Making your own dandelion infused oil is a wonderful first step into the world of herbal remedies. And a great addition to your natural skincare products.
If you’ve ever looked out at a field of dandelions and seen a pesky weed, you might be surprised to learn those little yellow flowers are packed with medicinal properties.
This is a fun project to do with children. When I was a child, my mom would send us out with empty ice cream pails to go gather the blossoms. Whether you’re new to herbal crafting or a seasoned DIYer, this project is simple, rewarding, and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
How to Harvest and Dry Dandelions for Infused Oil
Before you start making your dandelion-infused oil, the first step is to harvest and dry dandelions. Choosing and preparing them correctly makes all the difference in your final product.
🌼 When and Where to Harvest
- The best time to harvest dandelions is in early spring or warmer weather, when they’re freshly bloomed and full of vitality.
- Look for fresh dandelions growing in areas that haven’t been treated with herbicides, pesticides, or exposed to heavy pet traffic.
- Harvest only the flower heads.
- Ideally pick them late in the morning after the dew has dried. This helps prevent too much high-water content in your infusion.
- Bring along a basket and gloves if you’re gathering a large amount. You’ll need enough flowers to loosely fill a pint-sized mason jar or your clean glass jar.
🌞 How to Dry Dandelions
Freshly picked dandelion blossoms hold a lot of moisture, which can cause mold during the infusion process. Drying is essential for safe and long-lasting oil.
- Inspect each flower to remove any bugs or debris. Gently shake them off. Don’t rinse, as that adds more moisture.
- Lay the flowers out in a single layer on paper towel lined baking sheets or drying racks.
- Choose a sunny windowsill or warm room temperature spot with good air circulation.
- Let them dry for 1–2 days, turning occasionally. They should feel crisp and dry to the touch.
- Once fully dried, transfer to a dry jar or use immediately in your oil.
How to Dry Dandelion Flowers in the Oven
For faster drying use the oven to dry the flowers. This alternative option is perfect for rainy days or if you need to speed up your infusion process. Just be sure to use low heat and monitor closely to retain those healing properties.
- Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature. Usually around 170°F (75°C) or “warm” setting. If your oven goes lower, it’s even better.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread your dandelion blossoms in a single layer, face-up. Avoid crowding so the air can circulate.
- Place the sheet in the oven and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape and prevent cooking the flowers.
- Check every 20–30 minutes, gently turning the flowers if needed. Drying may take 1–2 hours, depending on moisture and oven temperature.
- The flowers are ready when they feel dry and crisp. Let them cool before transferring them to a clean jar or using them in your dandelion-infused oil.
Don’t use convection or fan settings. They can cause the flowers to dry unevenly or blow away lightweight petals.
How to Make Dandelion Infused Oil
The infusion process is simple but does require a bit of patience. First, gather enough fresh dandelions—you want just the flower heads, not the dandelion greens or dandelion root for this recipe.
DIY Dandelion Infused Oil and What to Do with It
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
Materials
- 2 Cups Dandelion Blossoms or 1 cup dried dandelions
- 1 Cup Olive Oil or coconut oil, sunflower oil, or your favorite carrier oil
- Optional Add ins. Vitamin E essential oils such as lavender or tea tree
Instructions
- Harvest dandelions and just use the flower heads.2 Cups Dandelion Blossoms
- Dry the flowers. Lay the fresh flowers in a single layer on paper towels for 1–2 days to remove their high water content. (This helps prevent mold.)
- Add the dandelion blossoms to a dry jar.
- Cover with your chosen type of oil, leaving an inch of space from the top of the jar. Use a utensil to release any air bubbles.1 Cup Olive Oil, Optional Add ins. Vitamin E
- Cover with a breathable lid (like a paper towel secured with a rubber band) and let the mixture sit in a sunny windowsill or a dark place for 1–2 weeks.
- For a quick infusion. Gently heat the jar in a double boiler or small saucepan with a few inches of water over low heat for 1–2 hours.
- Strain the plant material using cheesecloth into a clean jar. Store at room temperature for future use.
Why Make Dandelion Infused Oil?
According to Shay and Company, dandelion is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, helps detox skin and hair, and can help reduce acne. It also helps control sebaceous gland activity. It’s super high in Vitamins A, C and E, calms rosacea, eczema and rashes.
Organic Dandelion extract is also great to use in salves and bath soaks designed to help reduce muscle and joint pain. It’s said to have natural anti-inflammatory properties and helps in relieving pain in joints and muscles.
Top 10 Ways to Use Dandelion Oil
This great oil is more than just pretty. Once you’ve made your beautiful jar of dandelion-infused oil, the fun part begins, using it.
It’s packed with anti-inflammatory properties, fatty acids, and antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Here are 10 of the best and easiest ways to put your homemade oil to good use:
1. Moisturizing Body Oil
Apply directly to the skin after a shower. This is a great addition to your skincare routine, especially for dry skin and itchy skin. The oil absorbs easily and leaves your skin soft and nourished.
2. Massage Oil
Use warm dandelion oil as a massage oil for calming inflammation and relaxing tight muscles. Add lavender essential oil for extra relaxation.
3. DIY Herbal Face Serum
Add a few drops of vitamin E and your favorite essential oil to a bottle of dandelion-infused oil and use it as a gentle facial oil to help with fine lines, free radicals, and skin irritations.
4. Cuticle and Hand Treatment
Rub a drop or two into cuticles and dry hands for a nourishing treatment.
5. Hair and Scalp Oil
Massage a small amount into your scalp to calm irritation. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing.
6. After-Sun Skin Soother
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, dandelion oil works wonderfully on sun-kissed or slightly burned skin.
7. Bath Oil
Add to a warm bath with Epsom salts for a relaxing herbal remedy.
8. Carrier Oil for Homemade Skincare
Use your infused oil as the base for homemade soaps, sugar scrubs, or body butters. It’s a great choice of oil for herbal skincare products.
9. Bug Bite and Rash Relief
Dab directly on bug bites, rashes, or skin irritations to reduce redness and discomfort. Keep a small jar handy during warmer weather.
10. Foot Soak
To make a nourishing foot soak using your dandelion-infused oil, try this simple method. To a footbath filled with warm water, add 2 tablespoons dandelion oil. Then add other add-ins like 1/2 cup Epsom salt, and a few drops of essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or tea tree). Soak for feet for at least 30 minutes.
11. First Aid Creams
Helpful for reducing bruises, scrapes, and mild rashes.
🌿 Next time you reach for a store-bought product, consider swapping it with your own homemade dandelion oil. It’s simple and effective.
What’s the best way to store dandelion oil?
Keep it in a clean jar in a dark place, at room temperature. The shelf life of the carrier oil you use will determine how long it lasts. Usually 6–12 months.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried flowers?
Yes, but drying helps reduce the high water content which can cause mold. Drying your fresh dandelions on paper towels for a day or two or even faster in the oven is the best way to make this dandelion oil extract.
What’s the first food for pollinators and should I pick dandelions?
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are an important first food for bees in spring. Consider picking only from abundant patches and leaving plenty behind.
Can I use different oils like sweet almond or avocado oil?
Yes. Any great choice of oil works. Each offers different skincare benefits.
Pick Those Dandelion Flowers
Making dandelion oil is a favorite way to connect with nature, slow down, and create something healing with your own hands.
The abundance of dandelions in spring makes this the perfect time to start.
The next time you see a field of dandelions, you’ll know exactly what to do. Harvest with purpose and give those little yellow flowers a second life in your skincare routine.
References
The Spruce Eats. How to Make Dandelion Infused Oil.
Shay & Company. Dandelion Oil Extract Organic.
Picking Dandelions is a fun project to do with the children and this is a great way to use the flowers.