Dandelion Oil Infusion - It's My Sustainable Life

Learning how to make your own dandelion oil infusion is easy to do and quick to make. Dandelion oil makes a wonderful addition to any home apothecary!

This article was last updated on March 26, 2022. Thank you for reading!

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One of the first flowers to emerge in the spring has many a lawn lover cringing. However, the dandelion holds many medicinal properties. Properties here on the hill we love to capture when making dandelion oil or dandelion oil infusions.

THE DANDELION FLOWER

The Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, may very well be one of the most revered “weeds” known to man. This “wishing flower”, edible from root to flower, is most commonly referred to as an invasive backyard weed.

It is one “weed” that is anxiously awaited in spring by herbalists & pollinators alike. Dandelion oil, an infusion of dandelions into oil, is just one way of utilizing this beneficial “weed” to its fullest extent.

Dandelion oil is readily available now in most health food stores and online. Making your own is simple, quick, fun and filled with health benefits. It also saves bank when making it yourself!

If you have access to untreated green spaces, you will surely find a healthy amount of this sunny flower come springtime as it eagerly spreads its “wishes” freely 😊

Foraging & gathering the blossoms is a quick process, and one that you & the little’s in your life will surely enjoy!

BENEFITS OF DANDELION

Dandelion, is a member of the daisy (Asteraceae)  family, and a relative of the Sunflower, Daisy, & Chamomile family.

ALL parts of the Dandelion are beneficial. According to herbalist & author, Brigitte Mars, in her article, “Health Benefits of Dandelion Roots, Leaves, and Flowers”, all parts of the Dandelion plant are medicinal:

• Dandelion roots are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, cholagogue, choleretic, deobstruent, discutient, hepatic, hypnotic, purgative, and sedative.
• Dandelion leaves are antacid, antioxidant, febrifuge, hypotensive, restorative, and vulnerary.
• Dandelion leaves and root are alterative, anodyne, antirheumatic root, aperient, astringent, bitter, decongestant, depurative, digestive, diuretic, galactagogue, immune stimulant, laxative, lithotriptic, nutritive, stomachic, and can be used as a tonic.
• Dandelion flowers are anodyne, cardiotonic, emollient, hepatic, and vulnerary

That’s a lot of benefits from one little “nuisance” of a weed!

WHAT ARE DANDELIONS USED FOR

Dandelion is used widely for everything from detoxification & cleansing the blood to treating common ailments such as loss of appetite, headaches, digestive issues, and weight loss, to name just a few. Dandelion is edible from root to stem. Often one of the first meals of the spring for a great detox!

Not to mention its skin healing properties! Look below for more uses for dandelion in dandelion oil uses!

WHY MAKE DANDELION OIL INFUSIONS

The reasons why I choose to make my own dandelion oil infusion are varied. Personally, knowing where your product(s) come from, exactly what is in that product, and how it is produced, allows me to rest easy.

I take comfort in the knowledge that my products have no “hidden chemicals” in them. Be sure to check out the article “Hidden Chemical Exposures – Should You Be Concerned?“. Making my own products is satisfying, fun, & cost effective.

WHAT CAN DANDELION OIL BE USED FOR?

The oil made from the dandelion flower (an infusion) is known for its pain relieving qualities (anodyne) as well as it’s moisturizing (emollient) benefits.

Making Dandelion infused oil every spring allows me to use it a multitude of ways.

This oil makes for a wonderful massage oil, as it assists in relieving tension, pain, and stored memories from the body.

It’s used in making lotions & balms for dry, cracked skin and lips.

A personal favorite is using it in the creation of my Dandelion Balm, available in my Etsy shop, or salve. You can learn to make your own salve here, or grab yours from my shop!

This amazing balm, created with only the finest organic ingredients, assists in relieving tension & pain and can be used as a lip & cuticle moisturizer as well!

Use dandelion oil when making herbal bath bombs!

Or use dandelion oil in lieu of other oils when making homemade body lotions and butters!

Dandelion oil makes a wonderful addition when making a homemade, healing gardener’s hand and skin salve for yourself or to give as a gift!

Use dandelion oil that you’ve infused yourself as the base for oil cleansing the face, and ancient Ayurvedic method of cleansing and caring for the skin.

Use your infused dandelion oil as is as a wonderful hand and skin moisturizer, applying it directly and massaging it in well.

Dandelion oil makes a wonderful diaper rash ointment or salve!

Use it as an oil in soap making!

You get the idea. Capture the healing properties, the medicinal properties, and the sweet scent of dandelions by making your own dandelion infused oil.

HOW TO FORAGE & HARVEST DANDELIONS

As with any foraging endeavor, be sure if its not on your own property you have permission to forage and gather. And ALWAYS be sure what you are foraging is free from any harmful sprays, pesticides, herbicides, and the like!

When harvesting any flower, be sure to do so on a warm, sunny day, making sure all traces of moisture or morning dew has completely dried.

Harvest fully opened flowers that are mature and healthy looking. Snip the flowerhead from the stem by either using garden snips or scissors, or simply “pop” the flower off the stem with a quick snap!

To make dandelion oil (infused) you will need a full jar of flower heads, so be prepared to spend a little time when harvesting. The little’s really enjoy this process. Hint. Hint 😅

Once you’ve gathered and harvested all the dandelions you will need, inspect them for insects and dirt or debris. I personally don’t encourage “washing” the flowers as I don’t like to add any further moisture which can lead to molding or decay when making the infused oil. Obviously, should your flowers be full of dirt, you may need to give them a quick rinse. However, be sure they are fully dry before using as stated below.

Before you can begin making your dandelion oil, the dandelion flowers need to be completely dry.

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HOW TO DRY DANDELION FLOWERS FOR MAKING DANDELION OIL

It’s imperative that the dandelion flowers be completely dry before using in the making of your dandelion oil. Fresh flower heads which have not been properly dried can lead to the infused oil turning rancid, especially when making your oil using a slower method or time method for infusion. More on that below.

When it comes to drying methods you have a couple choices. The fast method or the slow.

FAST DRYING METHOD FOR DANDELION FLOWERS

Should you be looking to make your oil infusion quickly, you need to get those flower heads dried quickly first.

Using a dehydrator, lay the flower heads out flat on a dehydrator rack or shelf. Depending on the dehydrator you have, turn on the lowest temperature possible. Keeping an eye on them closely, it will take anywhere between 12 to 24 hours for the flowers to fully dry.

SLOW DRYING METHOD FOR DANDELION FLOWERS

Personally, I prefer to use the slow drying method for my dandelion flowers. Saves me from using lots of energy, thus saving me $$$.

To dry the flowers using the slow method, simply layout the flowers in a single layer on a towel, rack, or screen and let dry for 12-36 hours to remove as much moisture as possible. The time needed really depends largely on the climate of which you reside, higher humidity area’s plan on it taking longer to see your end result.

HOW TO MAKE DANDELION OIL {INFUSED}

Gather your supplies you will need. They are simple and most likely ones that you have available already.

DANDELION OIL SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

• Container – Think mason jar (great for easily determining amounts made), recycled or repurposed glass jars
• Cover – A loose fitting, breathable cover is best. Coffee filter, re-used cloth, cheesecloth used with a rubber band works wonderful
• Oil – Oil of your choice to infuse. I prefer to use an organic EVOO, but grapeseed oil, jojoba oil or any oil of your preference would work. More on oils below
• DANDELION FLOWER HEADS – Enough dandelion flower heads that have been dried to fill your jar
• OPTIONAL – SLOW COOKER

Read below on the different methods for infusing the dandelion oil to determine whether you will be using the optional slow cooker.

There are two methods of infusing your oil. Time (slow or cold infusion) or heat (fast or heat infusion).

I prefer to use the “time” method as I love gathering the energy of the sun and allowing its heat to do the work for me, extracting the dandelions healing properties and infusing them into the oil.

TIME METHOD FOR DANDELION INFUSED OIL

To make the infused oil using the time or cold infusion method, simply fill whatever size jar, clear jar preferred, you may have with your wilted flower heads leaving at least 3/4 inch headspace (top of the jar).

Cover with your preferred carrier oil. Use a butter knife to push the blossoms under the oil and remove any air bubbles that may have developed.

Cover the jar and place directly in the sun if possible or on the sunniest window you have available with a breathable cloth lid, securing it in place with a rubber band.

Let sit for at least 2 weeks, gently stirring every so often to mix all that goodness infusing into the oil.

Molding or the risk of the oil turning rancid is nil when the dandelion flowers are completely dried and the jar is allowed to breath via the cloth lid.

Strain the flowers from the oil, squeezing as much of the oil from the flowers as possible.

Store in an air-tight container in a dark cupboard. Your oil is now ready for use!

HEAT METHOD FOR DANDELION INFUSED OIL

There are those traditionalist’s out there who do not recommend using heat when infusing oils. With care, and using VERY low heat, this method can work in a pinch should you be in a hurry for the oil.

Fill a jar of your choice with completely dried dandelion flower heads. Cover with your preferred carrier oil. Use a butter knife to push the blossoms under the oil and remove any air bubbles that may have developed.

Cover your jar with several layers of cheesecloth or breathable covering such as a coffee filter, and secure with an elastic band.

Place a folded kitchen towel in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place your jar of oil & flower heads on the towel.

Fill the slow cooker with water until the water reaches about halfway up your jar. Do NOT cover the slow cooker.

Set on the lowest setting and allow it to run for 12-24 hours. Replenish the water if needed during the heat time.

Strain and squeeze as much oil from the spent dandelion flowers as possible, draining the oil into another jar for storage.

Store the dandelion oil infusion in a dark, cool cupboard. I keep mine, ready to use, in my home apothecary cupboard.

Infusions are quick, easy to make, and full of nourishing benefits. These methods can easily be used for other forms of infusions as well.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my article, “How To Make & Use Calendula Oil” for another infused oil variation.

CARRIER OILS FOR MAKING DANDELION OIL

When it comes to deciding which carrier oil to infuse with your dandelions really boils down to personal preference.

I love the healing benefits of EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil), which include anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial and emollient properties.

Jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, or tamanu oils are all great alternatives. These oils can be mixed as well in ratios. For instance, half EVOO and half jojoba oil etc. I encourage you to give them a trial run to see which works best for you.

DANDELION OIL TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

If this is your first time making an infused oil, good for you! Dandelion oil is one of the easiest to make!

With all of my home apothecary items I make, I make it a habit to ALWAYS label the items. You may think you will remember what it is in that jar, but I can attest from experience, the sniff test often doesn’t work on trying to identify what exactly is in there 😅

So label your items with the name of the product AND the date it was jarred or made. Dandelion oil remains useable for about a year. Thereafter, plan on making fresh.

Better yet in addition to labeling just the jar, keep a log. I use a pantry log from my Kitchen Inventory & Meal Planning printable set to keep an ongoing log of what I have on hand in my apothecary cupboard. You can grab your copy of this printable set HERE.

I hope this spring you can take a few moments, gather some dandelions and make your own dandelion oil infusion!

Will you be making dandelion oil infusion this year?

Love, Light, & Laughter ~

FDA Disclosure

Recommendations and or suggestions made by this blog regarding husbandry and or herbal remedies etc. are not meant to replace solid advice from qualified professionals.  None of the information on this blog has been evaluated by the FDA.  Products or remedies mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  Please do your due diligence.  Research, talk to qualified professionals and proceed at your own risk.

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