Dandelion Salve

I love dandelions!

They have got to be one of the most useful plants around, in spite of their reputation. You can eat the whole plant and use it medicinally. This post is about a salve made from the flowers. Yes, the flowers. It's great for mild sore muscles and it will take the edge off of more severe soreness as well. We use it and have a had friend use it for severe back pain until she could get in to the chiropractor. She said it didn't take the pain away, but did take the edge off so it was easier to deal with. It's also super easy to make.

You start, naturally, by gathering open dandelion flowers. I had some help.

I lay them out on a towel for a few hours to wilt a bit. Helps reduce the water content and so the risk of mold in the oil.

Then you stuff them in a jar, cover with oil (I used olive oil) and leave to infuse for a month or two. You just have to keep the oil warm. I do it in the warm months and leave it in a window, but you can also do it over the stove top. I don't think you get as good a product doing it the fast way, but that's just my opinion, nothing to back it up.

The finished oil.

After the oil is done, warm it up a bit on the stove and add beeswax. I have no idea proportions, I just put some in and then test the consistency til I like it. Do this by putting a spoonful in the frig to cool. See if it's hard enough. If not, add a bit more beeswax. If it's too hard, add a bit more oil, doesn't have to be dandelion oil if you're out.

I infused the oil this last spring but only just got around to actually making the salve. At least I'll be ready for gardening season. :)

And,.........the finished product!