This dandelion salve recipe is a summer must-have! Homemade salves are a simple herbal DIY that any level home herbalist can create. I hope these easy instructions help you to make your own salves at home!
It's that time of year again when fresh dandelion flowers are scattered all around our yards! I'm not sure when society deemed this flower a pesky weed when its plant material has been used for its wellness-promoting properties forever (even the dandelion root!) This warmer weather inspires me to get outside and bring in whatever I can.
When I made my calendula salve, I kept it simple with just two ingredients. With this dandelion salve recipe, I want to add in one more ingredient. I will be incorporating a butter so that it has extra moisturizing strength! It is so smooth and so creamy. This is a great way to help your final product be easy to spread on the areas you need it. I always have a small jar on hand!
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy.
Disclaimer: This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of individual medical care.
Making dandelion infused oil
There are many methods to choose from when it comes to creating your infused dandelion oil. My preferred oil infusion methods are solar infusions and the crockpot infusion method.
The first step when working with fresh dandelions for an herbal infusion is to lay out your flower heads to dry for 1-2 days. This is due to their high water content, we don't want the oil to go bad! You can do this by laying the dandelion blossoms out in a single layer on a clean dry towel. (Unlike when you are making something edible with dandelions, you don't have to remove the green plant matter from the dandelion heads. That is done with dandelion infused honey to avoid a bitter taste.) After they are dried a bit and no longer have that excess moisture on them, you can go ahead and infuse your dried dandelions in oil with your preferred method!
Methods to choose from when creating herbal infused oils
Option 1: A solar infusion where your slightly dried dandelions infuse in the oil of your choosing for 1 week in direct sunlight. This is a slow infusion method compared to option two.
Option 2: The crockpot infusion method is where you infuse your partially dried dandelions in the oil of your choice for 4-24 hours in a glass jar resting in a crockpot with a few inches of water surrounding it.
What carrier oil should I use for my dandelion infused oil?
My favorite carrier oils for salves are olive oil and coconut oil. Using olive oil would be the best choice if you are going to do a solar infusion. If you plan on using the crockpot method, I would choose between olive oil and coconut oil. I like using olive oil for this salve for a multitude of reasons. Your preference!
Whenever I choose to add a butter to a salve, one of my top picks is shea butter. Shea butter has antioxidant properties and the ability to boost skin moisture. It is known to reduce redness and swelling when applied to affected areas.
Uses for dandelion salve
- Achy joints - A good use for this natural salve is applying it to achy joints!
- Insect bites - Keep this in your bag for when you are outside this summer. Bug bites are an inevitable part of enjoying nature, be ready!
- Itchy skin - Apply some of your homemade dandelion salve to soothe the affected area.
- Dry hands - Keep this dandelion balm handy for after you do your gardening work! My hands get quite dry after working outside and washing my hands a lot. This is a life saver!
Why you'll love this homemade salve
- This nurturing salve has anti-inflammatory properties that are believed to help relieve many skin conditions.
- I use mine whenever I am experiencing joint pain after time in the garden!
- Taking the time to slow down and be outside harvesting fresh flowers is so relaxing. Get the children involved, work together!
- The drying process isn't extensive and doesn't involve any fancy tools. Laying the dandelion heads out on a towel for 1-2 days is quick and easy!
What you need
Part 1
- 1 cup of partially dried dandelion flowers.
- 1 cup carrier oil of choice (ex: olive oil or coconut oil.)
Part 2
- Dandelion infused oil.
- 1 oz beeswax.
- 1 oz shea butter.
Tools
- Kitchen scale.
- Mesh strainer.
- Cheesecloth.
- Knife.
- Cutting board.
- Double boiler.
- Small glass jars or metal tins.
- Label.
Dandelion Salve Recipe
- Go outside and safely collect fresh dandelion flowers.
2. Lay them out to dry for 1-2 days on a clean dry towel.
3. Create your dandelion infusion using either the solar infusion method or the crockpot method.
4. Strain off your dandelion heads from your oil with a mesh strainer and some cheesecloth. Ensure no plant matter (even tiny flower petals) is left in your oil. Squeeze every drop out with the cheesecloth!
5. Weigh out your beeswax and shea butter. Set up your double boiler with 1 inch of water in the bottom pan.
6. In the top pan, add your dandelion infused oil and beeswax. Stir to combine.
7. Once your beeswax is fully melted and stirred in, add your shea butter. Stir until it is also melted in.
8. Remove from heat.
9. Carefully pour your fresh batch of herbal salve into small glass jars or metal tins. Allow them to firm up completely.
10. Label your containers and you are all set!
Dandelion Salve Recipe Notes
- Responsibly source your dandelions from a safe place that has NOT been sprayed with any chemicals!
- Allow your salve to fully harden before use. I let mine sit overnight.
- Always label your herbal creations with their name, ingredients, and date.
- Store in a cool, dry, and dark place.
- Disclaimer: This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of individual medical care.
Related posts
- Dandelion Infused Honey
- Calendula Salve
- Solar Infused Herbal Facial Oil
- Infusing Herbs in Oil Using a Crockpot
Shop this post
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Beeswax pellets
- Shea butter
- Mesh strainer set
- Cheesecloth
- Small glass jars
- Metal tins
- Label maker
- Kitchen scale
What is your favorite herbal salve to make?
Leave a comment below to tell us what your next batch will be!
Dandelion Salve Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale.
- Mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Knife.
- Cutting board.
- Double boiler.
- Small glass jars or metal tins.
- Label.
Ingredients
Part 1
- 1 cup partially dried dandelion flowers
- 1 cup carrier oil of choice
Part 2
- Dandelion infused oil
- 1 oz beeswax
- 1 oz shea butter
Instructions
- Go outside and safely collect fresh dandelion flowers.
- Lay them out to dry for 1-2 days on a clean dry towel.
- Create your dandelion infusion using either the solar infusion method or the crockpot method.
- Strain off your dandelion heads from your oil with a mesh strainer and some cheesecloth. Ensure no plant matter (even tiny flower petals) is left in your oil. Squeeze every drop out with the cheesecloth!
- Weigh out your beeswax and shea butter. Set up your double boiler with 1 inch of water in the bottom pan.
- In the top pan, add your dandelion infused oil and beeswax. Stir to combine.
- Once your beeswax is fully melted and stirred in, add your shea butter. Stir until it is also melted in.
- Remove from heat.
- Carefully pour your fresh batch of herbal salve into small glass jars or metal tins. Allow them to firm up completely.
- Label your containers and you are all set!
Notes
- Responsibly source your dandelions from a safe place that has NOT been sprayed with any chemicals!
- Allow your salve to fully harden before use. I let mine sit overnight.
- Always label your herbal creations with their name, ingredients, and date.
- Store in a cool, dry, and dark place.
- Disclaimer: This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of individual medical care.
tulipsandtwill
Megan,
The crockpot is such an incredible tool! Be sure to check out my post where I talk all about how I use it for my herb-infused oils: https://tulipsandtwill.com/how-to-infuse-herbs-in-oil-crockpot-method/
-Mariana
tulipsandtwill
Julie,
Yay! I can't wait to see your completed salve! You are so welcome!
-Mariana
tulipsandtwill
Barbra-Sue,
Don't be discouraged! It should have a light floral scent when it is done. When infusing your oil, use the lowest setting on your crockpot and check on it now and then. Work slowly over medium heat when making the salve itself. Give it another try! Good luck!
-Mariana
Barbra-Sue
I tried to do earlier this year and my infused oil had burned smell. I think I was impatient. What should the oil smell like after infused?
Julie
I'm a huge fan of dandelion so this is right up my alley. I hope to make this soon! Thanks for doing all the hard work so I can just put it together lol
Megan
Wow, I had no idea you can use the crockpot for this! I can't wait to try it out!