How to Make Dandelion Salve (For Sore Muscles and Healthy Skin)

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 all my newest creations. 

Dandelions boast so many well being advantages, it’s a disgrace that so many individuals attempt so arduous to eliminate them. The younger spring leaves are nice in salads. You should utilize 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 also use them topically. 

The Advantages of Dandelion Salve

It’s straightforward to search out loads of claims on the subject of dandelion salve. And whereas there isn’t a whole lot of analysis to again up these claims, there may be loads of historic use and anecdotal proof. Right here’s a few of what the science does should say.

Analysis from 2022 checked out dandelion important oil’s results on most cancers and tumors. They discovered it had sturdy antioxidant properties and helped inhibit the expansion and replica of most cancers cells. This examine was accomplished on cells and mice in a lab, so extra analysis is required earlier than coming to conclusions. Nevertheless, the unstable oil in dandelion reveals promise for retaining 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 getting old and mobile injury

enhance hydration

cut back the looks of wrinkles

stimulate collagen

assist pores and skin therapeutic 

Historically, dandelion salve is used as a gentle ache reliever and anti inflammatory for achy joints and sore muscle mass. 

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 sturdy antioxidant properties to guard pores and skin cells. Researchers observe that beeswax by-products are a wealthy supply of proteins, minerals, and polyphenols.

Important Oils to Use in Dandelion Salve

Lastly, there are the optionally available important oils. This salve works nice with out them, however they definitely add some highly effective therapeutic advantages of their very own. You’ll be able to add muscle soothing important oils like basil, marjoram, or frankincense. Frankincense can also be a strong pores and skin shield. Lavender is one other favourite for all kinds of pores and skin complaints.

For this batch I used frankincense, turmeric, and spikenard important oil.

The best way to Make Dandelion Salve

Step one is to get some dandelion flowers. You could find dandelion leaf on the market on-line, however this plant can also be prolific in most backyards. You’ll want to harvest from areas which can be unsprayed by pesticides and herbicides and never the place canines do their enterprise. Dandelions have lengthy faucet roots which can be nice at absorbing vitamins… and toxins from the soil. 

Most recipes (and this one) use dandelion flowers, however dandelion leaf additionally has most of the identical advantages if its all you will discover.

Dry the Dandelions

When you’ve procured some dandelion flower tops, it’s time to dry them. Some folks suggest rinsing the dandelions first, nonetheless they have an inclination to clump and get soggy. You’ll be able to 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 greatest in a heat, sunny spot. It’s necessary to dry the flowers to assist forestall 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 selection on high. Olive oil, avocado oil, and candy almond oil are some good decisions. Coconut oil can work in case you be sure it stays in a heat location so the coconut oil doesn’t solidify. Make certain the dandelions are lined, safe the lid on the jar, and let it infuse for a number of weeks in a sunny spot.

Desire a sooner technique? Try my information for how you can 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! 

Extra Salve Recipes

Listed below are some extra salve recipes I’ve made over time to attempt your hand at.

Have you ever ever made your personal DIY recipes with dandelions earlier than? Go away a remark and share under!