Each spring, just as the earth begins to wake, dandelions start to appear in golden clusters across the farm. Often overlooked as a weed, they are in fact one of the most generous, medicinal, and magical plants of the season.
Recently, a friend visited the farm with her young son and daughter. They were captivated—not just by the chickens and flowering trees—but by the sheer abundance of yellow blooms dotting the grass. Their wonder reminded me why I love this time of year so much, and why dandelions hold such a special place in my heart.
Years ago, one of the very first oils I made here at Stonegate Farm was dandelion oil. It felt intuitive—gathering what was growing right at my feet and transforming it into something soothing, golden, and deeply nourishing. Dandelion oil has since become a spring ritual I return to every year. It’s simple, sensory, and symbolic—a way to ease into the season and connect with what’s naturally available.
That day, as my guests left with their pockets full of daffodils and field-picked treasures, I promised I’d send them the recipe. And now, I’m sharing it with you.
Dandelions have long been used in folk medicine for their detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. The flowers, in particular, make a wonderful infused oil that can be used for massage, dry skin relief, joint pain, or simply as a reminder of the sun’s return.
How to Make Your Own Dandelion Oil
Ingredients:
– Fresh dandelion flowers (gather from an unsprayed area, preferably mid-morning after the dew has dried)
– A clean glass jar with a lid
– Carrier oil (olive oil, jojoba, or sweet almond work well)
– Sunshine, patience, and intention
Steps:
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Harvest your dandelions and lay them on a towel indoors for 24 hours to wilt. This removes moisture and helps prevent mold.
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Place the wilted flowers in your jar, filling it loosely.
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Pour in your carrier oil until the flowers are fully submerged.
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Seal and place your jar on a sunny windowsill for 1–2 weeks.
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Shake the jar gently every day to keep things moving.
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Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve and store in a clean glass bottle.
Use it for:
– A heart-opening ritual massage
– After-sun skin replenishment
– A balm base for tired muscles
– A fragrant reminder of spring’s renewal
Rituals don’t need to be complicated to be powerful. This one, born from a simple walk through the grass and a conversation with a child, is proof of that.
If you make your own dandelion oil this season, tag us or write to us—I’d love to see your sunshine in a bottle.
~ Jill
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