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Turn bright and sunny dandelion blooms into a lovely all-purpose salve! Learn how to make dandelion-infused oil and homemade salve with this simple dandelion salve recipe.
For a long time, dandelions were just a common weed to me. They’re pretty in the yard, but still just a weed.
Once I learned about all of the benefits of dandelions, I realized they can be an immensely useful plant to have around!
I love turning nourishing plants into infused oils for salves, body butters, and more. I’ve made homemade calendula oil and homemade rosemary oil in the past, and now dandelion salve will be a regular spring recipe!
Dandelion salve is a beautiful and versatile product to keep on hand. It’s an excellent way to preserve dandelions when they are plentiful, so you can reap the benefits year-round.
If you have a surplus of dandelion blooms in your yard, this is the perfect time to dive into salve making!
Why You’ll Love It
- 3 ingredients: That’s right! This recipe takes only 3 ingredients to make. Oftentimes, with skincare products, simple is best.
- Turn weeds into skincare: I love that this recipe allows me to take a common weed and turn it into something useful for my entire family.
- Natural ingredients: With all-natural carrier oil, dandelions, and beeswax, this recipe is free from anything harsh or artificial. It is gentle and nourishing to the skin.
Materials Needed
Dried dandelions: You can purchase these or dry your own. I harvested mine from my yard and dried them on a clean towel for a few days.
Carrier oil: I used olive oil, but you can use any carrier oil you like. Learn more in my post on the 10 best carrier oils.
Beeswax pellets: Wax is essential for the salve to be solid yet spreadable. For a vegan option, you can use candelilla wax, which is what I use in homemade vegan lip balm.
Container: A shallow jar or tin works best for salves. I like using shallow metal tins that are made for skincare products.
How to Make Dandelion Salve
Step 1. If your dandelions aren’t already dried, go ahead and spread them out on a clean towel for a day or two. You want them dry, or the product will spoil with the moisture in them.
Step 2. Place the dandelion tops in a small jar and pour the carrier oil over the top of them until they are just covered.
Step 3. Add 1-2 inches of water to the bottom of a small saucepan, place the jar with the dandelions and oil in it, being careful not to splash any water in the oil. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low for 1 hour. Keep an eye on it, and top off the water as needed.
Step 4. Once an hour has elapsed, carefully remove the jar to cool. Once cool, strain the dandelion oil through a cheesecloth or mesh strainer into a clean jar or measuring cup.
Step 5. Next, combine the dandelion-infused oil and beeswax in a double boiler and gently melt everything down over low heat. I use 3 oz of the dandelion oil and 1 oz of beeswax. Stir well once melted.
Step 6. Pour the warm mixture into a shallow jar or tin and let it cool completely before putting the lid on.
How to Use Dandelion Salve
To use dandelion salve, first ensure your hands are clean. Rub your finger over the surface of the salve to transfer some onto your fingertips. If you need a larger amount, you can scoop a little out with your finger or a small spatula.
Apply the salve to areas of concern, rubbing it into the skin with circular motions. It will soak in slowly and you can reapply as needed.
It’s a good idea to perform a patch test with any new products before you start using them. To do this, apply a tiny bit of salve to your inner arm and monitor the area for adverse reactions for a day.
Expert Tips
- Be sure your dandelions are fully dried before infusing. Fresh flowers hold moisture, and that water can cause your oil to mold over time. If your dandelions are fresh, letting them dry for a day or two on a clean towel does the trick.
- You can use any carrier oil you love. I usually go with olive oil, but fractionated coconut oil is another favorite. It gives the salve a slightly lighter feel.
- You are going to end up with a tad less oil than what you started with, as some of it is going to absorb into the dandelions.
- Rather than infusing the oil on the stove, you can infuse it with sunlight. To use the method of solar infusion, simply place the jar of oil and dried dandelions in a sunny windowsill for 4-6 weeks before straining. This method takes much longer, but it’s hands-off and a bit easier.
- Feel free to make extra dandelion oil to use as a carrier oil in other recipes!
Recipe FAQs
Salves are oil-based ointments, usually infused with herbs, that can be used topically to soothe different skin conditions. You can make salves with a variety of different herbs; in addition to this dandelion salve, I’ve made homemade lemon balm salve with lemon balm from my garden.
Salve is best stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Be sure to keep the lid on when you aren’t using it and keep it out of intense heat, such as a hot car, because the salve can melt.
Dandelion salve will last several months — possibly longer — if the dandelions are properly dried and the salve is stored in a cool, dry place.
Yes! They need to be completely dry or else the salve will spoil.
Related Recipes
If you tried this homemade dandelion salve or any other tutorial on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Dandelion Salve
Equipment
- Double Boiler
- Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- ½-¾ cup dried dandelion tops, approx 1 oz
- 4 oz olive oil, or another carrier oil you like
- 1 oz beeswax pellets
- 1 shallow jar or tin
Instructions
- If your dandelions aren’t already dried, go ahead and spread them out on a clean towel for a day or two. You want them dry, or the product will spoil with the moisture in them.
- Place the dandelion tops in a small jar and pour the carrier oil over the top of them until they are just covered.
- Add 1-2 inches of water to the bottom of a small saucepan and place the jar with the dandelions and oil in it, being careful not to splash any water in the oil. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low for 1 hour. Keep an eye on it, and top off the water as needed.
- Once an hour has elapsed, carefully remove the jar to cool. Once cool, strain the dandelion oil through a cheesecloth or mesh strainer into a clean jar or measuring cup.
- Next, combine the dandelion-infused oil and beeswax in a double boiler and gently melt everything down over low heat. I use 3 oz of the dandelion oil and 1 oz of beeswax. Stir well once melted.
- Pour the warm mixture into a shallow jar or tin and let it cool completely before putting the lid on.
Notes
-
- To use: Apply to areas of concern by rubbing the salve into the skin with circular motions. Reapply as needed.
- Be sure your dandelions are fully dried before infusing. Fresh flowers hold moisture, and that water can cause your oil to mold over time. If your dandelions are fresh, letting them dry for a day or two on a clean towel does the trick.
- You can use any carrier oil you love. I usually go with olive oil, but fractionated coconut oil is another favorite. It gives the salve a slightly lighter feel.
- You are going to end up with a tad less oil than what you started with, as some of it is going to absorb into the dandelions.
- Rather than infusing the oil on the stove, you can infuse it with sunlight. To use the method of solar infusion, simply place the jar of oil and dried dandelions in a sunny windowsill for 4-6 weeks before straining. This method takes much longer, but it’s hands-off and a bit easier.
- Feel free to make extra dandelion oil to use as a carrier oil in other recipes!
I posted a comment yesterday but it disappeared. I was wondering if you need a lid on the jar or if you leave it open when you allow it to sit on a windowsill for the 4-6 weeks? Thank you
Yes, you would place a lid on top.
Great, thank you!
These are common flowers found in India almost throughout the year. We use it in our prayers practice everyday and throwaway the dried ones. Now I can use it more effectively. Thanks.God bless
Hi Laura
I’d like to add some essential oils in there. Which ones would you recommend and how much?
Thanks, Rose
I would consider oils like lavender and frankincense.
Is there any reason why this could not be used as a moisturizer for legs and arms? I’ve done that before and it works really well.
I think that is a great idea!
A great looking recipe, I can’t wait to make it! We have a ton of dandelions I need to get rid of anyway!
I am so glad you found a solution to your dandelion issue!