How to Make Dandelion Infused Oil

Take advantage of a springtime herb in a healing oil

A dandelion plant

 Fotosearch / Getty Images

Dandelion is very useful, and it is not just an obnoxious weed found in your lawn. It can be eaten or drank as a tea or that famous dandelion wine; you can also make dandelion jelly, or use the yellow blossoms to create a herb-infused oil.

Dandelion oil smells like summertime, and it is great for aching muscles and joints. It also has calming properties that can be combined with lavender to make a soothing stress-relief topical. This dandelion oil is a great introduction to making infused oils from your fresh herbs, and it's a perfect springtime project.

Dandelion Oil Supplies

Dandelion oil requires no special ingredients or equipment. You probably have everything you need right there in your kitchen.

  • Glass Container: This is the perfect excuse to use recycled glass jars or old canning jars.
  • Breathable Lid: A coffee filter, cheesecloth, or similar woven cloth works perfectly.
  • Rubber Band or Canning Jar Ring: Used to secure the cloth to the top of the jar.
  • Olive Oil: Grapeseed oil is a great option for the base oil as well.
  • Dandelion Flowers: Enough to fill your container of choice.

Even though you will not be ingesting this oil, it's still best to choose dandelions that have not been sprayed with chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. Many people still see the dandelion as a weed and go to great lengths to kill it. Be sure that you harvest any dandelions from a chemical-free lawn or field.

How to Make Dandelion Oil

The process of making dandelion oil could not be easier. It's a simple cold infusion that uses the heat and light of the sun to extract the useful properties from the dandelion into the oil. Preparing the oil takes just a few minutes. 

It's best to allow the infusion to set for at least 2 weeks, though you can go as long as a full month to make it even more aromatic. Because you will be using a cloth lid, there's no need to worry about mold growing in your infusion jar. The airflow will take care of any unwanted growth.

  1. Pick enough dandelion blossoms to fill your glass container.
  2. Pour olive oil over blossoms until they are fully covered.
  3. Using a wooden handle of a kitchen utensil, or a chopstick, carefully poke the mixture to remove air bubbles.
  4. Cover glass container with a breathable lid, such as a coffee filter or woven cloth, held on with a rubber band.
  5. Place it in the sun to steep for a minimum of 2 weeks.
  6. Strain out the dandelion and store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

It's best to store your infused oil in a cool, dark place. Dandelion oil is also known to go rancid after a year, so plan on making a fresh batch each spring and tossing out any unused oil.

How to Use Dandelion Oil

Dandelion oil is designed to be applied topically, not consumed. This means that it should be applied to your skin or used in homemade beauty products. If you would like to eat or drink dandelion for its healing properties, you should make an herbal jelly or liqueur or simply enjoy it as a dandelion tea.

  • Dandelion includes pain-relieving properties, and the oil can simply be rubbed into sore and tense muscles or joints.
  • The infused oil is also known to be excellent for its calming effects and reducing any feelings of stress.
  • Add the oil to homemade salves and balms that are easier to apply topically and can be packaged for travel and gifts.
  • Dandelion oil is also an excellent skin moisturizer, either on its own or in a salve or balm. Try adding it to a 2:1 mixture of shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler. As the balm cools, it will solidify and become an excellent everyday moisturizer.
  • Due to all of these healing and calming properties and it's spring fresh fragrance, dandelion oil is an excellent companion for lavender essential oil. Use the two in tandem with any of the homemade products mentioned.