5 Ways to Use Dandelion Oil

Gathering dandelions is a perfect way to introduce kids to the joy of wildcrafting, or to experience it firsthand for the first time. In addition to their culinary uses (topping salads, making infused vinegars, etc), they also have properties that make them ideal for skincare.

Dandelion blossoms are full of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids and minerals that support and protect your cells, soothe skin irritations and nourish dry skin.

For example, both dandelion flower and leaf extracts protect against UVB-related photoaging and senescence (aging at the cellular level).

Let’s make the Dandelion Oil, shall we?

On a bright dry day, go forage for dandelion blossons, just take the heads and do leave some for the bees, this is their first source of food for the year.

Soak the heads in water for a while to get rid of any pests and then rinse them thoroughly. Place the heads on a tea towel or kitchen roll and if leave until the flowers have completely dried out. Move them around occasionally so that all parts are drying.

Find your clean jar and fill with jar with the blossoms. If dried material, about three quarter fill as it will expand. Add oil to fill the jar and using a wooden spooin handle, gently stir to get rid of any air being left. Screw on the cap and give jar a good shake. Check whether there are a lot of air bubbles, if there are, add more oil and shake again. Place the jar in a warm, sunny place for 4-6 weeks occasionally shaking the jar gently.

When it’s ready, strain through a cloth into a lipped jug, pressing down on the plant material to get out as much oil as possible. Strain the oil into a clean jar and store in a cool dark place. Label it with the plant material info and the date it was made.

Try this quick method, watch the video

Now we go make a salve. A full walk through with recipe on how to make this excellent salve for aches and pains. Good for inflammation and arthritis plus it smells great and leaves your skin super soft.

5 Ways To Use Dandelion Infused Oil

The infused oil can be used as: 

1. First aid – For cuts, scrapes, burns, sunburns, bug bites and other minor skin irritations.
2. Face and lip care – Dandelion oil is becoming more popular in skincare products, and can be used in place of regular olive oil in this lip balm recipe. It can also be used on its own as a facial oil.
3. Nappy rash – I like to apply the oil – or a salve made from it – and then sprinkle some bentonite clay over the area.
4. Dry or chapped skin – Due to its soothing and conditioning properties, dandelion oil is often used in moisturizing hand salves.
5. Sore muscle rub or massage oil  – If you want to include essential oils in a dandelion salve, adding black pepper, copiaba, and lavender will help to relax muscles. 

Dandelion oil or dandelion salve which is best for you?

The main difference between the two is that dandelion oil is a liquid, while the salve is semi-solid and therefore easier to carry. If you want to make a salve, follow the instructions above to make the infused oil and then follow the steps to make a salve.