skin
- Soothing sore muscles
- Achy joints
- Lip balm
- Great gift idea
You can also add your favorite essential oils with your favorite scent if you choose.
Dandelion Salve
Ingredients
- 3 ounces dandelion flowers
- olive oil, enough to completely cover dandelion flowers in jar
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
Dandelion Infused Oil
- Harvest the flower heads of your dandelions. You will need enough to fill a small jar. (I used a 3-ounce jar.)
- Rinse the dandelions in cool water and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined pan. Place them in a sunny warm place for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, add the dried flowers to the jar and cover completely with olive oil. Use a spoon to stir the mixture. (Ensure that all leaves are fully coated and remove as many air pockets as you can.)
- Cover tightly with a lid and place in a warm and sunny place for 4-6 WEEKS. Occasionally swirl the jar to release the floral extracts.
Dandelion Salve
- When ready, strain out the dandelion oil. Set the oil aside and discard the flowers.
- To the small jar or glass bowl, add the beeswax and coconut oil.
- Add 1-2 inches of water to a saucepan and heat to boiling. Place the jar (or bowl) of beeswax and coconut oil over the boiling water and whisk until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and slowly pour in the dandelion oil. Stir to combine.
- Store the salve in the refrigerator in a small glass jar with a lid. Or, divide equally into smaller jars, storing in the refrigerator. (If not stored in the refrigerator, the salve will be a thinner consistency.)
Did you make this recipe?
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I have been drying danderloins, and I noticed they are fuzzy white at the base. Are they still OK to use?