Dandelion Infused Oil

Jun 20

Dandelion Infused Oil: A Spring Tradition for Skin & Body

Every spring, when the prairie begins to wake and dandelions paint the landscape gold, I gather a basket of blossoms to make one of my favorite seasonal remedies: dandelion infused oil.

Though many people view dandelions as weeds, they were originally brought to North America as a valuable food and medicinal plant. Every part of the plant has been used traditionally, and the bright flowers create a beautiful herbal oil that can be used throughout the year.

Making dandelion oil is simple. It requires only a handful of flowers, a good quality carrier oil, and a little patience while nature does the work.

Harvesting Dandelions

Choose dandelions growing in areas free from pesticides, herbicides, roadside pollution, or chemical fertilizers.

Harvest on a dry, sunny day after the morning dew has evaporated. The flowers should be fully open and vibrant. Simply pinch or snip the flower heads from the stems.

Gather enough blossoms to fill a clean glass jar about halfway full.

Wash & Wilt

Dandelion flowers often host tiny insects and can collect dust from the environment. Gently rinse the blossoms and spread them on a clean towel.

Allow them to wilt overnight. This step helps reduce moisture, which can contribute to mold during infusion.

How to Make Dandelion Infused Oil

The next day, place the wilted blossoms into a clean glass jar.

Cover completely with your chosen oil, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Olive oil works beautifully, though jojoba, sunflower, or sweet almond oil may also be used.

Use a clean spoon or butter knife to remove trapped air bubbles and ensure all flowers remain submerged beneath the oil.

Cover the jar with a lid or secure a piece of cloth over the opening with a rubber band.

Place the jar in a sunny window and allow it to infuse for two weeks. Gently shake the jar every few days.

After two weeks, strain the flowers through cheesecloth and transfer the finished oil into a clean bottle or jar.

Store in a cool, dark place and use within one year.

Ways to Use Dandelion Oil

Dandelion infused oil is wonderfully versatile and earns a permanent place on my herbal shelf.

Massage into tired muscles and achy joints.
Apply to dry, rough skin.
Use as the base for homemade salves and balms.
Add to body butters and herbal skincare formulations.
Incorporate into bath products for a soothing soak.

A Plant Worth Looking At Again

Dandelions are often overlooked, sprayed, or pulled from the garden, yet they remain one of the most accessible medicinal plants available to us. By learning to work with the plants growing around us, we reconnect with seasonal rhythms and traditional herbal knowledge.

The next time you see a patch of bright yellow flowers, consider gathering a few. With just a little time, they can become a beautiful herbal oil that supports both skin and body throughout the year.