I’ve at all times had enjoyable making my very own lotions, balms, and salves. Not solely are they reasonably priced, but it surely’s a good way to have pure skincare readily at your fingertips. This dandelion salve is one in every of my newest creations.
Dandelions boast so many well being advantages, it’s a disgrace that so many individuals strive so arduous to do away with them. The younger spring leaves are nice in salads. You should use the dried and roasted root as a espresso substitute. And the flower buds make scrumptious wine, jelly, and extra.
Whereas many individuals use dandelion internally for liver well being and its antioxidant results, you may as well use them topically.
The Advantages of Dandelion Salve
It’s straightforward to seek out loads of claims in relation to dandelion salve. And whereas there isn’t quite a lot of analysis to again up these claims, there’s loads of historic use and anecdotal proof. Right here’s a few of what the science does need to say.
Analysis from 2022 checked out dandelion important oil’s results on most cancers and tumors. They discovered it had robust antioxidant properties and helped inhibit the expansion and copy of most cancers cells. This examine was completed on cells and mice in a lab, so extra analysis is required earlier than coming to conclusions. Nonetheless, the risky oil in dandelion reveals promise for protecting pores and skin and cells wholesome.
One other examine checked out dandelion seed oil particularly. Additionally they discovered it had potent antioxidant energy and inhibited cancerous cell development. Antioxidants used on the pores and skin, like a dandelion salve, have a number of well being advantages, together with:
assist gradual growing old and mobile injury
enhance hydration
scale back the looks of wrinkles
stimulate collagen
help pores and skin therapeutic
Historically, dandelion salve is used as a light ache reliever and anti inflammatory for achy joints and sore muscle tissues.
Different Elements to Brag About
Dandelion is nice for thus many issues, however there are different actually useful elements on this salve too. I’ve included shea butter for it’s pores and skin softening properties and to assist thicken the salve. Indigenous healers have historically used shea butter for muscle aches and strains, arthritis, and more healthy pores and skin for a few years.
Beeswax additionally helps thicken the salve and provides a protecting layer over the pores and skin. It helps the pores and skin retain moisture, doesn’t clog pores, and has robust antioxidant properties to guard pores and skin cells. Researchers word that beeswax by-products are a wealthy supply of proteins, minerals, and polyphenols.
Important Oils to Use in Dandelion Salve
Lastly, there are the elective important oils. This salve works nice with out them, however they definitely add some highly effective therapeutic advantages of their very own. You possibly can add muscle soothing important oils like basil, marjoram, or frankincense. Frankincense can be a strong pores and skin shield. Lavender is one other favourite for all types of pores and skin complaints.
For this batch I used frankincense, turmeric, and spikenard important oil.
The right way to Make Dandelion Salve
Step one is to get some dandelion flowers. Yow will discover dandelion leaf on the market on-line, however this plant can be prolific in most backyards. Be sure you harvest from areas which are unsprayed by pesticides and herbicides and never the place canine do their enterprise. Dandelions have lengthy faucet roots which are nice at absorbing vitamins… and toxins from the soil.
Most recipes (and this one) use dandelion flowers, however dandelion leaf additionally has lots of the similar advantages if its all you could find.
Dry the Dandelions
When you’ve procured some dandelion flower tops, it’s time to dry them. Some individuals suggest rinsing the dandelions first, nevertheless they have a tendency to clump and get soggy. You possibly can merely lay them out on a clear towel and examine for any bugs, or wash them off.
Allow them to air dry on a clear tea towel for a number of days till they’re wilted and not moist. This works finest in a heat, sunny spot. It’s necessary to dry the flowers to assist stop the oil from getting moldy from water moisture.
Dandelion Infused Oil
As soon as the dandelions are fully dry, it’s time to infuse them in oil. Place the dandelion heads right into a clear, dry, 8 ounce (or bigger) glass jar. Fill the jar about midway to two-thirds with the dandelions.
Subsequent, pour your liquid oil of alternative on prime. Olive oil, avocado oil, and candy almond oil are some good selections. Coconut oil can work for those who make sure that it stays in a heat location so the coconut oil doesn’t solidify. Make certain the dandelions are coated, safe the lid on the jar, and let it infuse for a number of weeks in a sunny spot.
Desire a sooner technique? Take a look at my information for infuse natural oils right here, together with sooner infusions. As soon as infused, use a number of layers of cheesecloth to filter out the flowers and reserve the oil. That is the oil you’ll use within the dandelion salve recipe.
Able to make it? Right here’s how!
DIY Dandelion Salve Recipe
This straightforward salve recipe makes use of the common-or-garden dandelion for soothing sore muscle tissues, achy joints, and defending pores and skin.
Yield: 5 ounces
Within the prime of a double boiler or glass bowl add the dandelion oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Warmth over medium warmth and stir sometimes till fully melted.
As soon as melted flip off the warmth and stir within the important oils and vitamin E oil if utilizing.
Instantly pour the salve into glass jars or tins.
Put the salve within the fridge to chill till agency, about 1 hour.
Retailer in a cool, dry place. This salve will final for as much as a 12 months when saved correctly. Throw it away if the oil begins to odor off or rancid.
Extra Salve Recipes
Listed here are some extra salve recipes I’ve made over time to strive your hand at.
Have you ever ever made your individual DIY recipes with dandelions earlier than? Go away a remark and share beneath!
