Making Dandelion Oil & Salve

Before I could make this salve, I had to first prepare the dandelion oil. When I first made this I was concerned with it being difficult; but let me tell you... if I can do this, you can do this. It's that simple and easy.

Our yard, the field across the way and the edge of the creek bed are all loaded with dandelions right now and I'm tempted to take my baby girl for a walk for some post-surgery exercise and forage up a few bagfuls of dandelions for making a batch of homemade dandelion wine.

My last gallon of wine will be ready for the final racking this weekend and I will have three empty one-gallon glass jugs looking for a new wine to ferment. I've already researched and found the dandelion wine (with a citrus undertone) that I want to experiment with.

Dandelion Oil

• One cup of freshly picked dandelion heads/flowers
• One glass jar large enough to hold flowers and oil
• Carrier oil (I used EVOO) with enough to cover dandelions completely and 1/2" over the top of the flowers
• Favored essential oil (optional)

Thoroughly clean the flowers to remove debris, bugs and dirt. Let sit out on a towel for about 24-hours to dry and allow the moisture to be removed. flowers need to be completely dry or you risk the chance for molding and spoilage

Drop dried flowers into jar and cover with oil until 1/2" of the oil is over the top of the flowers.It's OK if some of th flowers float to the top; they will eventually sink to the bottom of the jar below the oil line.
Let the oil sit in the jar with a piece of cheesecloth, paper towel or napkins over it but with a snug fit. You want air to be able to circulate but not allow any dust or dirt inside with the flowers and oil. I used a mason jar with a napkin that was secured with the jar's ring; you can also use a rubber band.

Set the oil and flower jar in a sunny window sill for up to two weeks. I let my jar brew in the window sill for 10 days. If you let it sit too long, it can mold and spoil.

Dandelion Salve

Using cheesecloth, a colander and the oil-soaked dandelions, drain off the oil into a clean bowl or jar. Discard the dandelion flowers and cheesecloth. Set the oil aside.
Measure one-ounce of beeswax (I use the beeswax dots for easier and faster melting) and put into the top of a double-boiler pan. I use a pot filled with water and an old mason jar; makes it easier for pouring into smaller jars when finished.

Start the beeswax melting over a rolling boil in the double-boiler set up. Once the beeswax begin to melt, add the dandelion oil. Once well blended and the beeswax is completely solidified, remove from heat. Add in about 30-40 drops of chosen essential oil. I used lemon this time. Normally I use eucalyptus, but wanted a different scent as Mr. Golden D said the eucalyptus one reminds him of his grandfather and arthritis cream; so I appeased him this time.

Immediately, but carefully, using heat resistant gloves or pot holders, pour into clean glass jars to cool.

Once cooled, I usually wait about 12 hours to avoid moisture/humidity build up which can ruin the salve, cover with screw on - tight lid. This salve should last for about one year.

Dandelion Salve Uses

• GREAT for sore muscles
• Perfect for aches and arthritic joints
• Fabulous for rough, chapped skin (elbows, knees)
• Perfect for skin abrasions and light surface cuts on skin
  
  

I added the oil from three capsules of Vitamin E and 1/4 teaspoon of Tea Tree Oil to the liquid before pouring into the prepared jars for extra moisturizing on the skin

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