Time for dandelion season!

Do you know what "Dandelion" means? The name Dandelion was created in the 15th century. Word Dandelion was derived from the words “dens lionis”, which mean lion’s tooth.

The seeds inside the flower, when it is dried down, reminded them of lion’s teeth therefore this name was created. Slowly, the words Dens lionis transformed into dent-de-lion, which in French had the same translation. This is the name most people use today, since it still is a perfect representation of the flower’s appearance.

The spiritual meaning of the flower can be interpreted in several ways. The version I like most, is that this lion-mane of a flower is able to grow in the most difficult of conditions and still stand tall, flourishing in the suns rays. A great symbolism for many of own personal growths we can relate to.

Most of you, I am sure have heard of the many good uses of the dandelion plant like dandelion salad, wine, and tea, as it holds many beneficiary results like help treating digestion problems, skin ailments, inflammation, liver injury, kidney disease, and heartburn.

Early Europeans used it to remedy diabetes, high fever, and diarrhea.

Dandelion is a very rich source of beta-carotene which we convert into vitamin A. This flowering plant is also rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.

It's a good place to get B complex vitamins, trace minerals, organic sodium, and even some vitamin D, too. Dandelion also contains protein, more than spinach.

Now that we are all caught up on this misunderstood plant, we can now look at how this lovely lion-head fits so splendidly with our goat milk products! Rich in antioxidants, dandelions have anti-aging benefits for the skin. Dandelion extract can help to nourish the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and toning unbalanced skin. The plant contains detoxifying properties that rid the skin of toxins that clog pores and cause acne, as well as vitamin C to speed up the body’s natural healing process and reduce the appearance of scars and skin inflammation.

Goat milk contains two key nutrients lactic acid and Vitamin A that make it an effective fighter against fine lines, Research has shown that topically applied Vitamin A, also known as retinol, can increase water retention of the skin while also stimulating collagen production. Ultimately, both of these functions also contribute to an improved skin appearance. As you can plainly see, just these two ingredients alone will send luxury spa treatment to your skin!

The process of extracting these goodie ingredients from the dandelion is fairly simply. First, go to any yard that does not spread any chemicals to carry any toxins to the plant and pick, pick pick! What a great family activity to spend time together and gather all the flower heads you can get. I like to dry them out on a paper towel so they can dry of any moisture and any extra little critters and exit. There are than two different methods of infusing the flower with oil. First method is just filling the jar up to the top with the flower head and filling to the top with your oil, usually used is grape seed oil or olive oil. Make sure all flower parts are below oil level, close it up and store in dark cool place for a minimum of 25 days, giving the jar a jiggle everyday to release any bubbles and making sure there is no extra growth. After said time, pour through cheese cloth or other filters to catch any debris and boom dandelion oil! Since I have patients of a squirrel, I like to use the heated method of using my little crock pot, setting it on low and throw the dandelion heads and oil right in. Keeping it right below Hot level for about an hour than letting it cool. Strain it through the cheese cloth and vola! its done in a day! Beautiful bright yellow oil ready to be used for making goat milk soap, lotions, balm, and more!