DANDELION OIL
If you’ve been around for a while, you know that dandelion is one of my favorite allies. This often over-looked “weed” has so many benefits for both our bodies and spirits if we open up to its wisdom.
On a spiritual realm, dandelion teaches us to shine our lights brightly and to be courageous in how we do so. During times when we’re feeling overcome by shadows, we can call on dandelion to protect our spirits and nurture us as we return to the light.
This common flower works on the physical by helping our powerful livers with cleansing, bolstering our immune systems, and assisting in fighting free radicals. It can also soothe inflammation within and without — making it lovely for joint care — and its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it a wonderful herbal ally for healing minor scraps and burns as well.
Try out this dandelion oil with my recipe below.
This would be lovely added to Ritual Baths to bring in the spirit of dandelion and to relieve a sore body, used as a moisturizer in a loving self-massage, or made into a salve to repair dry gardener’s hands.
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SUPPLIES
Dandelions
2 16 oz mason jars
Chopstick
Coffee filter and rubber band
Fine mesh strainer
Cheese cloth
INSTRUCTIONS
First, harvest enough dandelion flowers to fill a 16 oz mason jar. When harvesting, be sure to ask permission first and wait for an intuitive “yes” from the plants. I like to tell the plants what type of medicine I’ll be using them for.
Make an offering back to the plants as you harvest — maybe it’s a song, a crystal, or a piece of your hair. Be sure to leave enough for the pollinators and never harvest more than you need.
Wash any excess dirt or bugs off the dandelion flowers and let the water dry.
Be sure to sterilize the jar you’ll be using and wash your hands thoroughly.
Gently place the dandelions in a 16 oz mason jar. Don’t pack the flowers down or overfill.
Fill the jar with olive oil (or another oil of your choice) until all plant matter is covered.
Use a chopstick to move the plants around and get rid of any trapped air. Top off with more oil if needed.
Cover with a coffee filter held on by a rubber band.
Label and date, then place in the sun to steep for half a moon cycle.
Move the plant matter around every day or two by shaking the jar.
After two weeks time, into a new sterilized jar with clean hands, strain the plant matter out of the oil using a fine mesh strainer.
Strain again through cheesecloth to catch any tiny particles left over.
Now you have your final dandelion oil. Be sure to label and date it and enjoy!