Back Yard Herbalism: Dandelion Flower Infused Oil

One of the most delightful things I’ve made with my dandelion flowers is dandelion flower infused oil, and a salve made by adding beeswax to that infused oil. I use the infused flower oil as a salve on my hands when they’re sore and chapped from a day of working in a nursery, getting scratched up by plastic pots, and dried out from all the water and dirt. I could wear gloves, but they make me feel clumsy, and you can’t check the moisture of the soil very well if you’re wearing gloves. But dandelion blossom oil, and the salve made from it, have many other uses:

One of the chief uses for the oil, described by Wise Woman Tradition herbalists, is as a breast massage oil. This beautiful bright yellow salve or oil helps to ease premenstrual soreness, and also helps to soften fibrous or thickened breast tissue. Used in this way, the oil is said to strengthen the immune system, protect against cancer, and increase one’s sense of self-worth.

Dandelion oil is also a lovely pain reliever, helpful in soothing arthritic joints, back tension, sinus headaches, stiff necks, and weepy swollen skin sores. I personally can attest to the way it soothes sore muscles, especially in the neck, as I just used it last night after a day of carrying around heavy potted plants. It doesn’t have a numbing effect–rather, it helps the body relax a bit, easing that tightness that can be so painful.

And remember that elixir I made, with the intention of expansive energy and release of blocked emotions? It seems that the oil functions much the same way, not only promoting relaxation, but also aiding the body in releasing emotions trapped in the muscles. I can’t tell you how much sense this makes to me at the energetic level, with the way dandelion is so free and giving and abundant. It also makes me think about how our culture tends to be so constricted emotionally, how we try to cover and shove down all the negative feelings, resorting to drugs if necessary to keep us from feeling them; and meanwhile, dandelion is crowding around our homes, constantly shouting out to us that she can help us let our emotions flow and find resolution. I feel like I should make gallons of the infused oil and share it with everyone I know.

So I assume most people who read about herbs know how to make an infused oil, but in case you don’t, Susun Weed has a great article on herbal infused oils here. One note, however–I attended a conference last summer, and herbalist Heather Nic an Fhleisdeir recommends only steeping moist things like dandelion and calendula flowers in oil for two weeks, and/or allowing the flowers to wilt somewhat before putting them in a jar and adding oil.

So I know I’m totally a dandelion disciple right now–thanks for your patience, y’all. I’m just so fascinated by all the ways this much-maligned little plant could be one of our best friends if we’d let it. Spread the word, and I promise some day I’ll talk about something different.

And if you think this is bad? Just wait until my roses are blooming.