Dandelion is such a beneficial herb or medicinal plant and is particularly renowned as a diuretic, hence its folk name Piss au lit or Piss the bed. Dandelion has many other actions as well of course, being a bitter tonic, a hepatic herb helping the liver, a cholagogue, a tonic for the stomach, kidneys and pancreas. Due to the inulin content, Dandelion can also stabilise blood sugars and works to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. As a cholagogue, Dandelion root improves the flow of bile from the liver and gall-bladder thus promoting good digestion and helping the liver.
Dandelion is high in potassium which means Dandelion can help the heart, reducing high blood pressure and can prevent arteriosclerosis. You can find more information about Dandelion here and here.
This salve is great for the relief of stiffness in limbs and joints and I have made this batch for a friend who is finding that arthritis in her hands is making her crafting activities more difficult. I also had Lol in mind as his fingers are starting to stiffen a bit due to Dupuytrens Contracture.
To make this salve, collect enough Dandelion flowers to fill a small, clean jar. Pour over olive oil and ensure the flower heads are all covered and then add a capful of vodka. The vodka preserves the oil and also helps with extracting the active consitutents of the flower heads. Leave the jar for six weeks in a cool, dark place until the infusion has finished and then strain out the flower heads. Place the oil in a double boiler or bain marie (I just use a pyrex jug in a pan of hot water) and add 2ozs of beeswax to 8ozs of oil. When the beeswax has melted into the oil, pour into small clean jars, amber jars if possible. I also like to add a few drops of some anti-inflammatory essential oils such as Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Black Pepper or Peppermint.
When the salve has set, put on the lid and it is all done, ready for use. When needed, apply liberally and rub in well.
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