I use to think that dandelions were useless weeds that just came out to annoy me and invaded my garden every spring and it is no surprise that I wasn't the only one. I haven't gone as far as some people but there are literally those willing to poison themselves
and nearby life just to maintain an even carpet
of grass. And in the process, they end up killing
off the most useful plant in their immediate
surroundings.
Now when I see the first dandelion of the year in my garden I get all excited. I really didn't realize how useful and interesting this tiny little flower, leaves and roots were. I think the dandelion was the first plant that I foraged to make something out of it.
Now, before I go on I just want to give you this **Disclaimer – I am not a licensed Doctor, Health care provider or Herbalist. I am not an expert. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be perceived as professional advice in regard to health or any other field. In other words, these are the opinions and methods I have used to encourage my own mental wellness and stability over the years. Please do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking help because of something you may have read on this blog. If you or any person you may know has a medical concern, they should consult with a licensed professional, physician or healthcare worker. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your Doctor or 911 immediately.
All parts of the dandelion are edible
and medicinal, with a litany of uses that stretch
far back in time across many cultures. I really look at this plant in a totally different way now. The whole plant is beneficial, from the flower right down to the roots. The flowers and leaves contain beta-carotene. The leaves themselves contain more than carrots and provide more iron and calcium than spinach. Dandelion leaves are antacid, antioxidant, febrifuge, hypotensive, restorative, and vulnerary. The flower and leaf are packed with vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E and P in addition it has biotin, inositol, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Dandelion flowers are anodyne, cardiotonic, emollient, hepatic, and vulnerary. The dandelion roots are a whole other story. The roots are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, cholagogue, choleretic, deobstruent, discutient, hepatic, hypnotic, purgative, and sedative.
Modern-day or Western herbal medicine uses the root as a stomachic, tonic slightly diuretic, laxative and aperient. The list of all the ways you could use this beneficial plant is almost endless and you will see it down below. Everything from tonics, tinctures, salves, teas, salads and coffee.
The dandelion is a biennial or perennial and it grows in lawns, waste places and roadsides. It really isn't picky as to where it likes to grow. The height of the plant is anywhere from 2-18" and it flowers from March to October. With its yellow solitary flower head which is about 1-2" wide, its outer bracts at the base of the lower head turned downward. The leaves are toothed or lobed, jagged-cut that are two or more times longer than wide. This toothy appearance is said to be the inspiration
for the dandelion’s name—one of the French names
for the plant is dent-de-lion, or tooth of the lion,
which transmogrified to dandelion. The stalk is unbranched, naked, hallow and milky.
When wildcrafting dandelions, be sure to gather them in an area that you know has not been sprayed with pesticides. Some of the ways you can eat dandelions are as follows,
Flowers Bud
- pick in spring or early summer and boil for 5 - 10 minutes and serve with butter
- pickle the buds in a bit of vinegar and salt.
Flowers
- pick in spring or early summer and remove the green sepals, discard the sepals.
- florets can be eaten raw
- add to salads
- sauteed
- batter and fry flowers like fritters
- syrup
- jelly
- wine
- salves
- vinegar
- tea
- use in kombucha
Leaves
- pick in spring or early summer
- sauteed
- boiled for 5 - 10 mins
- added to salads
- pesto
Roots
- pick fall or early spring and cook as greens, can be very bitter
- make decaffeinated coffee
- chopped and roasted
This should give you an idea of how much you are able to make with only one kind of plant. As the season progresses I will be updating this post with my recipes so that you will be able to enjoy all the benefits as well.
Lastly, I just want to say, instead of spraying dandelions, learn to utilize this valuable health-giving plant. As a reminder when foraging, do not collect from areas that have been sprayed in the past two or even three years. Dandelion is generally regarded as a safe plant even in large amounts, although there is always a possibility that one can be allergic to anything. Pregnant women too use dandelion leaves to prevent oedema and hypertension.
Also, keep in mind that dandelions provide one of nature’s first foods for bee populations. Please be mindful of how much you pick in the spring and allow the bees to enjoy nature's first flower as well. Having dandelions in one’s yard help to aerate the soil and make nutrients more available for other plants. Learn to appreciate dandelions, which benefit our health and the well-being of our planet!
Until next time, cheers for now!
~Susan
