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–+ servings
5 from 2 votes

Dandelion Salve

By Laura Ascher
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Simmer time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 1 tin
A round container of dandelion salve with fresh dandelions.
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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 dandelion salve recipe.

Equipment

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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!
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