So after reading up on what they're good for and how to use them I decided we would start with a simple infused oil. The girls and I scoured the yard and plucked every last dandelion we could find. Even little River got in on the action and dumped her basket twice, by the way. But she only picked the dandelions (and rocks).
I'm sure I'll walk back out there in the morning and they'll be taking over again. But that's OK with me!
Zoe helped me to separate the flowers from the stem and we dumped them in our jar.
She poured the oil in.... we used grape seed because I like that it's lighter and less smelly than olive. I was almost out, though, and we didn't have enough to really cover the flowers so I'll pick up another bottle tomorrow and I think while I'm at it I'll break up the flowers a bit more. I looked at a few how-tos and one said pull the flowers out, another said open it up but leave the green on and another said just pull the stem off. Hmmm...
The oil is supposed to;
ease premenstrual soreness,
relieve pain,
soothe arthritic joints, back tension, sinus headaches, stiff necks, and weepy swollen skin sores,
strengthen the immune system,
protect against cancer,
and increase one’s sense of self-worth.
High claims! We shall see.... If you want to learn more about making your own check out links here and here, too. This is a great thing to do with children. They love learning that these things that are so prevalent and we take for granted are actually really useful and they can have a hand in that!
PS; Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway from The Enchanted Cupboard. Also, stay tuned for a special giveaway this weekend (starts Friday) from my girls' favorite author! Can you guess who it might be?
