Dandelion Salve
Tired of battling weeds? Flip the script, use dandelions to make a healing salve that turns garden pests into one of your favorite homemade fixes.
Yield: 4 Ounces
Equipment
- double boiler or use a jar in a pan of water
- 4 ounce jar or tin or use 4 smaller tins or even a small canning jar
Materials
For the infused oil:
- 2 cups dandelion flowers petals only, no green parts
- ½ cup carrier oil e.g., avocado, olive, sweet almond
For the salve:
- ½ cup dandelion-infused oil
- 1 ½ tbsp beeswax granules
- 10 drops essential oil optional
Instructions
- After picking your dandelions, lay them out to dry for 1–2 days to remove moisture
- Separate the petals from the stems
- Place the dried petals in a clean jar and cover with your chosen carrier oil
- Use a wooden spoon to press the petals down into the oil, ensuring they’re fully submerged
- Let the oil infuse for several days (up to 2 weeks for best potency)
- Strain the infused oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the petals
To make the salve:
- In a double boiler, gently heat the dandelion-infused oil and beeswax granules until fully melted, never melt wax directly over a heat source, always use a double boiler OR a jar in a pan of water to melt wax
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly
- Add essential oils if using, and stir to combine
- Pour the mixture into tins or small glass jars
- Allow to cool and harden completely before using
Notes
- Any carrier oil works well; avocado oil is rich and nourishing
- Essential oils are optional—lavender and tea tree work well for added skin benefits