I’ve always had fun making my own lotions, balms, and salves. Not only are they affordable, but it’s a great way to have natural skincare readily at your fingertips. This dandelion salve is one of my latest creations.
Dandelions boast so many health benefits, it’s a shame that so many people try so hard to get rid of them. The young spring leaves are great in salads. You can use the dried and roasted root as a coffee substitute. And the flower buds make delicious wine, jelly, and more.
While many people use dandelion internally for liver health and its antioxidant effects, you can also use them topically.
The Benefits of Dandelion Salve
It’s easy to find plenty of claims when it comes to dandelion salve. And while there isn’t a lot of research to back up those claims, there is plenty of historical use and anecdotal evidence. Here’s some of what the science does have to say.
Research from 2022 looked at dandelion essential oil’s effects on cancer and tumors. They found it had strong antioxidant properties and helped inhibit the growth and reproduction of cancer cells. This study was done on cells and mice in a lab, so more research is needed before coming to conclusions. However, the volatile oil in dandelion shows promise for keeping skin and cells healthy.
Another study looked at dandelion seed oil specifically. They also found it had potent antioxidant power and inhibited cancerous cell growth. Antioxidants used on the skin, like a dandelion salve, have several health benefits, including:
- help slow aging and cellular damage
- improve hydration
- reduce the appearance of wrinkles
- stimulate collagen
- support skin healing
Traditionally, dandelion salve is used as a mild pain reliever and anti-inflammatory for achy joints and sore muscles.
Other Ingredients to Brag About
Dandelion is great for so many things, but there are other really helpful ingredients in this salve too. I’ve included shea butter for it’s skin softening properties and to help thicken the salve. Indigenous healers have traditionally used shea butter for muscle aches and strains, arthritis, and healthier skin for many years.
Beeswax also helps thicken the salve and adds a protective layer over the skin. It helps the skin retain moisture, doesn’t clog pores, and has strong antioxidant properties to protect skin cells. Researchers note that beeswax by-products are a rich source of proteins, minerals, and polyphenols.
Essential Oils to Use in Dandelion Salve
Lastly, there are the optional essential oils. This salve works great without them, but they certainly add some powerful therapeutic benefits of their own. You can add muscle soothing essential oils like basil, marjoram, or frankincense. Frankincense is also a powerful skin protect. Lavender is another favorite for all sorts of skin complaints.
For this batch I used frankincense, turmeric, and spikenard essential oil.
How to Make Dandelion Salve
The first step is to get some dandelion flowers. You can find dandelion leaf for sale online, but this plant is also prolific in most backyards. Be sure to harvest from areas that are unsprayed by pesticides and herbicides and not where dogs do their business. Dandelions have long tap roots that are great at soaking up nutrients… and toxins from the soil.
Most recipes (and this one) use dandelion flowers, but dandelion leaf also has many of the same benefits if its all you can find.
Dry the Dandelions
Once you’ve procured some dandelion flower tops, it’s time to dry them. Some people recommend rinsing the dandelions first, however they tend to clump and get soggy. You can simply lay them out on a clean towel and inspect for any bugs, or wash them off.
Let them air dry on a clean tea towel for several days until they’re wilted and no longer moist. This works best in a warm, sunny spot. It’s important to dry the flowers to help prevent the oil from getting moldy from water moisture.
Dandelion Infused Oil
Once the dandelions are completely dry, it’s time to infuse them in oil. Place the dandelion heads into a clean, dry, 8 ounce (or larger) glass jar. Fill the jar about halfway to two-thirds with the dandelions.
Next, pour your liquid oil of choice on top. Olive oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil are some good choices. Coconut oil can work if you make sure it stays in a warm location so the coconut oil doesn’t solidify. Be sure the dandelions are covered, secure the lid on the jar, and let it infuse for several weeks in a sunny spot.
Want a faster method? Check out my guide for how to infuse herbal oils here, including faster infusions. Once infused, use several layers of cheesecloth to filter out the flowers and reserve the oil. This is the oil you’ll use in the dandelion salve recipe.
Ready to make it? Here’s how!
DIY Dandelion Salve Recipe
This easy salve recipe uses the humble dandelion for soothing sore muscles, achy joints, and protecting skin.
Yield: 5 ounces
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In the top of a double boiler or glass bowl add the dandelion oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Heat over medium heat and stir occasionally until completely melted.
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Once melted turn off the heat and stir in the essential oils and vitamin E oil if using.
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Immediately pour the salve into glass jars or tins.
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Put the salve in the fridge to cool until firm, about 1 hour.
Store in a cool, dry place. This salve will last for up to a year when stored properly. Throw it away if the oil starts to smell off or rancid.
More Salve Recipes
Here are some more salve recipes I’ve made over the years to try your hand at.
Have you ever made your own DIY recipes with dandelions before? Leave a comment and share below!
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