Dandelion Days: Simple Uses for Blooms & Roots

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As the days finally stretch longer and the sun warms the earth, dandelions begin their golden bloom across fields and yards like little bursts of sunshine. While many see them as weeds, we’ve come to know them as a gift—humble, hardy, and healing. From the petals to the roots, every part of this wild plant has a purpose, is edible and here at Rustic Roots & Simple Living, we’ve learned to honor each part with intention.

Today, I want to share how we use both the blooms and roots of dandelions in our home—through recipes, remedies, and simple comforts.

Basket of sunshine!

🌼 Dandelion Blooms: Sunshine in a Flower

The yellow blossoms are more than just cheerful—they’re edible and packed with antioxidants. Rich in vitamins A and C, and offering anti-inflammatory benefits, dandelion flowers are gentle allies for wellness.

And while they brighten our pantry shelves and teacups, they also serve an important role beyond our homes: they're one of the very first food sources for emerging honey bees in early spring. Before the fruit trees bloom and garden herbs wake up, dandelions offer vital nectar and pollen. So we always harvest mindfully—leaving plenty behind for our buzzing friends. We also do not harvest close to roads or in yards that have been sprayed with chemicals.

Something even my little grand-daughter can help with! Filling Dehydrator trays.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to preserve and celebrate those golden heads:

✽ Dandelion Syrup

I’m a big fan of syrups flavored from flowers. Dandelion syrup is a floral syrup that tastes like a cross between mild honey and spring sunshine—perfect drizzled over pancakes, stirred into tea, or swirled into lemonade.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups dandelion petals (just the yellow parts)

• 2 cups water

• 1–2 cups sugar (to taste)

• 1/2 lemon, sliced (optional, for brightness)

1. Simmer petals and lemon slices in water for 20 minutes.

2. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 4–6 hours or overnight (I usually let them sit over night).

3. Strain out the petals and lemon, pressing well to extract the liquid. I use a jelly strainer.

4. Return the liquid to a pot, add sugar, and simmer gently until the syrup thickens slightly (20–30 minutes).

5. Pour into clean jars and refrigerate. I like to use the flip top bottles.

This syrup keeps in the fridge for about a month, and makes a lovely springtime gift.

We filled 4 trays today. Don’t worry there are still plenty of dandelions for the honeybees!

✽ Dandelion Infused Honey

A sweet floral treat for tea or toast.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup fresh dandelion petals

• 1 cup local raw honey

1. Gently rinse petals and let them air dry to remove moisture.

2. Add petals to a clean jar and pour honey over top.

3. Stir gently and let infuse for a week in a sunny window.

4. Strain if desired. Store in a cool, dark place.

✽ Dandelion Bloom Salve

A gentle salve for dry skin, scrapes, and sore joints.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup dried dandelion flowers

• 1 cup olive oil

• 1 - 2 oz beeswax (depending on how soft you like your salve). Cheaper in larger packages.

1. Infuse oil with flowers over low heat for 1–2 hours or in a jar (instructions below).

2. Strain and mix with melted beeswax.

3. Pour into tins and let cool. Perfect for gardener's hands.

🌿 Dandelion Roots: Earthy & Healing

Once the blooms fade, it’s time to dig! Dandelion roots run deep and offer rich medicinal properties—especially for the liver and digestive system. Harvest in early spring or fall when their energy is in the root.

Dandelion Root Tea (recipe in a past blog post)

✽ Roasted Dandelion Root “Coffee”

An earthy, caffeine-free drink that’s surprisingly satisfying. Serve hot or on ice.

1. Wash and chop fresh dandelion roots.

2. Roast at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, until dark and fragrant.

3. Let cool, grind, and brew like coffee. I use a coffee grinder.

4. Add cream and maple syrup if desired.

✽ Dandelion Infused Oil

This is one of my favorite ways to preserve the healing goodness of the blooms for use in salves, lotions, and soap. It’s deeply soothing for sore muscles, cracked skin, and dry hands—especially after a day of gardening.

You’ll need:

• 1–2 cups dried dandelion flowers (never fresh—moisture can cause spoilage) I like to use my food dehydrator.

• Enough carrier oil to cover (olive oil, sweet almond, or grapeseed work well)

1. Spread the blossoms out and let them dry for a day or two to remove moisture.

2. Place the dried petals in a clean, dry glass jar.

3. Pour oil over the petals, covering them fully with about an inch of oil above.

4. Stir gently to release any air bubbles, then cap the jar.

5. Set in a sunny window for 2–3 weeks, shaking the jar gently every day.

6. After the infusion period, strain through cheesecloth or Jelly strainer and store the oil in a cool, dark place.

This oil makes a lovely massage oil or base for homemade skin care.

Dandelion Oil and dried dandelions

There are many more uses for dandelions. This post just scratches the surface! If you have a favorite way to use dandelions please let me know! With just a little time and care, dandelions become more than a garden nuisance—they become part of the rhythm of home. Harvest a few, leave many for the bees, and see what these golden blooms can bring into your life this season.

Happy Spring!

Roxanne