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This dandelion salve is a great way to treat sore muscles achy joints and dry, chapped skin. It’s perfect for those who love to work outdoors in the garden, soothing the dry hands that can come with outdoor work.
Dandelions
Dandelions are a cheerful, though common weed that many try to get rid of in their lawns. Little do they realise how valuable this plant actually is.
Traditionally, used to make medicine for centuries, dandelion with its anti-inflammatory properties, is beneficial for treating arthritis and gout. When used topically, it can also help to relieve achy, sore muscles and joints and tension.
For this recipe, it is best to use fresh dandelion root that has just ben harvested from your garden. The best time to do this is in autumn. Just dig up the root as best you can. Just make sure you dig up dandelion where you know no pesticides have been used or animals have peed.
Then, remove the green parts from the roots and scrub them well.
Once clean, let the roots dry at room temperature. When dry, they are ready to use in this recipe.
More Dandelion Resources
Carrier Oils
When making a salve, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the salve as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits.
With this salve recipe, there are multiple carrier oils that could be used including:
- Avocado Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Argan Oil
- Rosehip Oil
- Hemp Oil
- Safflower Oil
You can learn more about carrier oils here.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this salve is being used on your skin, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and used in the correct quantities.
Just be careful using some essential oils such as tea tree and peppermint, around children and pregnant women, making sure to do your research before using.
Before Using this Salve
Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.
- Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.
- Test on small area of skin before using. If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
- Wash hands well after using.
Ingredients for Making Dandelion Infused Oil
- Dandelion Flowers
- Carrier Oil
To make Dandelion Infused Oil, follow these instructions.
Ingredients for Making Dandelion Salve
- ½ Cup Dandelion Infused Oil
- 1 ½ TBSP Beeswax
- 10 drops Essential Oils – optional
TIP – When using beeswax in your products, just note that it does harden very quickly as it cools. This means that it can be quite difficult to remove from the dishes and cutlery that is used. For this reason, I have dedicated bowls and cutlery that is only used for making homemade products, especially ones that contain beeswax.
Making Dandelion Salve
Combine the beeswax and the infused oil in a microwaveable container and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.
This process could also be done in a double boiler.
Let it cool slightly before adding the essential oil if using and mix through.
Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins.
Let the salve cool and set.
The salve is now ready to label, date and store.
Storing This Salve
Place the salve in dark glass jars or metal tins to protect it from exposure to light and air. I have also used tubes for easier application.
Store in a cool, dark place.
When properly stored, this salve should last up to six months.
To Use this Salve
Using clean hands, rub a small amount of the salve onto your fingers, then rub it in the intended site.
- For dry or chaffed skin, massage a small amount onto the affected area
- For minor bumps and bruises, apply a thin layer of the salve to soothe the area
- To help heal bumps and bruises
- Massage a small amount on any Fine line and Wrinkles
Notes
- If you are picking fresh flowers to use in this salve, make sure to harvest them from a pesticide free area.
- Harvest only when you are 100% positive you have the correct plant as there are many lookalikes which are inedible or poisonous.
- Vitamin E is optional, and is often added to salves as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity, as well as for its amazing skin-healing properties. Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to help preserve your salve even longer!
- You can use any type of carrier oil for the infused oil. This recipe uses avocado oil.
- If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
- Try adding essential oils or other infused oils for a more powerful salve
- I live in a hot climate, so this is made with 3 tablespoons of beeswax to stop it from melting during hot summers, thus making this a harder salve. Use less beeswax if you want a softer balm. To test the consistency of the salve, place a small amount on the back of your hand and see what it does. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax; if it is too hard, add more oil.
Dandelion Salve
Simple Living. Creative Learning
This dandelion salve is a great way to treat sore muscles achy joints and dry, chapped skin, making it perfect for those who work outdoors.
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Instructions
Dandelion Infused Oil
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First you will need to infuse the dandelion flowers in the carrier oil. If using fresh leaves, let them dry for at least a day or two before infusing.
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Place the dry flowers in a glass jar adding until the jar is just over half full.
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Pour over the avocado oil or other carrier oil until all the dried flowers are covered.
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Put the lid on the jar and store in a dark cupboard for two to four weeks, shaking every couple of days to keep everything submerged.
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Strain the leaves with a strainer, cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter.
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The infused oil is now ready to make into a salve.
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If you want to speed up the infusion process, slowly heat the oil in a slow cooker on low heat for 24 – 48 hours. For more information on making infused oils, check this out.
Notes
TIP – When using beeswax in your products, just note that it does harden very quickly as it cools. This means that it can be quite difficult to remove from the dishes and cutlery that is used. For this reason, I have dedicated bowls and cutlery that is only used for making homemade products, especially ones that contain beeswax.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.
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