Making your own homemade dandelion salve is a great way to put these fresh flowers to good use. If you’ve ever looked at a field full of dandelions and wondered if those yellow flower heads were good for anything other than taking over your front yard, we have ideas for you.
That pesky weed growing in early spring is actually a powerful medicinal plant full of skin-soothing benefits.
Dandelions, More Than Just a Pretty Weed?
Each spring, those cheerful yellow blossoms seem to pop up overnight—once considered a nuisance in my yard, something to be pulled or even (gasp) sprayed. But over the years, my perspective has shifted.
Picking dandelions has become a cherished tradition in our family—a simple joy passed down through generations. I picked them as a child, my daughter did the same, and now my grandson eagerly helps gather the bright flower heads.
It’s a small, sweet rite of passage that connects us to the season and to each other.
🌿 A Quick Note on Harvesting Dandelions
Before you begin, it’s important to only pick dandelions from areas you know are free of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals. Avoid roadsides, public parks, and lawns that may have been sprayed. The best way to ensure you’re using clean plant material is to gather from your own yard or a trusted neighbor’s yard.
🌼 What Is Dandelion Salve?
A dandelion salve is a smooth balm made from dandelion-infused oil and natural ingredients. The entire plant—especially the flower tops—contains anti-inflammatory properties that help calm skin conditions, dry skin, and minor aches and pains.
People have been using dandelions as an herbal remedy in North America for generations. It’s one of those wonderful things hiding in plain sight. Plus, the sweet smell of fresh dandelion flowers adds a lovely touch to this salve.
Homemade Dandelion Salve
This healing salve is my favorite way to soothe sore muscles, dry hands, and even itchy skin from bug bites. It’s rich, nourishing, and made with simple ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax pellets. Whether you have skin irritations or just love creating homemade salves from medicinal plants, this is a perfect spring project—especially when fresh dandelions are in full bloom.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the first step of gathering and drying the flowers, making a dandelion-infused oil, and blending it into a soothing salve. You’ll learn the best way to store it, different ways to use it, and how to experiment with essential oils and other carrier oils to customize your own salves. If you love lip balm, you’ll want to try this too—it’s just as simple.
So grab a glass jar or two, head to your own yard (or your neighbor’s yard if they have a ton of dandelions), and let’s make this golden salve together!
- Prep Time:
- Gathering and drying dandelions: 1–2 days (passive time)
- Make Dandelion-Infused Oil Infusing the oil: 1–2 weeks (solar method) or 1–2 hours (stovetop)
- Making the salve: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time:
- Low heat to melt ingredients: 5–10 minutes (using a double boiler or small saucepan)
- Total Active Time:
- About 20–30 minutes (not including oil infusion or drying time)
- Makes:
- About 4 ounces (½ cup) of dandelion salve, enough to fill two 2-ounce tins or small jars
- You can easily double or triple the recipe for larger batches
Homemade Dandelion Salve for Skin, Muscles & More
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Equipment
Materials
- ½ Cup Dandelion-Infused Oil See recipe in the notes section
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Shea Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Beeswax Pellets
- 5-10 Drops Essential Oils optional – lavender, tea tree, or frankincense are great
Instructions
- Add the dandelion oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax pellets to a double boiler or small saucepan.½ Cup Dandelion-Infused Oil, 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, 2 Tablespoons Shea Butter, 2 Tablespoons Beeswax Pellets
- Warm over low heat until everything is melted. Stir well.
- Remove from heat and add your essential oils if using.5-10 Drops Essential Oils
- Pour into small jars while warm. Let cool at room temperature.
- Cap and label. Store in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Notes
🌞 First Step: How to Make Dandelion-Infused Oil
- You’ll Need:
- Fresh dandelion flowers (just the yellow petals and flower heads, no stems)
- A pint jar or mason jars
- Your favorite carrier oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil)
- A clean towel or paper towels
- Gather your first dandelions on a dry, sunny day.
- Rinse lightly to remove dirt or bugs.
- Spread them in a single layer on a clean towel to dry for 24–48 hours. This removes excess water, which helps prevent mold.
- Fill a glass jar halfway with the dry flowers. Don’t pack them down.
- Cover completely with your oil of choice. Use about 1 cup of oil depending on the size of the jar.
- Cap the jar and set it in a sunny window for 1–2 weeks for a solar infusion. Shake gently every day.
- Strain out the plant material with cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Now you have your dandelion oil.
Oil Infusion Methods
Quick Stovetop Infusion Time: 1–2 hours How: Combine fresh or dried dandelion flowers and oil in a small saucepan or double boiler over low heat. Keep the temperature just warm—never let it simmer. Best For: When you need your dandelion-infused oil in a hurry, or if your weather isn’t sunny. Solar (Sunny Window) Infusion Time: 1–2 weeks How: Fill a glass jar with dried flowers and your oil of choice. Seal and set in a sunny window, shaking gently every day. Best For: Harnessing gentle heat from the sun; very hands-off. Pantry (Dark Place) Infusion Time: 4–6 weeks How: Same as solar, but store the jar in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet. Give it a gentle shake every few days. Best For: Slower, low-heat extraction; ideal in hot climates when direct sunlight can degrade sensitive compounds.
Looking for more natural skin care ideas? Check out our homemade lip balm recipe.
🌼 How to Use Dandelion Salve
Apply your homemade dandelion salve in small amounts as needed. Here are some different ways to use it:
- Massage into sore muscles or joints after a long day
- Soothe dry skin on elbows, hands, and knees
- Rub on cracked heels before bed (cover with socks)
- Dab on itchy skin from bug bites or rashes
- Use as a cuticle balm or post-gardening hand treatment
- Combine with other salves or even your lip balm routine
🧊 Storage & Shelf Life
Store in a cool, dark place—like a cabinet or drawer—away from excess moisture and direct sunlight. The shelf life is about 6 to 12 months. If it smells off or the texture changes, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
🌸 Dandelion Salve Variations to Try
One of the wonderful things about making your own salves is how easy it is to customize them. By changing the kind of carrier oil, adjusting the texture, or adding a blend of essential oils, you can make a salve that fits your exact needs.
Here are a few favorite ways to vary your homemade dandelion salve:
💪 For Sore Muscles
Add 5–10 drops of peppermint essential oil or eucalyptus essential oil to boost the cooling, soothing effect. You can also try a blend of equal parts dandelion oil and arnica oil for extra relief.
💧 For Extra Moisturizing
Blend in shea butter or increase the amount of coconut oil to make a richer salve. Great for dry skin, cracked heels, or rough patches. Try using sweet almond oil as your base if you want something lightweight and nourishing.
🐜 For Bug Bite Relief
Add a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil. These oils are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce redness and itching.
🌿 For Skin Irritations
Combine dandelion-infused oil with plantain-infused oil or calendula oil for a salve that helps soothe minor cuts, rashes, and skin conditions. These plants have gentle medicinal properties that support healing.
🌞 For a Firmer Travel Salve
If you want to carry a little jar in your bag or first aid kit, increase the beeswax pellets slightly to create a firmer salve that won’t melt easily in warmer weather.
✨ Tip: Always label your jars with ingredients and purpose, especially if you’re trying out several versions. Small mason jars or tins work great for these test batches!
🌸 Essential Oil Variations
Adding essential oils is a great way to tailor your homemade dandelion salve to your needs. Start with 5–10 drops per batch. Here are a few favorite combinations:
- Lavender + Tea Tree – calming and cleansing (great for skin conditions or bug bites)
- Peppermint + Eucalyptus – cooling relief for sore muscles
- Frankincense + Myrrh – gentle and luxurious for dry skin and dark spots
- Chamomile + Geranium – soothing for sensitive skin or itchy skin
Always do a patch test if you’re new to any essential oil, and avoid using them on young children or broken skin without checking reliable medical advice first.
🌱 Start a New Tradition
Making your own healing salve from fresh dandelions is a wonderful time of year tradition. And a great way to connect with these flowering plants growing right outside your door. You don’t need special equipment. Just a small bowl, a glass jar, and a little time.
Whether you’re looking to support your skin, ease sore muscles, or simply enjoy a more natural lifestyle, this homemade dandelion salve is a beautiful way to start. You’ll find that learning to make your own salves quickly becomes a favorite seasonal activity.
A wonderful homemade salve to have on hand.