DIY with Dandelions
Dandelions are everywhere right now, that pop of springtime joy ~ with the promise of summer not too far away.
These pretty little flowers can be used for their soothing properties in lotions and balms, they can relive sore muscles and soothe dry and chapped skin.
Today I am sharing three makes you can use these little beauties for, I have made dandelion oil, solid lotion bars and skin salve.
Firstly you need to make dandelion oil as this will be the ingredient for the other two items.
Dandelion Infused Oil.
Preferably on a lovely sunny day, collect some dandelions, enough to fill your jar half full (approx 350ml)
Give your flowers a good rinse, lay them on a towel to dry, this should be a cool place, not in a very sunny and bright spot or on a radiator etc as the flowers will go to seed.
After a couple of days when your flowers are dried, pop them back in the jar and cover with oil. You can use many different oils, such as olive, sunflower, coconut etc. I used sunflower, as it makes a cheap and simple base.
Leave them to infuse, in a lovely spot with lots of sunshine for 2-6 weeks, you can then strain your oil and it's ready to use.
If you are really impatient and want your infusion quicker, you can pop your jar into a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water. Heat it over a low burner for 2-3 hours, keeping a close eye that the water doesn’t evaporate. Remove from heat and strain.
Dandelion Salve
This is so simple to do and makes a really lovely balm, perfect for really dry hands.
Makes around 100ml
You will need;
50g Dandelion infused oil
50g Shea Butter
15g beeswax or if you prefer to make a vegan version, candelilla wax
Old jars, I am using 2 x 60ml jars.
I add a couple of drops of oregano oil too, for antibacterial properties, you could omit or add your chosen oil, lavender for soothing etc.
Add the ingredients to a heat proof container, glass jug etc. I'm very fancy and use a metal food can and an old metal knitting needle to stir, haha!
Pop this into a few inches of water in a small saucepan and heat gently, stirring occasionally. When all the ingredients have completely melted (at this point add your essential oil if using) remove from the heat and pour into your jars.
It will take around 15 minutes to cool and set, then it's all ready to use!
Solid Lotion Bars
These are really lovely to keep by the sink after washing your hands.
To make 6 small bars
You will need;
60g Beeswax or if vegan, Candelilla wax
1/4 cup Shea butter
1/4 cup dandelion infused oil.
Optional a few drops of chosen essential oil.
Moulds ~ I am using some small silicon cases.
This recipe is really flexible and you can double/ triple the amount depending how much you would like to make
Measure out the beeswax, shea butter, and dandelion oil into your heatproof container as for the salve.
Pop this into a few inches of water in a small saucepan and heat very gently, stirring occasionally.
When all the ingredients are completely melted, add your essential oil if using.
Pour your mixture into the moulds and leave to set in a cool place for around 1 hour.
Ta da! You have some lovely moisturising bars!
Happy making! 😊