Imagine waking up with that same knot in your shoulders that makes getting out of bed a worse challenge. Or your back is killing you today after your big job of the day yesterday. Instead of wasting more money on a tube of muscle cream, you go outside and collect your own healing remedy from something that almost all your neighbors would consider the enemy of a perfect lawn.
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Check PriceDandelions have been used by herbalists in the past and now modern science is discovering how to use dandelions again. Dandelions contain a powerful anti-inflamatory compound called taraxasterol and taraxerol. These compounds can reduce muscle pain and stiffness as effectively as many commercial products.
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Why Dandelion Oil is More Effective Than Store Bought Alternatives
Most over-the-counter muscle creams use menthol or capsaicin to create a false cooling or warming sensation. Dandelion oil takes a different approach and actually reduces inflammation where it starts. The bitter triterpenes and compounds of the plant penetrate deep into the tissues to treat the cause of the muscle soreness instead of covering it up.
That is why the timing of the harvest is so important. Fresh dandelion flowers have the highest concentration of healing compounds when picked at peak sunlight.
Perfect Timing: Harvest Window from 1 – 2 PM
Experienced herbalists understand that the best time to pick dandelion flowers is between 1-2 PM on sunny days. During these hours, the flowers are completely open and are at their peak levels of active compounds. Morning dew on the flowers can dilute their potency, and in the evening flowers begin to close and are less effective.
Pick flowers that are bright yellow, fully open, and have no brown spots or wilting. Steer clear of flowers located by roadways, lawns that have been treated, and places frequented by pets.
The Two-Bath Cleaning Method
Never skip the cleaning step, even with organically grown dandelions. Flowers can have dust and pollen and tiny insects that may spoil your oil.
To begin with, rinse the flowers in cool water for about thirty seconds. Next, soak the flowers in a bowl of fresh water for about twenty minutes. This will allow any hidden insects to leave and debris will float away. After draining the water, do another twenty minute fresh water soak.
After the second rinse, use paper towels to pat the flowers dry. This is a very important step because if the flowers are wet, they can introduce bacteria into your oil.
The Crucial Drying Phase
A lot of people want to speed up the drying process which causes their oil to go bad. Fresh flowers contain moisture, which will make your oil go rancid faster. Proper drying takes 2 to 3 weeks, but it can make the difference between medicine and waste.
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To dry your flowers, find a warm area with good airflow and lay the flowers in a single layer on a screen or paper towels. Make sure that the area is out of direct sunlight, as this can break down the active ingredients in the flowers. Areas like spare bedrooms, attics, or covered porches work great for this purpose.
When flowers are appropriately dried, they will hold their yellow color and become lighter. To determine if they are properly dried, touch them to see if they feel papery and crumble slightly.
Selection of oils and methods of infusion
The type of carrier oil you use will affect the extraction and shelf life of your oils. Olive oil is easily accessible and inexpensive, but it can go rancid quicker than other alternatives. While sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and fractionated coconut oil may be more expensive, they will provide a longer shelf life and improve absorption for your skin.
Using the traditional slow approach, take dried flowers and pack them loosely in a clean glass jar, leaving 1 inch from the top. Completely cover the flowers with your preferred oil. Make sure that no plant material is above the line oil. Place the cheesecloth over the jar and secure it with a rubber band. This will allow moisture to escape while keeping dust out.
Place the jar in a warm area such as the top of your refrigerator for 2 to 6 weeks. The amount of time the jar sits determines the amount of compounds that will be extracted. Be patient! Ever few days, give it a gentle shake.
Quick Heat Approach for Speedier Outcomes
When you want to heat the oil faster, try the gentle heating way. You can put the mixture of your flowers and oil into a slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for 8-12 hours, or use a double boiler on the lowest heat for 4-6 hours. Remember to not let the oil bubble or smoke, as that destroys the healing compounds.
You will know the oil is ready when it develops a golden hue and the scent shifts from smelling just like a carrier oil to the smell of fresh dandelions.
Proper Straining and Storage
Once your oil is ready, instruct the user to strain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, gently pressing the used flowers to get all of the medicine out. Encourage the user *not* to squeeze too hard as this might cause the introduction of particulates from the plant that will spoil the oil.
Keep finished oil stored in dark glass bottles to keep from degrading due to light exposure. If made correctly, dandelion oil can last from 12 to 18 months, as long as it is stored in a cool, dark place. Be sure to label with the date and type of oil for reference in the future.
How to Use Your Dandelion Oil
It is best to apply the oil to clean and slightly damp skin. To achieve the best results, use the oil after taking a warm shower. This helps the oil to be absorbed by opening the pores and increasing circulation. Apply a small amount to the affected areas and joints and rub it into the skin.
Begin by applying small amounts to test for skin sensitivity. Dandelion oil is usually considered gentle, but mild irritation is possible. Avoid applying to broken skin or any open wounds.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Oil should be thrown away immediately if it smells off or has a rancid smell. This can happen when the flowers were not fully dried or if water got into the oil.
If the oil is cloudy, there is likely moisture issues. You should ensure flowers are completely dry before beginning the infusion process.
Weak potency can happen due to using too much oil in relation to the amount of flowers, flowers being picked at the incorrect time of day, or not enough time spent infusing.
Creating dandelion oil allows you to save on store-bought alternatives and use the dandelion oil healing practices and traditions that stretch back hundreds of years. Your ‘weed’ yard is filled with a personal wellness pharmacy to relieve sore muscles when needed.
