Dandelion Salve

*I was searching this morning for the recipe for Dandelion Salve. It wasn't on the blog! Wait - I found it in drafts. I guess this is about the time I got too busy to keep up last summer. LOL I decided to merge it with today's dandelion post. 

My annual joke is that I count on two crops - dandelion and chickweed. I discovered the chickens love to eat chickweed...and now I know what to do with dandelions too. Who decided these little flowers were weeds???? Here is info which motivated me.  The Ultimate Guide to Dandelions.  Here is another article about the healing/medicinal properties of dandelions. It covers everything from massage oil for sore backs to wart removal. Note, you may not like the author's worldview.

Krista began the harvesting the dandelions this year, and I've been picking Dandelions nearly every day since. The yard is finally clear of them...but they'll be back because I didn't pull the roots. 

Lucille is a skilled Dandelion harvester

After being picked they need to dry....

I discovered the dehydrator works well for this step. This gets the water out so you don't end up with a sludgy oil. 

I had too many flowers for the gallon jar. Press them into the jar and fill the jar with olive oil - or whatever oil you want.  These are now sitting in a dark cupboard for 4 - 6 weeks. 

This is the basic recipe I followed. It works well. You need Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Dandelion infused oil and essential oils - whatever you want. 

Strain out the dandelions and get all the oil you can. 

Melt beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler, add Dandelion oil and essential oils. Pour into jars. 

Isn't this a cheerful color? Tips I learned...I'll use more essential oil this year....mine smelled like Dandelions and while some say that's a charming summer smell....I'd prefer lavender or citrus or something.  Make sure your beeswax is completely melted.

I do believe the bees are attracted to this...but it could be my imagination.