Dandelions often get a bad rap. Many view them as unsightly weeds marring a pristine lawn, but to me and countless pollinators, they’re a miracle flower. Beyond their beauty, dandelions boast edible, nutritious qualities and pack a punch in skin healing.
Dandelion isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a powerhouse for rough, chapped skin, burns, and acne. Pair it with coconut oil, and you’ve got a super moisturizer that suits all skin types.
Harvesting dandelions isn’t just about plucking them clean; it’s about leaving enough behind for pollinators to thrive and propagate naturally. If you’re collecting from elsewhere, choose spots free from chemical exposure.
To make the most of dandelions, start by letting harvested flowers sit to let bugs wander off, then dry them out under the sun or using a dehydrator.
Ingredients:
– ½ cup organic coconut oil
– ¼ cup dried dandelion flowers
– 6-8 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
– 1 pint canning jar
– Small saucepan
– Hand mixer
Infuse coconut oil with dandelion flowers by placing it in the canning jar within a saucepan of water on low heat until melted. Add dried flowers and steep for about two hours, monitoring water levels.
After cooling, strain out flowers. The resulting oil will gleam in sunny yellow, akin to dandelions. Add lavender oil if desired, then refrigerate until firm but not solid.
Whip the infused oil with a hand mixer until creamy, resembling whipped butter. Store in a tin or glass jar, keeping it cool if your house is warm—it softens upon contact with skin.
Use as a versatile moisturizer: lip balm, dry skin relief, muscle soothing, acne treatment, or even aftershave. This blend will soon be your go-to skincare essential!