Spring has sprung. Dandelions are here.

As soon as dandelions sprout around my home in early April, I start collecting them specifically to make this rosemary dandelion salve. It is the perfect fix for extremely dry or achy skin. I’ve used it on dry hands and feet as well as on achy muscles. Not only has it relieved any soreness I’ve had from a good workout, but it’s given me such soft skin. I try to make a lot of it in the spring so I can have it on me for the year. It’s that good.

I like to think this is because of the three main products I put into this salve: dandelion, rosemary, and castor oil. Dandelion is a natural analgesic, or pain reliever, and acts as an anti-inflammatory when applied onto skin. Rosemary is anti-inflammatory and stimulating, so it gives the skin a little boost. Castor oil is an oil that is extremely rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that locks in moisture. Castor oil has helped me immensely in healing old scars, and I find it tends to help repair damaged skin quickly.

Recipe below. Let me know how it works for you. I hope it brings you the joy you all deserve.

To buy this seasonal salve, click here

Directions

1. Strain dandelion infused oil. My recipe for infusing dandelion oil is here.

2. Pour an inch of water into bottom pot of double boiler. Bring stove to a low heat.

3. When water simmers, add 1 tablespoon of beeswax to double boiler.* Add 3 tablespoons of dandelion oil. Stir ingredients together with a whisk until beeswax has fully melted.

4. Once beeswax has fully melted, allow mixture to cool slightly. Note: you want the mixture to be warm enough that it is still liquid, but cool enough so as not to burn away the medicinal properties of the essential oils. It’s truly a balancing act.

5. Add in 2 tablespoons of castor oil , and 10-15 drops of rosemary essential oil, and 5-10 drops of sandalwood essential oil and ylang ylang essential oil to mixture.

6. Pour mixture into a measuring cup to easily pour your salve into your tins.

7. Pour the mixture into the tins, stick them in your fridge for one hour, pop them out and enjoy!

   *If you want your salve to be a bit thicker, add in more beeswax. The ratio for a balm is usually 1:3, 1 being the beeswax, 3 being the other oils you are adding to your batch!

What you will need

• Double boiler

• Liquid measuring cup

• Metal tins

• Whisk

• 3 Tablespoons Dandelion Oil

• 1 Tablespoon Beeswax

• 2 Tablespoons Castor Oil

• 10-15 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

• 5-7 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil

• 5-7 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil