Dandelion is a wild herb that has myriads of uses, though I particularly love how it heals dry and chapped skin real quick. Here’s a DIY Dandelion Salve that’s easy and keeps your skin soft and supple through winter.
Dandelion is used for many reasons and is one herb that’s consumed for scores of health problems. It is commonly used to treat aches and pains, arthritis pains, etc. But when your skin is dry and chapped (happens during winter), or when you do manual work like gardening and your hands show it, it is time to rub some Dandelion Salve!
So, how do we prepare it? Fret not! The best thing about this salve is that, it is really easy and we hardly need a few ingredients to get going. This salve is done in two steps. So, let’s look at the ingredients and then the two-step process.
Ingredients
Dandelion Flowers
Beeswax – 10 – 15 Gms
Shea Butter – 5 Gms.
Coconut Oil – 100 Ml
Olive Oil or Sweet Almond Oil – 20 Ml
Instructions
The first step is to get infused-oil ready. For this, you will need Dandelion flowers and Oil. Wild ones work best, though go with what Dandelions you can acquire.
You need enough dried dandelion buds to cover with 100 Ml of Oil. It would be a couple of handfuls or more.
Dry out the Dandelions in shade and when they’re fully dry, it is time to prepare the infused-oil. Add the Dandelion buds to a mason jar and cover it with oil.
Cover it with a muslin cloth and keep it out during the day, and inside at night. Do this for a few days till the oil is infused fully. It takes 15 – 45 days, depending on where you live and other factors including the temperature.
Once, the dandelion infused-oil is ready, we can move to the next step.
Melt the Beeswax and Shea Butter in your double oil. When almost melted, add the Olive or Sweet Almond Oil, along with Dandelion-infused Oil and stir to combine.
When they’re combined, remove from heat and set aside.
Wait for a few minutes to cool down. If you are adding essential oil(s), now is the time to add it (them) in.
Stir and transfer to a sterilized jar and let it set.
How to Use the Salve?
Take out a small dollop of the salve and massage your skin with it. It might look a tad oily or greasy when you apply, but in no time it will be absorbed and then your skin will feel soft to touch.
You can also run this for your sore and aching muscle, though I predominantly use it for soothing and healing dry and chapped skin.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
You can add essential oil(s) for aroma, or their skin benefits. Dandelion has a nice aroma but is mild, though if you have a preference, you can use essentials oils.
Lavender, Tea Tree Oil, Geranium, Rose, Chamomile, etc. are great for their healing and soothing qualities. If you plan to use this for aches and pains, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, Thyme, Pine, etc. are options you can consider.
You can use any carrier oil of your choice, though I liked the results with Coconut Oil for infusion best. You can use only coconut oil, instead of Olive and Sweet Almond Oil, too.
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