Dandelion salve is one of my favorite salves and one of the easiest to make! No need to trek into the woods to go foraging; most of us have dandelions growing in our own backyards! Use dandelion salve to moisturize dry skin and relieve minor aches and pains. Another worthwhile plant to forage is pineapple weed!
One of the telltale signs of late spring/early summer, at least here in Montana, is seeing beautiful green fields blanketed with dandelions (Taraxacum officinale). Here in "big sky country," it's a beautiful sight to behold!
I have harvested dandelions to make dandelion mead, dandelion jelly, dandelion salve, and a dandelion lip mask, but dandelion salve is a favorite among my friends and customers (back when I sold it on Etsy).
If you enjoy making this salve, try another spring-time salve, balm of Gilead!
Dandelion Benefits
Dandelions have been enjoyed for culinary purposes for hundreds of years. The greens can be sautéed, similar to collard greens, and can be added to stir-fries. Every part of the plant has a use, including the roots, which some brew into a tea!
One study showed that the root extract had a positive effect on the multiplication of normal human skin fibroblasts. In simple terms, fibroblasts help maintain and rebuild the skin and connective tissues. Another study showed that dandelion extract had positive results on skin hydration and reduced inflammation. Both of these factors promote increased skin elasticity and smooth out wrinkles. Yes, please!
It's no wonder that dandelion salve is great for hydrating dry, scaly skin and relieving rashes. Since I recommend adding oil that is low on the comedogenic scale (see more in the FAQ section), dandelion salve is great for your skin and won't clog your pores! This recipe should yield approximately 12 1-ounce tins of dandelion salve.
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Ingredients
- Dandelions: One cup of packed dandelion flowers. The flowers should be freshly picked and dried just enough to remove excess moisture. Otherwise, it can promote the growth of bacteria and mold. However, don't dry the flowers to the point where they go to seed and turn into puff balls. A few hours on the counter should do the trick!
- Carrier Oil: You will need 1-½ cups of oil to infuse the flowers. Some of the best options include sunflower oil, safflower oil, and grapeseed oil. See the FAQ section for more information about carrier oils!
- Beeswax: For every cup of infused oil, you will add 1 ounce of beeswax. This comes in bars and pellets. I recommend the beeswax pellets because they are easier to work with and melt faster.
- Shea Butter: Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, which are both known to promote skin healing. It also moisturizes, soothes, and improves skin elasticity. Add ½ ounce for every cup of infused oil.
- Vitamin E & Essential Oils: I like to add one teaspoon of vitamin E for every cup of infused oil. Vitamin E contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Essential oils can also be added if desired. I would start with 10 drops per cup of infused oil.
Foraging Tip
When picking dandelions, you need to ensure that they have not been sprayed with pesticides. Dandelions growing on the side of the road or along busy trails should be avoided as well. Pick the dandelions before they go to seed, as pictured below.
We have 65 acres on our homestead, so we have plenty of dandelions to pick from. However, I found myself at my friend Teresa's property because the dandelion flowers on her property were larger and fuller. I prefer picking the biggest flowers so that I don't need to pick as many. Don't worry, we left plenty behind for the bees! 🐝 🐝 🐝
Plant Identification
- Check the Stem: Dandelions have a single, unbranched, hollow stem with no hairs.
- Examine the Leaves: True dandelion leaves have deep, jagged lobes with a smooth texture.
- Look at the Root: Dandelions have a single, thick taproot, not fibrous or branched.
How to Make Dandelion-Infused Oil & Salve
- Pick 1 cup of fresh dandelions by pinching the flower head off the dandelion plant. It's ok if some green leaves are included.
- Allow dandelion flowers to wilt until no moisture remains. This can be done outside or on the kitchen counter.
- Add dandelion flowers to a quart-sized jar and cover with 1-½ cups carrier oil. Make sure the flowers are fully submerged, then seal jar with a lid. Label lid with date and contents on the jar.
- Place jar in a cool, dark pantry for 4 weeks. Shake jar periodically (when you remember) to keep flowers submerged and to release the flower's beneficial extracts.
- Strain infused dandelion oil through a soup bag or cheesecloth and measure. Add to a small saucepan, along with 1 oz of beeswax and ½ oz of shea butter per cup of oil. Stir over very low heat until melted.
- Allow mixture to cool slightly before stirring in 1 teaspoon vitamin E and 10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Carefully pour into canisters and allow to set before fastening canister lids.
Disclaimer
Foraging for wild plants comes with risks, and it is essential to be absolutely certain of a plant’s identification before using it. Many edible or medicinal plants have toxic lookalikes. Always consult a qualified expert, such as a clinical herbalist or botanist, if you are unsure. Additionally, speak with your doctor before consuming any foraged plants, as they may cause allergic reactions, interactions with medications, or unexpected side effects. This blog is based on my personal research and experience; I am not a medical professional or certified herbalist. Always verify plant information through multiple reputable sources before use. Foraging responsibly and safely is your own responsibility.
Equipment
Here is what I recommend for salve-making. You will need a few mason jars (1-pint or quart-sized), along with a few soup bags for straining the oil. Although not completely necessary, it's best to have equipment used solely for making salves instead of using your cooking pots. To heat the oil and melt the wax, I like this wax melting pot - it's got a spout for easy and precise pouring, and it's easy to clean!
A kitchen scale is also essential for weighing your ingredients. You will also need tins to store the salve. I prefer 1-ounce tins, however, you may want to use 2-ounce tins instead. If you plan on making labels for your salve, a label maker comes in handy. Just be sure to get the round labels instead of the rectangular ones!
Storage
Store dandelion salve in airtight containers in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight, for up to one year.
FAQ
Dandelion salve is great for soothing dry, irritated skin. It's a wonderful natural moisturizer with antioxidants and vitamin A to help nourish the skin. Dandelion salve can promote the healing of minor cuts and scrapes thanks to its antimicrobial properties. It also reduces inflammation.
Safflower oil, argan oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil are all great options! All these oils are low on the comedogenic {kämədəˈjenik} scale (a rating from 0-5), with 0 being the least comedogenic (less likely to clog your pores) and 5 being the most comedogenic (most likely to clog pores and cause acne and blackheads).
Pro Tips
- Shaking the bottle while the oil is being infused helps to distribute the flowers and their essential oils evenly throughout the carrier oil. It also encourages the flowers to release their aromatic compounds, enhancing the infusion process. Shaking periodically can help ensure that the flowers stay submerged in the oil, preventing mold growth, and can promote faster extraction of their properties into the oil.
- Be sure to label your salve with the name of the salve and the date it was prepared, and use it within a year.
- For a harder texture, add more wax to the infused oil, and for a softer texture, add a little more oil.
More Foraging Posts
How to Make Dandelion Salve
Equipment
- 12 1-ounce tins
- 1 soup bag
Ingredients
- 1 cup danelion flowers
- 1½ cups oil (see ingredients list for recommendations)
- 1 ounce beeswax pellets
- ½ ounce shea butter
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E (optional)
- 10 drops essential oils
Instructions
- Pick 1 cup of fresh dandelions by pinching the flower head off of the dandelion plant. It's ok if some green leaves are included.
- Allow dandelion flowers to wilt until no moisture remains. This can be done outside or on the kitchen counter.
- Add dandelion flowers to a quart-sized jar and cover with 1½ cups carrier oil. Make sure the flowers are fully submerged, then seal jar with a lid. Label lid with date and contents on the jar.
- Place jar in a cool, dark, pantry for 4 weeks. Shake jar periodically (when you remember) to keep flowers submerged and to release the flower's beneficial extracts.
- Strain infused dandelion oil through a soup bag or cheesecloth and measure. Add to a small saucepan, along with 1 oz of beeswax and ½ oz of shea butter per cup of oil. Stir over very low heat, until melted.
- Allow mixture to cool slightly before stirring in 1 teaspoon of vitamin E and 10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Carefully pour into canisters and allow to set before fastening canister lids.
Notes
- See post for warning disclaimer and plant identification tips.
- Shaking the bottle while the oil is being infused helps to evenly distribute the flowers and their essential oils throughout the carrier oil. It also encourages the flowers to release their aromatic compounds, enhancing the infusion process. Shaking periodically can help ensure that the flowers stay submerged in the oil, preventing mold growth, and can promote faster extraction of their properties into the oil.
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- For a harder texture add more wax to the infused oil and for a softer texture, add a little more oil.
- Store dandelion salve in airtight containers in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight for up to one year.
Hilda Sterner says
I hope you love this salve as much as I do!
Kelly Methey says
All of your salves are amazing and so useful! I love them all and this one is a really fantastic one. Your recipes and info are so well researched and thorough. Thank you Hilda!.
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you! As always, I really appreciate the comment!
Kelly Methey says
What essential oils would you use for scent and for medicinal purposes?
Hilda Sterner says
Great question! For scent, I like to use mint or spearmint, and like to add lavender for medicinal benefits but really you can add whatever you prefer. There are so many to choose from!