Dandelions are more than annoying lawn weeds. Dandelions are nutritious, edible plants that also contain antioxidants (beta-carotene and polyphenols) and have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid with skin irritations. And Sarah Munro (the historian and heroine in ONE DARK WISH) also discovered dandelions can be used for all sorts of skincare products. Products similar to those used during the late 17th and early 18th centuries when women made their own moisturizers, foot creams, and lip balms. So, for the rest of the summer, Sarah will share her updated colonial-era skincare recipes using one common ingredient: Dandelion-Infused Oil.
Sarah Munro’s Dandelion-Infused Oil
Ingredients:
Dandelion flowers (enough to fill two quart mason jars)
1 jug extra virgin olive oil
Two quart mason jars with lids and rings
Directions:
Pick enough dandelion flowers to fill two quart mason jars. Make sure you get extra to stuff the jars!
Using a colander, wash the blossoms at least twice, maybe even three times, to wash out any bugs, pesticides, dirt, etc.
Dry out the dandelion flowers. This takes at least 2-3 days on a parchment-lined baking tray or drying rack. But if it takes longer, that’s totally fine. Just make sure they’re completely dried out.
Right before you fill the jars with the dried flowers, sanitize the jars!! Hugely important! Put the jars and lids and rings into boiling water for at least fifteen minutes in order to sanitize.
Shove the dried dandelion flowers into the HOT and SANITIZED mason jars until they’re as full as you can get.
Pour olive oil over the dried flowers until the oil reaches the top of the jar. Make sure all the flowers are covered with oil. The flowers will eventually fall to the bottom and there will be oil floating on top. Seal the jars with the lids and rings.
Place jars in a dark, cool cabinet for six-eight weeks. Or, if you want to speed up the process, place the jars on a windowsill with indirect sunlight for two-four weeks.
Using cheesecloth over a glass bowl or glass measuring cup, strain the dandelion oil. Throw out the used flowers and store the dandelion-infused oil in another SANITIZED glass jar until you’re ready to add it to other skincare products.
Stay tuned for more recipes using Sarah Munro’s Dandelion-Infused Oil!
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal remedies:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
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