dandelion salve recipe

Hey eKa CIRCLE

Isn’t it always the way that the most overlooked things in life turn out to be the most valuable? If you haven’t read up on the healing benefits of dandelion then I suggest you do. The whole plant is so so beneficial, absolutely loaded with vitamins (A, C K, E and B1), minerals and fibre. They are also very high in antioxidants, beta-carotene and carotenoids which play a vital role in reducing cell damage. They are not just good for us internally but also externally on the skin.

Here are a few other things dandelion help:

lowering blood pressure
aiding weight loss
reducing inflammation
regulating blood sugar
reducing cholesterol
reducing cancer risk
boosts immune system
aids digestion
keeps skin healthy, including protecting from sun damage
relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis when applied topically

Dry and grind the roots to make a coffee substitute that is delicious and caffeine free, enjoy the leaves for salads and steaming; they are a great blood cleanser. Dandelion is a natural diuretic which helps filter out waste from the blood. Even the flowers are edible, I would recommend just scattering the petals as a garnish myself.

I forage dandelions in the early hours of the morning when the blooms are sturdy and not dehydrated by the sun. Please make sure you obtain them from an area that has not been sprayed with any weed killer. Give the flowers a wash to remove any dirt or small insects and air dry them well on a towel. Place them into a jar and completely cover them with organic virgin olive oil, or another oil of your choice. Cover the jar with a piece of muslin and seal with a rubber band. Leave on a sunny windowsill for about 3 weeks, or longer if you like. Stir them occasionally to ensure all of the flowers are covered evenly. The flowers should always be completely submerged in the oil to prevent mould from growing. Strain the infused oil through a strainer lined with muslin and you are ready to begin the dandelion salve recipe.

Dandelion Salve

1 cup of infused dandelion oil (see notes above)

1 Tbsp beeswax pellets

20 drops of sweet orange essential oil (or your choice of scent)

Gently warm the strained infused dandelion oil and beeswax in a double boiler. Be careful not to splash any water into the mixture. When the beeswax has melted stir to combine. Set aside to cool slightly then add the sweet orange essential oil. Pour into pots or a coloured glass jar. Essential oils are sensitive to light. Store the salve in a cool place.

Use the salve topically on any skin irritations or painful joints. It is also good for sore muscles and any dry cracked or itchy skin.