Dandelions may be considered a pesky weed by many, but did you know that these bright yellow flowers are actually packed with benefits for both your skin and your health? In this blog post, we’ll be recapping a recent live stream video where we discussed the many ways to infuse dandelions for use in natural skincare and as an herbal tea. From making a nourishing face oil to brewing a soothing cup of tea, we’ll show you how to put these often-overlooked plants to good use. So, whether you’re looking to add a little bit of wildcrafted magic to your skincare routine or simply want to enjoy the many benefits of dandelions, keep reading to learn more!

We also discussed the Virtual Soap Summit. If you missed it, you can still catch the replays here.

Dandelions in Herbal Infusions

Herbal infusions are a simple and easy way to enjoy the benefits of wild plants. To make an infusion, simply add a handful of fresh or dried plant material to a jar and cover with boiling water. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes, and then strain out the plant material. The result is a delicious and nourishing tea that you can enjoy hot or cold.

When it comes to dandelions, all parts of the plant can be used for infusions. The flowers make a delicious and bright infusion that is high in antioxidants, while the leaves make a gentle and slightly bitter infusion that is great for digestion. The roots are also used to make an infusion that is beneficial for the liver and kidneys.

One of my personal favorite infusion is dandelion flower infusion, especially in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom. I love to make a big batch of it and keep it in the fridge to enjoy throughout the day. It’s not only delicious but it’s also great for my skin.

Benefits of Dandelions in Herbal Infusions

Dandelions are a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and also help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This makes dandelions infusions great for skin health, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Tips for Sourcing, Harvesting, and Storing Dandelions

When sourcing dandelions, it’s important to make sure that they haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. The best place to find dandelions is in a field or meadow that hasn’t been treated with chemicals.

When harvesting dandelions, it’s best to do so in the morning when the dew is still on the flowers. This will help to ensure that the plants are as fresh as possible. It’s also important to leave some of the flowers behind so that the plant can continue to grow and reproduce.

Once you’ve harvested your dandelions, you can store them in a variety of ways. The flowers can be dried and stored in an airtight container, while the leaves and roots can be stored fresh in the refrigerator.

Recipes for Dandelion Infusions

Dandelion Flower Infusion:

• Fill a jar with 1 cup of fresh dandelion flowers
• Cover with 2 cups of boiling water
• Let steep for at least 30 minutes
• Strain and enjoy hot or cold

Dandelion Root Infusion:

• Fill a jar with 1/4 cup of fresh dandelion roots
• Cover with 2 cups of boiling water
• Let steep for at least 30 minutes
• Strain and enjoy hot or cold

Dandelions in Soap Making

Dandelions can also be used in soap making to create a natural and nourishing bar of soap. The flowers and leaves can be used to create a beautiful yellow color, while the roots can be used to create a gentle exfoliating bar.

Benefits of Dandelions in Soap

Dandelions are known for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which make them great for use in soap. These properties can help to soothe irritated skin and also help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

Recipe for Dandelion and Honey Soap

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of soap base
• 1/4 cup of dried dandelion flowers
• 1/4 cup of dried dandelion leaves
• 1/4 cup of dandelion root powder
• 1/4 cup of honey
• a few drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the soap base in a double boiler or a microwave.
2. Once the soap base is melted, add in the dried dandelion flowers, leaves, and root powder.
3. Stir well to combine and then add in the honey and lavender essential oil (if using).
4. Pour the mixture into a soap mold and let it cool and harden for at least 2 hours.
5. Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the mold and it is ready to use.

Dandelions in Natural Skincare

Dandelions can also be used in natural skincare to create a variety of different products such as face oils, serums, and masks. Dandelions are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which are all beneficial for the skin. They are also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, making them great for treating acne-prone skin. They also have a high concentration of beta-carotene which is beneficial for protecting skin from sun damage.

Dandelion Herbal Tea

Last but not least, dandelions can also be used to make a delicious and healthy herbal tea. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, but it also has a unique and delicate flavor that is sure to please. Dandelion tea is a great source of antioxidants and also has diuretic properties, which means that it can help to flush out toxins and excess water from the body. It’s also great for helping to improve digestion, and can even help to lower cholesterol levels.