Homemade Dandelion Salve Recipe
Dandelions are more than just a backyard weed. Among other things, they can be used to create a simple, soothing homemade dandelion salve. What many people see as a stubborn weed has actually been used for generations in traditional herbal practices for dry skin, tired muscles, rough hands, and everyday skin comfort.
This homemade dandelion salve uses the slow-infusion method, where dried dandelion flowers slowly steep in avocado oil - my choice for this recipe but you can use olive oil or even a mix of the two - over time to naturally help draw out the beneficial properties. It takes a little time and patience, but the end result is a rich, silky salve that feels wonderful on dry skin, elbows, heels, hands, and even sore muscles after a long day.
There’s something charming about making skincare from flowers growing in your own yard.
Why People Use Dandelion in Salves
Dandelions contain naturally occurring plant compounds that herbal enthusiasts often use in homemade skin preparations. Traditionally, dandelion-infused oils and salves have been used for:
- Dry or rough skin
- Cracked hands and heels
- Tired muscles
- Massage salves
- Everyday moisturizing
- Gardening hands
- Elbows, knees, and rough patches
The flowers are most commonly used in salves because they create a gentle, infused oil, but some people also add dried dandelion leaves for additional herbal benefits.
Can You Use the Flowers and Leaves?
Yes - both can be used.
- Dandelion flowers are the most popular choice for salves because they are gentle and create a pleasant infusion.
- Dandelion leaves may also be added in small amounts if desired.
Make Sure the Dandelions Are Dry
Fresh dandelions contain moisture, and moisture trapped in oil can lead to mold or spoilage.
After harvesting:
- Spread the flowers (and leaves if using them) on a towel or drying rack.
- Let them wilt and dry for at least 24–48 hours.
- They should feel dry and slightly papery - not damp or cool to the touch.
Some people let them dry even longer depending on humidity levels.
Harvesting Tips
When gathering dandelions:
- Pick from areas that have not been sprayed with pesticides or weed killers.
- Avoid roadsides or areas exposed to heavy traffic pollution.
- Harvest on a dry sunny day after morning dew has evaporated.
And yes - this is a time where you suddenly find yourself excited about weeds!
Slow Infused Dandelion Oil Recipe
I prefer the slow infused method. It does take more time, but I feel the oil comes out fresher, richer, and more herbal than rushing the process with heat
Ingredients for the Infused Dandelion Oil
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups dried dandelion flower heads
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried dandelion leaves
- 1 cup avocado oil (or 3/4 cup avocado oil and 1/4 cup quality olive oil)
Be sure you use enough oil to cover the plant material.
Using Avocado Oil
Avocado oil gives a richer, more luxurious salve.
People often like it because it:
- Feels deeply moisturizing
- Absorbs nicely into dry skin
- Creates a softer, silkier texture
- Is especially nice for cracked hands, heels, elbows, and body salves
- Contains naturally occurring fatty acids and vitamin E
Oh, it’s wonderful for:
- Dry skin salves
- Overnight hand balms
- Full-body moisturizing salves
- Mature or weather-exposed skin
The downside?
- More expensive
- Slightly shorter shelf life than olive oil
- Heavier feel for some people
Using Olive Oil
Olive oil is probably the most traditional herbal infusion oil.
People use it because:
- It’s stable and reliable
- Excellent for long herbal infusions
- Budget friendly
- Widely available
- Creates a classic herbal salve texture
It works beautifully for:
- Muscle salves
- Everyday herbal balms
- Traditional apothecary-style recipes
- Large batches
Are there any downsides?
- Can feel greasier
- Stronger scent
- Heavier skin feel compared to avocado oil
Other Oils That Can Be Used
- Sweet almond oil
- Sunflower oil
- Jojoba oil
Instructions for Infusing Dandelions
Add Dandelions to the Jar
Place the dried dandelion flowers into a clean, dry glass jar.
Do not pack them tightly. You want the oil to move around the herbs easily.
Add Your Preferred Oil
Pour avocado oil - or a combination of oils if preferred - over the flowers until they are fully covered by about 1 inch of oil.
Use a clean wooden spoon or bamboo chopstick to remove trapped air bubbles.
Infuse the Dandelions Slowly
Seal the jar and place it in a warm location out of direct moisture.
Let it infuse for about:
- 3 to 6 weeks
Give the jar a gentle shake every day or two and occasionally open and gently press and stir the dandelions. Over time, the oil will take on a beautiful color.
Strain Your Oil
Strain through:
- Cheesecloth (this is my preferred choice)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Coffee filter
Strain over a bowl and squeeze gently to remove as much infused oil as possible.
Homemade Dandelion Salve Recipe
Now it's time to make your dandelion salve.
Ingredients for Dandelion Salve
- 1/2 cup dandelion infused oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets (slightly less for a softer salve)
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- Optional essential oils
Optional Essential Oils that Can Be Used in the Dandelion Salve
Essential oils are completely optional, but they can add a lovely scent and extra soothing qualities. I typically add essential oils after the oil has been removed from the heat and cooled slightly.
Popular choices include:
- Lavender essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Frankincense essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Chamomile essential oil
Muscle Comfort Blend
If you want to use essential oils, for a muscle comfort blend try adding:
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
Softer Relaxing Salve
For a soft relaxing salve, you can try these essential oils:
- 6 drops Lavender essential oil
- 4 drops Chamomile essential oil
Keep essential oil amounts modest as this is a leave-on body product.
Instructions for Making the Dandelion Salve
Now it's getting exciting!
Melt the Beeswax
In a double boiler:
- Add infused oil
- Add beeswax pellets
Heat gently until the beeswax has melted.
Remove From Heat
Stir in:
- Vitamin E oil
- Optional essential oils
Vitamin E helps extend the shelf life of the salve naturally.
Pour Into Containers
Pour into:
- Small tins
- Glass jars
- Salve containers
Let cool completely before placing lids on.
How to Use Your Dandelion Salve
Apply to:
- Dry skin
- Hands
- Elbows
- Feet
- Knees
- Rough patches
- Tired muscles
- After gardening or outdoor work
Homemade dandelion salve also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for a friend or family member.
Adding Chamomile to Dandelion Salve
Chamomile is another wonderful herb that can be infused alongside dandelion flowers to create an even more soothing and skin loving salve. Dried chamomile flowers add a gentle herbal aroma and are commonly used in traditional skincare preparations for their calming and comforting properties.
Using a Dandelion & Chamomile Combination
This combination makes a really nice:
- Dry skin salve
- Bedtime hand or foot balm
- Relaxing massage salve
- After-gardening skin balm
- Rough elbow and heel treatment
Benefits of Chamomile in Salves
Chamomile is often used in herbal skincare because it may help:
- Soothe dry or irritated skin
- Calm the appearance of redness
- Provide a comforting, relaxing feel
- Support soft, moisturized skin
- Create a gentle herbal salve suitable for everyday use
It also gives the infused oil a softer, slightly sweet herbal scent that blends beautifully with dandelion.
How Much Chamomile to Add
For the infusion, you can add:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers
along with the dried dandelion flowers before adding the avocado oil.
Just like dandelions, the chamomile should be fully dried before infusing to help prevent moisture and possible mold in the oil.
Essential Oils That Pair Well with Dandelion & Chamomile
If using essential oils, some especially nice choices include:
- Lavender essential oil
- Roman chamomile essential oil
- Frankincense essential oil
- Sweet orange essential oil
- Cedarwood essential oil
These create a calming, cozy salve that feels especially nice before bed or after a long day outdoors.
Storing Your Dandelion Salve
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Shelf life is typically:
- Around 6–12 months
Especially when using vitamin E and keeping moisture out of the salve.
If it develops an off smell or visible mold, discard it.
Making a Homemade Dandelion Salve
Making homemade dandelion salve is a simple project that is so rewarding. What starts as a handful of bright yellow flowers can turn into a soothing herbal salve your skin will appreciate year round.
And once you start looking at dandelions as skincare ingredients instead of lawn invaders - you may never look at your yard quite the same way again.
Related Articles
Geranium infused oil is another wonderful homemade herbal oil that can be used in natural skincare recipes, massage oils, and soothing body products.
