DIY Dandelion & Violet-Infused Breast Massage Oil

Following-up on last week’s post, breast self-massage can be made even better if we use a massage oil that is infused with 2 herbs that are specific for breast health: Dandelion flowers and Violet leaves and flowers.

Dandelions and Violets are among the first plants to pop up in the spring. Through an Ayurvedic perspective, the foods that naturally grow during a season help to offset imbalance that we are prone during that season. In herbal medicine, both Dandelion and Violet are bitter tonics. They are also alteratives– herbs that enhance the function of the eliminatory systems. Because they are both alteratives that have a specific affinity for the Lymphatic System, they are considered lymph tonics, aka “lymphagogues” as well.

 

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Every part of Dandelion is useful in herbal medicine. Taken as an infusion or tincture, the leaves have an affinity for the kidneys and are an aquaretic (a potassium-sparing diuretic) that is helpful for decreasing swelling and edema. They are also full of nutrients, and the fresh spring leaves can be enjoyed in salads (later in the year they become more bitter), or tinctured in vinegar.  Internally, the root is a helpful alterative, stimulating bowel and liver function and the excretion of hormones– helpful for women who have fibrocystic breasts. They are also prebiotic and have anti-tumor properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the leaves and root are used together (Pu Gong Ying) in cancer formulas, especially for breast and lymphatic cancers. This combination can also be used internally as part of a formula for breast or lymph node infections and lymphatic stagnation. Even the latex from the flower stalk can be useful, applied topically onto warts.

Dandelion flower’s sunny disposition isn’t the only wonderful thing about them! They are traditionally used topically by herbalists for the breasts. Infused into a base oil and massaged into the breasts, Dandelion flower infused-oil can be deeply relaxing for the breast tissue, while stimulating lymphatic circulation and drainage.

 

Violet (Viola soraria, V. odorata, V. yeodensis)

Violet is another important alterative and lymph tonic herb that has an affinity for the breasts. Both the bright flowers and heart-shaped leaves are used in herbal medicine. Violet is incredibly cooling and moistening. The flowers can be made into a soothing cough syrup. I use this syrup for hot and irritated lungs with a dry and lingering cough (the kind that usually occurs after recovery from a respiratory infection). Violet infusion or tincture can be taken internally as part of a formula for acute breast or lymph node infections and lymphatic stagnation. Violet has anti-tumor properties, and the entire above-ground herb is used internally in breast and lymphatic cancer formulas. A combination of the leaves and flowers infused into a base oil can also relieve tender or inflamed lymph nodes, nourish the breast tissue, and stimulate lymphatic circulation and drainage.

 

Making the Oil

You will need:

• Dry plant material (see Step 1 for gathering and drying instructions)
• Jar size of your choice (A 12 oz. or 16 oz. jar is more than enough if you plan on only using it for yourself and still leaves plenty for sharing!)
• Base oil of your choice- I usually use grapeseed oil because it is a very light-colored and odorless oil, and it takes on the color and scent of the herbs rather well. Olive oil is another good option- use virgin because extra virgin goes rancid quicker. Olive oil has an earthy smell and a light green color.
• Castor oil (optional, see Step 4 below)
• Chopstick (for stirring)
• Warmer or hotplate that doesn’t get hotter than 120 degrees and is safe to leave on for 2 weeks (make sure it doesn’t have an automatic shut-off). I use a candle warmer that I initially monitored the temperature for 2 days with some water.
• Food thermometer

 

 

Step 1: Collect and dry your plant material. I gathered my plant material on a sunny, dry day from an pristine area away from roads, and that isn’t treated with pesticides or frequented by dogs. When harvesting, keep in mind that the herbs shrink considerably when dried– the baskets full of Dandelion flowers and Violet only filled half of my 16 oz./12 oz. jars, respectively,  after they were dried! I recommend immediately drying plants in a dehydrator on low for about 8-12 hours. Store in an airtight jar. Flowers are extremely hydrophilic and will absorb moisture and quickly get moldy if you give them a chance.

 

 

After drying, make the oil right away. To store any extra plant material, place a few silica packets in the jar with them and use within 6 months. Drying in a dehydrator produces brightly-colored, good-quality dried herbs and insures that there is no water content that will make your oil go rancid. It is very difficult to get good-quality, thoroughly dried flowers from air-drying.

 

Step 2: To make the oil, you’ll need half of your jar packed with flowers (they will re-hydrate and expand when you add the oil, so make sure to leave them this space). You can choose to mix your dandelion flowers and violets, make them in separate jars, or just pick 1 herb to work with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Fill the jar 3/4 of the way with your base oil. Stir with a chopstick to make sure there are no air bubbles and that all of the plant material is well-soaked.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4: Fill the jar the rest of the way with either the same base oil, or castor oil. Castor oil has traditionally been used to soften hardnesses with consistent use over a period of time, and is useful for breast fibrosis. Castor oil is very thick and sticky, so this small amount added to the oil will do just fine.

 

Step 5: Seal the lid on the jar tightly (making sure the top of the plant material is completely covered with oil first). Place on your warming tray and heat the oil between 110-120 degrees consistently for 2 weeks. You may want to “burp” the jar for the first couple days to let any air out. To do this, simply open the jar and then re-tighten the lid on. At these times I like to check the temperature, give it a quick stir, and take a long sniff.

Step 6: After 2 weeks, remove from the warming tray and let cool. Strain through a fine strainer or sieve, discard plant material, and store oil in a sterilized dark bottle in a cool place. It is best to use up herbal oils within 6-12 months.

Ask any questions you may have in the comments, and please let me know if you try this!