Amazing DIY Dandelion Salve - Your Cure For Aching Muscles

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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 simple wildcrafted recipe is perfect for beginner herbalists.

While my neighbors are doing everything they can to have dandelion-free lawns, I am relishing the sight of these golden beauties.

You might be wondering what you can possibly use dandelions for. They are actually highly nutritive and versatile.

Dandelion flowers are known for their beneficial properties, which makes this dandelion salve a great herbal formulation for soothing minor aches and pains and for moisturizing dry, cracked, or itchy skin. Plus, dandelions are so easy to forage for!

How Do YouMake Dandelion Salve?

Making dandelion salve is quite a simple process. First, you infuse dried dandelion flowers in a carrier oil for about a week. This infused oil then serves as the base for your salve.

Ingredients:

For the Dandelion Infused Oil:

• 1 cup dried dandelion flowers
• 1 ½ cups carrier oil (such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil)

For the Dandelion Salve:

• 1 cup dandelion infused oil
• 1 ounce beeswax
• 1 ounce refined shea butter
• 12-24 drops essential oils (optional; lavender and sweet orange are excellent choices)

Instructions:

Making the Dandelion Infused Oil:

1. Prepare the Infusion: Place the dried dandelion flowers into a pint-sized Mason jar. Cover them completely with your chosen carrier oil. This oil acts as a base to extract the active compounds from the dandelions.
2. Let It Sit: Seal the jar tightly and place it on a sunny windowsill. Allow the oil to infuse for one week to ten days. The longer it sits, the stronger the infusion, but be cautious as leaving it too long may lead to mold growth.
3. Strain the Oil: Using a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, strain the oil. Be sure to squeeze the cheesecloth to extract every bit of the oil soaked with the essence of dandelion.

Crafting the Dandelion Salve:

1. Set Up a Double Boiler: Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place a small glass measuring cup or bowl over the pan to create a makeshift double boiler. This setup helps to gently heat the ingredients without burning them.
2. Melt the Beeswax: Add the dandelion infused oil and beeswax to the bowl or cup. Heat them until the beeswax has fully melted into the oil, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting.
3. Add Shea Butter: Introduce the shea butter to the mixture. Stir until it is completely melted and integrated with the oil and wax.
4. Incorporate Essential Oils: If using, add your choice of essential oils to the mixture after removing it from heat. Stir well to ensure the oils are evenly distributed throughout the salve.
5. Pour and Set: Carefully pour the warm salve mixture into your prepared tins or jars. Allow them to cool at room temperature until the salve solidifies.

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. 

Dandelion Salve

Barbi Gardiner Learn how to make this dandelion salve recipe using foraged dandelions! This homemade herbal salve is especially good for sore muscles, joints, and dry skin. 5 from 1 vote Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsInfusing Time 14 days dTotal Time 14 days d 20 minutes mins Servings 12 2 oz tins

Equipment

• Pint Mason Jar
• Fine Mesh Sieve
• Cheesecloth
• Small Saucepan
• Small Glass Measuring Cup
• Tins

Ingredients 1x2x3x

Dandelion Infused Oil

• 1 cup dried dandelion flowers
• 1 ½ cups carrier oil of your choice. My favorites are olive oil, sweet almond or jojoba.

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 dried dandelion flowers into a pint sized jar and cover them with the carrier oil of your choice.
• Let your dandelion oil sit on a sunny windowsill for about a week to 10 days, 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

This recipe makes about 12 ounces of salve total or six 2 ounce tins. 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.- Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Why Use Dried Dandelion?

It’s essential to dry the dandelion flowers before infusing them in oil. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Preventing mold growth: Dandelion flowers contain moisture, and if you infuse them in oil while they’re still fresh, the oil can become contaminated with mold or bacteria. Drying the flowers first ensures that all moisture has been removed, preventing the growth of mold or other microorganisms.

2. Enhancing the infusion process: Drying the dandelion flowers helps to break down the cell walls, making it easier for the oil to extract the beneficial compounds from the plant material. This can result in a more potent and effective oil.

3. Reducing the risk of spoilage: Infused oils can spoil over time, particularly if they contain water or moisture. By drying the dandelion flowers before infusing them, you reduce the risk of spoilage and extend the shelf life of your infused oil.

Overall, drying dandelion flowers before infusing them in oil is an essential step that can help to ensure the quality and effectiveness of your finished product. It’s easy to dry dandelion flowers by spreading them out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface, such as a baking sheet or tray, and allowing them to air dry for several days. Once they’re completely dry, you can begin the infusion process and enjoy the many benefits of this versatile herb.

FREE Dandelion Monograph Pages

Yes, I want this!

Disclaimer:

The Outdoor Apothecary website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification and usage.

Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned on this website.

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10 thoughts on “Amazing DIY Dandelion Salve”

1. 

   I can’t wait to try this!

   Reply
   1. 

      Awesome! I’m glad to hear it!

      Reply
2. 

   I put the dandelions in oil for 12 days and when I tool them out there was mold on top. Can I remove the mold and still make the salve. I put the dandelions in the refrigerator over night before I added the oil. Is that what I did wrong?

   Reply
   1. 

      Hello, To make salve using dandelions, you need to dry them first before starting the process. Fresh dandelion will create a breathing ground for molds and bacteria. Please discard because they can’t be used. Then pick fresh dandelions and dry first before infusing in oil.

      Reply
3. 

   I love to make salves & balms…. I usually use purchased dried flowers and herbs, but love wildcrafted recipes! Can’t wait to try this! (…also love your botanical dandelion label! Would you be willing to share it?)

   Reply
   1. 

      Here’s a link to some round dandelion labels I created in Avery with a free account. I used the 2″ round template 22825. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mEmebGH8250iRBtuG6P3w3mGneKWeyg8/view?usp=sharing

      Reply
4. 

   Part of this says to put the oil in a warm sunny window and the other part says to put in a dark place. Just wondering where I should put the jars while infusing the dandelion with the carrier oil. Thank you!

   Reply
   1. 

      Sorry for the confusion. I place them on a sunny windowsill. After the oil is infused and the dandelions are strained out, then I store it in a dark place. I have updated the article with the correction.

      Reply
5. 

   Can i dry my flowers in a dehydrator? Thank you

   Reply
   1. 

      Yes, absolutely!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Barbi, a bioregional herbalist, wildcrafter, gardener, forager, and nature lover. I inspire naturally minded people to become self-reliant, connect with nature, live with the seasons, and protect their health through herbal living. At the Outdoor Apothecary, we return to our roots, re-wild ourselves with nature, and rediscover the joy of living a simple life.

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Disclaimer: The use of the term “apothecary” in our name and content is strictly metaphorical, intended to convey nature’s role in holistic wellness and does not imply professional medical or pharmaceutical services. We do not operate as a pharmacy, medical, or pharmaceutical provider. Our content is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare. If you require medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. 

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