Dandelion Oil: Extraction, Benefits & 5 Creative Uses

It’s not uncommon for notable pairs to run in families. Sometimes the resemblance is obvious – for example, Clint Eastwood and John Wayne are related – but sometimes it’s not . . . at least not at first. Buffalo Bill and Ralph Waldo Emerson are from the same family, as are Abraham Lincoln and Tom Hanks. (1) (2) (3) And of course there’s calendula and dandelion – not usually considered similar, but both members of the Asteraceae family.

Calendula is more well-known for its skincare benefits, while dandelion is better known for its detoxification, digestive, and hormone balancing benefits.

I call this homemade calendula salve recipe my #allthethings balm because it can be used as a face moisturizer, chapped-lip balm, baby bottom balm, owie salve, burn salve, bug bite balm, and more.

Actually, though, dandelion blossoms have a lot of the same properties that calendula is prized for. They contain compounds that nourish and hydrate skin, making them perfect for a healing balm. Unlike calendula, though, these sunny yellow flowers can be found during the spring and summer just about everywhere . . . for FREE.

Benefits of Dandelion for Skin

Gathering dandelions is a perfect way to introduce kids to the joy of wildcrafting, or to experience it firsthand for the first time. In addition to their culinary uses (topping salads, making infused vinegars, etc), they also have properties that make them ideal for skincare.

Yep, dandelion blossoms are full of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids and minerals that support and protect your cells, soothe skin irritations and nourish dry skin. (4)

For example, this study found that both dandelion flower and leaf extracts protect against UVB-related photoaging and senescence (aging at the cellular level).

5 Ways To Use Dandelion Infused Oil

The infused oil can be used as:

First aid – For cuts, scrapes, burns, sunburns, bug bites and other minor skin irritations.
Face and lip care – Dandelion oil is becoming more popular in skincare products, and can be used in place of regular olive oil in this lip balm recipe. It can also be used on its own as a facial oil.
Diaper rash – I like to apply the oil – or a salve made from it – and then sprinkle some bentonite clay over the area.
Dry or chapped skin – Due to its soothing and conditioning properties, dandelion oil is often used in moisturizing hand salves.
Sore muscle rub or massage oil – If you want to include essential oils in a dandelion salve, adding black pepper, copiaba, and lavender will help to relax muscles.

Wondering if dandelion oil or dandelion salve is best for you?

The main difference between the two is that dandelion oil is a liquid, while the salve is semi-solid and therefore easier to carry in a purse or diaper bag. If you want to make a salve, follow the instructions below to make the infused oil and then follow these steps to thicken it into a salve.

Healthy Food