Simple Living With Nature

Grow Forage Cook Ferment logo
  • Grow
  • Forage
  • Cook
  • Ferment
  • Herbalism
  • Homestead
  • Start Here
  • Resources
  • Books
    • Healing Herbal Infusions
    • Wildcrafting Weeds
    • Simple Mead Making
    • Healing Kitchen Herbs
    • The Backyard Forest Garden
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact
  • Foraging Course
  • Subscribe!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Home » Herbalism » Herbal Bath and Skincare Recipes » Salves and Creams » How to Make and Use Dandelion Salve

How to Make and Use Dandelion Salve

May contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my privacy policy and affiliate disclosure.

Originally published on March 26, 2020. Last updated on February 26, 2023

212.4K shares
  • 37.9K
  • 20
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Three tins of dandelion salve on a wood background.
A tin of dandelion salve and a jar of dandelion infused oil.

Spring is a wonderful time of year, especially after the cold, dark, and dreary weather of winter. I’m always so excited to see the first dandelions pop up, as that means that warmer weather is on its way and I can soon make homemade dandelion salve!

dandelions on a screen and dandelion salve


Wildcrafting Weeds eBook

Before we get started with this dandelion salve recipe I want to let you know about my ebook!

Wildcrafting Weeds: 20 Easy to Forage Edible and Medicinal Plants (that might be growing in your backyard!) gives you foraging and identification tips along with full color photos and recipes for using your foraged weeds. Be sure to check it out!

Gather & Root Online Foraging Course

My online foraging course is a great way to learn about wild edible and medicinal plants! Learn more about the gather + root online foraging course here.

Now for the dandelion salve recipe!


Dandelion Infused Oil

Foraging for dandelions isn’t difficult, as they are one of the most widespread and easy to identify “weeds” there is. There are so many wonderful things to do with dandelions, as every part of the herb is both edible and medicinal, even the root.

This salve is made using locally foraged dandelions, and is the perfect spring project.

The first step in making dandelion salve is to make dandelion infused oil. After you collect your dandelion flowers, it’s best to dry them for a day or two to remove the excess moisture.

I like to do this on my homemade drying screens, but you could also lay them out on a clean towel.

Dandelion blossoms on a drying screen

Our neighbors yard was completely covered with dandelions, so we asked if we could pick some! If you do this, just make sure to ask first and confirm that they haven’t been sprayed with anything toxic.

After your dandelions have dried a bit, put them into a jar and cover them with oil.

making dandelion infused oil

The size of the jar depends on how much oil you want to make.

A pint jar should yield about a cup of oil after straining, which is the amount you will need for this recipe. I wanted more oil than that, and I had a ton of dandelions, so I used quart sized jars.

a jar of dandelion infused oil

The kind of carrier oil that you use is up to you.

I prefer to use a blend of equal parts olive, coconut, and sweet almond as carrier oils when making my dandelion infused oil, as they are all nourishing for the skin in different ways. If you use coconut oil, it’s helpful to melt it first.

Let your dandelion oil sit in a dark place for a week or two, but not too much longer than that as it can spoil pretty quickly.

straining dandelion infused oil

Strain out the flowers using a cheesecloth so that you can really squeeze all of the dandelion goodness out. You will end up with a lovely golden oil!

straining out the dandelion flowers

Dandelion Salve Recipe

Making this dandelion salve is easy once you have your dandelion infused oil made. First you will need to warm the oil in a double boiler.

You can create a makeshift double boiler by putting a small bowl or a glass Pyrex measuring cup over a pot with about an inch of simmering water.

Put the dandelion oil and beeswax into the small bowl or glass measuring cup, and heat until the beeswax completely dissolves into the oil, stirring occasionally.

Add the shea butter and stir until it dissolves, then stir in the optional essential oils.

making dandelion salve

Carefully pour the mixture into small jars or tins and let sit until the salve sets up completely.

This recipe makes about 12 ounces of salve total, or six 2 ounce tins.

Dandelion salve poured into tins

How to Use Dandelion Salve

Dandelion flowers have pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, so this salve is good for all kinds of aches and pains. It is particularly good for sore and tired muscles and joints.

dandelions on a drying screen with tins of salve

Dandelion salve is also soothing and moisturizing for dry, cracked, and itchy skin. It would also work well as a lip balm for chapped lips.

I really love how this dandelion salve turned out! It smells wonderful and is perfect on my dry hands and feet. It’s really quite easy to make, too.

tins of dandelion salve with fresh dandelions

Dandelions are such an amazing plant, it’s too bad that they are so often thought of as a weed! What is your favorite way to use dandelions in the springtime?

Want more herbal salve recipes? here are 10 for you to include in your natural skin care routine!


More uses for Foraged Dandelion

Did you know there are over 50 ways to enjoy this amazingly versatile backyard “weed”? Among them are: 

  • Dandelion Root Muffins
  • Dandelion Mead
  • Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee
  • Dandelion Pesto
  • Dandelion Kombucha
  • Dandelion Soap
  • Dandelion Vinegar

Tins of dandelion salve yellow in color, on a navy blue background surrounded by fresh dandelion flowers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.57 from 41 votes

Dandelion Salve

Learn how to make this dandelion salve recipe using foraged dandelions! This homemade herbal salve is especially good for sore muscles, joints, and dry skin.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 20 minutes
Infusing Time 14 days
Total Time 30 minutes
Yield 12 ounces
Cost $6.00
Author Colleen @ Grow Forage Cook Ferment

Equipment

  • Pint Mason Jar
  • Fine Mesh Sieve
  • Cheesecloth
  • Small Saucepan
  • Small Glass Measuring Cup
  • Tins

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Dandelion Herbal Oil

  • 1 cup dandelion flowers wilted for a day or so
  • 1 ½ cups carrier oil approximately; I like to use a blend of equal parts extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil.

Dandelion Salve

  • 1 cup dandelion infused oil
  • 1 ounce beeswax
  • 1 ounce refined shea butter
  • 12-24 drops essential oils of your choice lavender and sweet orange work well (optional)

Instructions

Dandelion Infused Oil

  • Put the wilted dandelion flowers into a pint sized jar and cover them with the carrier oil of your choice. If you use coconut oil, it's helpful to melt it first.
  • Let your dandelion oil sit in a dark place for a week or two, but not too much longer than that as it can spoil pretty quickly.
  • Strain out the flowers using a fine mesh sieve and a cheesecloth so that you can really squeeze all of the dandelion goodness out.

Dandelion Salve

  • Create a makeshift double boiler by putting a small bowl or a glass Pyrex measuring cup over a pot with about an inch of simmering water.
  • Put the dandelion oil and beeswax into the small bowl or Pyrex, and heat until the beeswax completely dissolves into the oil, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the shea butter and stir until it completely dissolves.
  • Stir in the essential oils.
  • Carefully pour the mixture into small jars or tins and let sit until the salve sets up completely.

Notes

This recipe makes about 12 ounces of salve total, or six 2 ounce tins.

Making dandelion infused oilGolden yellow dandelion infused oil

three tins of dandelion salve

  • Join My Free Foraging & Herbalism Email Course!

  • This will also subscribe you to the Grow Forage Cook Ferment newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please see my Privacy Policy.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Previous Post: « How to Identify Conifer Trees: Pine, Fir, Spruce, Juniper & More
Next Post: Foraging for Purple Dead Nettle: an edible backyard weed »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Naomi says

    March 27, 2022 at 8:36 am

    I thought I had already left you a message about this but I don’t see it here. Maybe it’s still in moderation, but here it is again: Can the oil be used as is without making a salve, or is there some property of the salve that prevents spoilage? I just really prefer using an oil over using a salve. I’ve got my dandelion blossoms drying right now and will get them into the oil today. I’m excited to try this!

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      March 28, 2022 at 8:44 am

      Hi Naomi. Yes, you can definitely use the dandelion-infused oil as is and not make the salve.

      Reply
  2. Vera says

    March 22, 2022 at 8:12 pm

    I did not read everyone’s question, but wanted to know if you can use fractioned coconut oil?

    Reply
  3. Michelle Castro says

    January 12, 2022 at 9:37 pm

    Would this work with dried dandelion leaf? Or dried dandelion root?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      January 14, 2022 at 9:02 am

      Hi Michelle. You’ll get the most benefit out of only using the dandelion flowers in your infused oil.

      Reply
  4. Cindy says

    January 2, 2022 at 1:39 pm

    I love the labels on the tines. Would you share how those are made.

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      January 3, 2022 at 2:14 pm

      Hi Cindy. I made them with an embossed label maker!

      Reply
  5. Joshua Vazquez says

    July 26, 2021 at 6:07 am

    Is there any substitute to beeswax? like tallow?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      July 26, 2021 at 10:00 am

      Hi Joshua. You can use candelilla wax, soy wax, carnauba wax, or a number of other vegan waxes in place of beeswax.

      Reply
  6. Rebecca says

    May 29, 2021 at 6:55 pm

    Hi I’m very excited to make this recipe! Just wondering if the salve has to be refrigerated after its made?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      June 1, 2021 at 11:42 am

      It’s not required, but refrigerating it will definitely extend its shelf life.

      Reply
  7. Emily says

    May 22, 2021 at 11:20 am

    Hi! I made this and it is absolutely wonderful!! I love it so much I was just wondering if it would work to use this recipie with different flowers? Like rose petals or something like that?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      May 24, 2021 at 11:12 am

      Yes, definitely!

      Reply
  8. Shannon says

    May 19, 2021 at 8:16 am

    I infused my dandelions in the oil for the last ten days in a dark cool cupboard. The dandelions floated on top and there is done mold in the very top. Is this a total waste? Or can it still be strained?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      May 24, 2021 at 11:25 am

      Unfortunately if there is mold it’s probably best not to use it. If there is only a small amount you could try to remove the mold on top and pour out the top portion of oil then proceed with the rest.

      Reply
    • Emily says

      March 5, 2022 at 5:30 am

      the recipe worked perfect one batch lasted me a whole year for just me. I used it as chapstick and a face lotion and anywhere else dry. I let my dandelion dry fully since i wasnt making this at the time and just stored them in a mason jar in a cool dark place just like the rest of my herbs.

      Reply
  9. goldberry says

    April 30, 2021 at 5:27 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a wonderful recipe, and you provide such clear instructions! I’m sure I speak for many who so appreciate you sharing your expertise, as well as all of the time it takes to prepare this post, take photos, answer questions, etc. — all at no cost to us readers. This made a beautiful batch of mellow golden salve, which I scented with gardenia. Many, many thanks!

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      May 3, 2021 at 12:41 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words!

      Reply
  10. Sarah says

    April 22, 2021 at 6:40 pm

    This is FANTASTIC! I’m so excited to have this recipe and information! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      April 26, 2021 at 2:52 pm

      You’re welcome!

      Reply
  11. Lisa says

    April 21, 2021 at 4:54 am

    I still have a jar of infused dandelion oil from last year. There is a small amount of residue in the bottom of the jar. Would the oil still be good to use?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      April 21, 2021 at 8:07 am

      As long as it has been in a cool dark place, it should still be good to use.

      Reply
  12. Jordan says

    April 20, 2021 at 5:37 am

    Hello! I am super excited to use this recipe and I started my oil. I melted down the coconut oil and added it to me jar along with olive oil to infuse. I checked on my jar two days later and the coconut oil is starting to solidify. Is this normal, or is there something I can do to fix this? Could I heat my oil infusion and infuse it that way? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      April 21, 2021 at 8:32 am

      Yes, it’s normal. Coconut oil solidifies when below 76 degrees. You could either set your jar in a slightly warmer area of your house, heat it with the sun in your backyard, or do a double boiler infusion on your stovetop. You can find out how to do them all here: How to Make Infused Oils

      Reply
  13. Hannah Pye says

    April 7, 2021 at 12:03 pm

    Hi Colleen,
    I’ve infused my oil for a week now, it’s starting to smell lovely (I used a sunflower coconut blend)! However, I’ve neglected to order the shea and wax for the final step… I’m thinking about straining the oil and refrigerating while I wait. Thoughts on this?
    Thanks for the post <3

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      April 7, 2021 at 12:37 pm

      That should be totally fine for a week or two! Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Hannah Pye says

        May 18, 2021 at 6:55 pm

        5 stars
        Wow, the salve turned out amazing! it really does relieve pain :) :) so happy I found your site! <3 getting into herbs and plants and homemade things, this is the perfect place to explore… also, your photography is beautiful!

      • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

        May 24, 2021 at 11:26 am

        Thank you so much, Hannah! I’m glad you are enjoying your dandelion salve.

  14. Karen Barr says

    April 5, 2021 at 8:25 am

    One thing worries me.
    You’ve had a number of people ask questions about its stability, how long it lasts, when will it spoil? etc. and you haven’t answered one of them.

    In the recipe, you say “A week or two but not too much longer than that as it can spoil pretty quickly.”

    IF that’s the case, then you should have an answer to how long it will last, how to keep it stable, etc. The fact that you haven’t answered any of those questions tells me that you don’t have an answer.

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      April 5, 2021 at 9:41 am

      Actually, Karen, that’s not the case. I only said in the post that dandelion oil itself can spoil quickly and that’s because fresh herbs leach water content into the oil as it infuses. The salve itself can last 6 to 8 months at room temperature and out of sunlight or refrigerated for a year or longer.

      Reply
      • Sarah Hergenreter says

        April 20, 2021 at 8:33 am

        Thanks for the reply to it’s stability. I make cannabis oil with a magical butter machine. Do you know if I can use it to make the infused oil faster?

      • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

        July 22, 2021 at 9:30 am

        Hi Sarah, I don’t know anything about a magical butter machine so I can’t answer your question.

      • Larissa says

        August 11, 2021 at 2:19 am

        A Karen living up to her name! Thanks for this recipe. I’m so excited to try it! Although why is it that when you’re not looking for dandelions they’re everywhere… but when you want them they’re no where to be seen!? I live in the South East of England and they’re no where to be found at the moment. Might have to start growing my own.

      • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

        August 11, 2021 at 8:44 am

        If you end up growing some, I’ve had these pink dandelion seeds bookmarked to try sometime!

    • emma says

      May 1, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      so anxious to finish my oil! and start the salve, I was wondering for in the winter would I be able to dry the dandelions and use them later?

      Reply
      • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

        May 3, 2021 at 12:40 pm

        Yes, you can definitely do that!

  15. Mary says

    March 22, 2021 at 2:59 am

    I’m vegan and I was wondering what I could use to replace bees wax? Would soy wax be ok?
    Love all the recipes here.

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      March 22, 2021 at 9:10 am

      Yes, that would be fine. I would look for non-GMO soy wax.

      Reply
  16. Gina Meek says

    September 16, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    I am hoping that you can help! I did everything according to the directions but mine is not setting up very well. It is very “oily” as a result. The only thing that I may have done wrong is that I added too much essential oils?? I made 4 batches to use as salve and lip balm for Christmas presents. Is there something that I can do to “set them” up? I am considering re-melting all of it :( and adding more beeswax- thoughts??

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      September 28, 2020 at 12:50 pm

      Hmm, it’s really hard to say. I would remelt and add more beeswax.

      Reply
    • Regina says

      April 5, 2021 at 7:31 am

      I always do 4:1 oil to wax ratio. For example 4oz oil to 1 oz wax.

      Reply
      • cathy says

        May 11, 2021 at 10:23 am

        Thanks Regina. Like Gina Meeks, mine did not solidify (set-up). So i reheated and added a second ounce of beeswax. Much better.
        So the 4:1, oil to wax ratio worked – 2oz per cup of oil.

  17. Dory Dice says

    July 31, 2020 at 10:58 pm

    have been interest in making my own salve for some time but couldn’t find a recipe until now thank you.

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      August 3, 2020 at 12:58 pm

      You’re welcome, Dory!

      Reply
  18. Patti says

    July 31, 2020 at 7:37 am

    Will dried dandelions work as well for this recipe?
    I’d like to make this closer to Christmas for gifting.
    What’s the shelf life of the finished product?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      August 18, 2020 at 10:30 am

      Yes, you can, Patti! In fact, this recipe calls for dried dandelions!

      Reply
  19. Amy Klickman says

    June 26, 2020 at 6:58 am

    Can you use powdered Dandelion root? If so how would you use is to make a salve?

    Reply
  20. Sarah Scott says

    June 18, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    I put my dandelions in the oil (coconut, sweet almond, evoo) to infuse on Sunday, it’s now Thursday and looking a little cloudy. Does that mean it has spoiled?

    I was going up make the salve in Saturday, so I hope not :(… So excited to try this recipe!

    Reply
  21. Erin McAlonan says

    June 17, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    5 stars
    I have been making this for the last 3 years since I found this recipe. Just finished another batch. I have 54 in just 4 days. I still have almost 3 cups of oil. I have Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Tea Tree, Lavender, and Lilac.

    Reply
  22. Robert Broussard says

    June 16, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    I made this with dandelion flower that I freeze-dried and soaked in olive oil for 3 weeks.

    Reply
  23. Janice says

    June 7, 2020 at 8:18 am

    When you put the dandelions and the oil in the jar, you covered it with something before you put on the lid? Was that a piece of parchment paper or waxed paper, or something else?

    Reply
  24. Tammy says

    May 26, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    I just finished my dandelion oil and the oil is really dark goldish color, is this normal?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      May 26, 2020 at 2:18 pm

      Hi Tammy, yes that sounds about right!

      Reply
  25. Tori says

    May 26, 2020 at 9:53 am

    Hello! I picked a huge amount of dandelions this weekend and put them on a screen to dry as instructed; a bunch of them went to seed and poof! I had half of a tray of useless billowy dandelions. Is there something I did wrong?

    Reply
    • Grow Forage Cook Ferment says

      May 26, 2020 at 2:17 pm

      Hi Tori, yes that will sometimes happen! That’s why I only wilt them for a day or so. The older a dandelion is when it is picked gives it more of a tendency to turn to puffballs.

      Reply
  26. jessica shenandoah says

    May 21, 2020 at 9:00 am

    Hello. How long is the dandelion oil good for after it is strained? how do I keep it longer to add to other things throughout the year?

    Reply
  27. Jada says

    May 9, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    Hi! Is it possible to use something other than beeswax? I am vegan and don’t use animal products x

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 31, 2020 at 6:34 pm

      Candelilla Wax is a substitute for beeswax it is plant based.

      Reply
    • Zoë says

      April 4, 2021 at 3:30 am

      I really would not use Candellila Wax – look it up, often made with harsh chemicals and not environmentally friendly

      Reply
  28. Tenley says

    May 9, 2020 at 8:31 am

    I am excited to try this recipe. I see that it can spoil if left too long while infusing the oil but do you have an idea of the “shelf life” of the finished salve?

    Reply
  29. Yvonne says

    May 6, 2020 at 11:41 am

    5 stars
    Am wondering if I can freeze the dandelions after they are cleaned and before I infuse them? I love this salve as I suffer from chronic neck/shoulder pain and would like to make it thru the winter months instead of having to use OTC remedies. I find it works great if I massage it into the pain area and also into top and soles of my feet as well as into my hands and tummy.

    Thank you for the time you spend sharing your knowledge and recipes with us. You are super sweet!
    Yvonne

    Reply
    • Tia says

      May 17, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      Freezing plants can greatly diminishes medicine potency. You can make the infused oil now just by filling small jar with wilted petals & pouring oil to cover petals, capping jar & leaving in dark place for at least 6 weeks. Can leave the straining until you want to make salve in winter. cheers ; )

      Reply
  30. Joyce Frank says

    May 6, 2020 at 10:01 am

    I made your recipe for dandelion salve this past weekend. I had infused the dandelions in olive oil and coconut oil for two weeks. I used lavender, lemon and peppermint essential oils. The salve turned out wonderful. The recipe made 5 two oz. tins and 3 1 oz. tins. I am giving it as gifts to family and friends, and keeping some for myself of course! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hello there! I’m Colleen.

I want to inspire you to live seasonally, become more self sufficient, and protect your health. I share information on foraging and wildcrafting, fermenting and preserving, cooking whole foods from scratch, permaculture gardening, and making herbal products. And that’s just the beginning! Learn more.

CBD

Browse my homemade CBD recipes & how-tos

My Books

Spring Favorites

purple dead nettle uses benefits look alike

Foraging for Purple Dead Nettle: an edible backyard weed

50+ Dandelion Recipes: Drinks, Sweets, Soap, Remedies + More!

Lilac Flower Infused Honey

Dandelion Mead Recipe (Dandelion Wine Made With Honey)

Popular Posts

How to Make Soap For Beginners + Calendula Soap Recipe

5 Easy to Identify Edible Mushrooms

10 Reasons to Grow Mint (Without Fear)

How to Make and Use Dandelion Salve

What to Forage in Spring: 20 Edible and Medicinal Plants and Fungi

how to make mead

How to Make a Gallon of Mead: A Simple Mead Recipe

How to Make Hard Cider: Homebrew it!

Fermented Honey Garlic

Mountain Rose Herbs
×

Join list.

More info

Footer

Explore

  • Grow
  • Forage
  • Cook
  • Ferment
  • Herbalism
  • Homestead

Learn To Forage

The gather + root online foraging course will help you to safely identify, harvest, and use common edible and medicinal plants with confidence.

Enroll Now

As Featured On

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Amazon Affiliate

Copyright © 2023 Grow Forage Cook Ferment & Cocos Creations LLC.

212.4K shares
  • 37.9K
  • 20