How to Use Dandelion to Treat Rheumatism

Rheumatism is a general term most often used to describe arthritis, though it can be applied to many different conditions. Most people think of joint pain and stiffness when they think of rheumatism. That joint pain can be reduced with dandelion, a plant featuring many medicinal properties. There are many preparations of dandelion, but creating a dandelion essential oil is a common way to treat rheumatism.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fresh dandelions
• Dandelion tincture
• Dandelion tea
• Dandelion juice
• Vodka
• Oil (olive, canola, almond or grapeseed)
• Mason jar

1. Gather a good amount dandelion flowers from your yard or from a public field. Try to pick healthy-looking dandelion flowers that still have all of their petals and have not browned.
2. Fill a mason jar almost halfway with the dandelion flowers. Take the jar when you pick the dandelions so you know you will have enough.
3. Pour oil over the dandelion flowers. You can use olive, canola, almond or grapeseed oil. Fill the jar almost to the top.
4. Top off the oil with a shot of vodka to help safeguard the mixture from mildew.
5. Secure a piece of cheesecloth over the top of the jar with a rubber band.
6. Store the jar in a warm, sunny place for about 4 weeks. By that time, the oil should be infused with the dandelions and the petals of the flowers should have turned brown.
7. Strain dandelion material out of the oil and transfer the oil to a new jar.
8. Massage dandelion oil mixed with mineral oil or another massage oil into achy joints as needed.
9. Store the dandelion oil in a dark place or in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness. If you put it in the refrigerator, it should last indefinitely.

Tips & Warnings

• Take therapeutic doses of dandelion tincture on a daily basis to help reduce joint stiffness. Drinking dandelion tea, juice and coffee and eating dandelion leaves and roots are also a part of dandelion therapy.
• When picking dandelion flowers, save the stalks, leaves and roots to make tea, coffee, juice, tincture, or another dandelion preparation.
• Strain wilted dandelions from the oil mixture and replace them with a new batch to concentrate the oil even more.
• People who are allergic to latex, chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed and other plants may also be allergic to dandelions. Test the dandelion essential oil in an inconspicuous spot before applying it to a broad area.
• Beware of bees when picking dandelions. Bees also know how valuable these plants are. You can also use dandelion to treat bee stings, however.