In the quest for learning to make things yourself, I decided to make use of herbs and flowers. A dandelion salve seemed a good choice as we now have an abundance of them popping up. Make sure to always leave enough for the bees. It’s been a cold start to the season and the early ones and other pollinators will need them. Note – don’t pick dandelions that have been sprayed with pesticides, or that are exposed to domestic animals, or kerbside.

They need to be dried, for a day or so (and good to leave them outside for a little while after picking to let any bugs escape). Then put then in a jar and cover with olive oil (or any carrier oil of choice), to infuse for a week or two. Shake lightly every day and put on a sunny sill if available.

Then drain the oil through some cheesecloth to get all the bits out.

Add beeswax, the oil, a small bit of shea butter and essential oils if you want, melt together until the wax is dissolved using a double boiler.

Then pour into containers. Leave to set for half an hour, job done.

I actually put a bit of homemade lavender coconut oil in as well for some extra aroma as I don’t have any essential oils. Also have some rosemary and dandelion infusing currently so will see how that combo turns out next week.

This recipe was

42.2g dandelion infused olive oil

14.8g beeswax

9.2g shea butter

2.5 tps of lavender infused coconut oil

It can be tinkered with and adapted as necessary they say, but it’s a start. YouTube vids are good for tips and techniques as well.

(c) K Wicks