Dandelions—those whimsical little puffballs we used to blow on as kids, scattering seeds into the wind—are much more than just a childhood memory or a pesky garden weed. Imagine a world where they transform into a soothing salve, offering a balm for sore muscles and dry skin. This isn’t just about skincare; it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, a small comfort tucked into a tin.
Steps
- Gather dried dandelion flowers by spreading freshly picked ones on a paper towel and letting them air dry for a few days.
- Fill a canning jar halfway with the dried dandelion flowers and cover them with twice the amount of your chosen carrier oil.
- For a quick oil infusion, place the jar in a saucepan with water and heat on low for a few hours, ensuring the water doesn’t evaporate. Then, strain the oil.
- Alternatively, for a traditional infusion, cap the jar and store it in a cabinet for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally, before straining.
- To make the salve, combine 3.5 ounces of dandelion-infused oil with 0.5 ounces of beeswax pastilles in a heatproof container.
- Place the container in a pan filled with a few inches of water and heat on medium-low until the wax melts.
- Remove the mixture from heat, pour it into jars or tins, and let it sit until firm.
Ingredients
- 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of dandelion infused oil
- 0.5 ounces (15 grams) of beeswax pastilles
- Optional: 0.5 ounces of tamanu oil (use in place of part of the dandelion oil if desired)
FAQ
- What is the primary use of dandelion salve?
- Dandelion salve is primarily used for soothing sore muscles, easing achy and arthritic joints, and softening rough, chapped skin.
- Can fresh dandelion flowers be used to make the infused oil?
- It is not recommended to use fresh dandelion flowers due to their high water content, which can lead to spoilage. Instead, air dry the dandelion flowers for a few days before using them to make the infused oil.
- What oils can be used as carrier oils for dandelion infused oil?
- You can use a variety of carrier oils such as sunflower, olive, sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, or hemp oil for making dandelion infused oil.
- What is the shelf life of dandelion salve?
- The shelf life of dandelion salve is approximately 9 months to a year, provided it retains a pleasant scent. If it starts smelling like rancid oil, it’s time to dispose of it.
- Is it necessary to use tamanu oil in the dandelion salve recipe?
- Tamanu oil is optional in the dandelion salve recipe. It is valued for its skin healing properties, but if you don’t have it, you can simply use all dandelion infused oil instead.
Tips
- Allow dandelion flowers to air dry for a few days before using them to make an infused oil, as this reduces their high water content and prevents spoilage.
- For a quick oil infusion, place the jar in a saucepan with water and gently heat, ensuring the water doesn’t evaporate entirely.
- Consider adding tamanu oil to the salve for enhanced skin healing properties, though using all dandelion-infused oil is also effective.
- Store the finished salve in tins or jars and check for freshness by smell; it should last at least 9 months to a year if stored properly.
Equipment
- Canning jar
- Beeswax pastilles
- Heatproof container (for a makeshift double boiler)
- Small saucepan (if not already owned)
- 2-ounce glass jars or tins (for storing the salve)
