Hello World!
It’s Dandelion season! We are in full bloom here in Wisconsin and I am already taking advantage. My kids picked a large bowl with Grandma and Grandpa for me as I have been hinting I need to make my dandelion salve! They worked super hard picking those for me and I love them for saving my back on this one. Every year this is one of my favorite traditions in my home, making dandelion salve! One of the best things about dandelions is…they ARE FREE! They have so many benefits to your health.
Side note: Right away in the springtime, the bees do need dandelions as other blooms are not quite out yet, so just be mindful when picking them from your yard.
The question…
What in the world is dandelion salve used for? Dandelions are wonderful herbs that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, so they are very useful for sore muscles and joint pain. Just rub some dandelion salve on the affected area and help alleviate some of your pain. I made some dandelion salve for one of my friends, and she told me that she has gone through most of what I gave her! She says it is helping so much with her knee pain! She wanted my recipe, so I thought I would share here to all of you as well!
Other uses for dandelions! Did you know there are several benefits to consuming dandelions? Here is a great post about some beneficial uses to dandelions,(HERE). Most importantly, every part of the dandelion is edible. I love to use it as a tea. Although I haven’t tried this yet, I’ve heard frying them up in a pan with some oil is delicious. Ever heard of dandelion jelly? Yep, it’s a thing! Here is a recipe. Dandelion wine? YES! Here is a recipe I found! I definitely need to try this!
Also, I just read that when you see dandelions appear on your lawn, it actually means that the dandelions job is to help fix your soil. When your soil is fixed, they go away! Amazing! So, refrain from digging these precious herbs out from your lawn! They are so beneficial in so many ways!
Dandelion Salve
Equipment
- Double boiler
- tin or glass container with lid
- Mixer
- Spatula
Materials
- Bowl Dandelions
- 1 Cup Olive oil/coconut oil
- 1 tsp. Vitamin E (optional)
- Drops Essential oil (lavendar, lemongrass, etc)
- 2 T. Beeswax
- 2 T Mango/shea butter
Instructions
- Pick heads of dandelions only. A medium sized bowl full.
- Let dandelions dry overnight so access water dries.
- Put dandelions in a crockpot with olive oil/coconut or both. I use both. Cover dandelions with oil. Infuse by turning on low for about 4 hours. The dandelions will have a burnt feel to them.
- Put dandelions into strainer. Strain out the oil from the dandelions by pressing on them to get all the oils out. When all the oil is strained, you should have at least 1/2 cup. If you have extra, save for another time. You can also infuse twice with fresh dandelions to make the salve stronger.
- Put 1/2 cup of the strained oil into a double boiler. I use a glass bowl into my cast iron pan which has water at the bottom of the pan. Put the oil into the glass bowl. Start to heat on medium low.
- Add 2 T beeswax, 2 T of mango/shea butter and let melt. Stir occassionally.
- Once melted, put into a bowl to mix with your mixer. I have a mixer dedicated to making salves and lotions, but you can use what you want. It will clean up, but it will take some time. Once the mixture is into your mixing bowl, add your essential oils and vitamin E if you want to. Mix until it thickens. It should be a yellowish color.
- Once mixed, store in a glass container or tin container. Happy making this wonderful salve!
ENJOY THIS WONDERFUL SALVE!!!!
Blessings,
Love Gina
Sources:
13 Potential Health Benefits of Dandelion (healthline.com) (evidence based)
Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read on this Website. Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and is his or her sole responsibility. Effective as of February 9th, 2021.
