Dandelions Are Not Weeds
Only in the twentieth century did humans decide that the dandelion
was a weed. Before the invention of perfectly manicured lawns,
dandelions were more less praised as a natural medicine, food source and
out-right magic. Back in the day, grass was dug out to make room for
the dandelions – just imagine!
According to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association,
“The use of dandelions in the healing arts goes so far back that
tracing its history is like trying to catch a dandelion seed as it
floats over the grass. For millennia, dandelion tonics have been used to
help the body’s filter, the liver, remove toxins from the bloodstream.
In olden times, dandelions were prescribed for every ailment from warts
to the plague. To this day, herbalists hail the dandelion as the perfect
plant medicine: It is a gentle diuretic that provides nutrients and
helps the digestive system function at peak efficiency.”
Dandelions are also good for your lawn. Their roots break through
hard-packed soil to help aerate the earth and help reduce erosion. Their
deep taproots pull up calcium and other nutrients from the depths of
the soil, making them available to other plants. These nutrients
actually help fertilize the soil, improving the quality of grass and
other surrounding plants.
The less we focus on dandelion as being a “weed”, the more we can
appreciate what this plant truly is – a natural medicine that can
actually help treat many ailments we see today.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Dandelion
Dandelions are a green and growing first aid kit! Their ability to
heal and nourish the body from the inside out make them one plant you definitely do not want to get rid of this summer. There’s a reason dried dandelion root is so expensive.
Here are 10 of the most important health benefits of dandelion:
Stronger Bones
Dandelions are calcium-rich, which is the main element required for
the growth of strong, healthy bones. They are also high in antioxidants
like Luteolin and Vitamin C, which protect from loss of bone density and
bone weakening.
Liver Health
One of the greatest benefits of dandelion is how it nourishing and
healing the liver. Dandelion has been shown to improve hepatic function
by detoxifying the liver and reestablishing hydration and electrolyte
balance. It also increases the production and release of bile. One of
the greatest benefits of dandelion is it’s effect on our liver.
Diabetes
Dandelion helps stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin, and helps
regulate blood sugar levels. It is also a natural diuretic, and thus
encourages urination. What does this have to do with diabetes? It helps
remove excess sugar and salt from the body, and reduces sugar build-up
in the kidneys (thus helping reduce the risk of renal problems in
diabetics).
Urinary Health
As mentioned above, dandelions are a great natural diuretic, and so
they help eliminate toxic build-up in the kidneys and urinary tract. The
anti-microbial properties of dandelion also prevent bacterial growth in
the urinary system, which is great for individuals suffering from
recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Better Skin
Dandelion is an excellent detoxifier and antioxidant, making it one
of the best herbal remedies for treating acne and other skin problems
like psoriasis and eczema. It helps purify the blood, and improves liver
function, both of which result in beautiful, glowing skin. The major
chlorophyll content in dandelion greens is also a win-win for skin
health.
Cancer
Another important use for dandelion is its powerful effects against cancer. Many studies have
found that dandelion root extract is effective in the treatment against
leukaemia and breast cancer. It acts by inducing apoptosis in leukaemia
cells, while leaving healthy cells alone. It also has a positive impact
against cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy.
A 2011 Canadian study found
skin cancer cells treated with dandelion root extract started dying off
within just 48 hours of treatment. Dandelion root has also been shown
to be effective against pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.
Jaundice
Thanks to the liver-healing abilities of dandelion, it also helps
with jaundice, a disorder of the liver, where it overproduces bile and
messes with the body’s metabolism. Dandelion helps regulate bile
production, and also promotes urination, helping to get rid of excess
bile.
Gall Bladder Disorders
Dandelion leaf is great for stimulating a sluggish gallbladder (the
organ that stores and excretes bile as the body needs it). Gallstones
can even be flushed out by using a combination of dandelion and milk
thistle.
Digestive Issues
Dandelion contains mucilage and inulin, which soothe the digestive
tract and make food processing easier. It is also a great source of
dietary fibre, which is crucial for proper intestinal health and
improving gut flora. If you suffer from constipation or diarrhea, eat
some dandelion greens!
Circulatory Health
The high levels of iron, B-vitamins and protein in dandelion make it a
perfect food to eat if you suffer from anemia or other blood-related
disorders. Dandelion is also a natural diuretic, so it helps lower blood
pressure by getting rid of excess salt in the body. The fibre in
dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol, which we all know is
an integral part of maintaining a healthy circulatory system.
Picking & Processing Dandelion
Picking and processing your own dandelion might be an option if you
have a yard with plenty of the plants. If you don’t have any dandelion
in your yard currently, you can purchase dandelion seeds online to grow
your own dandelion patch.
The entire dandelion plant is edible: flower, leaves and roots. It
has a taste that resembles that of a spicier arugula. If you plant to
harvest your own dandelion, make sure you harvest from an area that is
not treated with chemicals or fertilizer of any kind. Avoid areas near
freeways or public parks.
Some grocery stores even sell dandelion greens if you’re not up to foraging.
If you do plan on harvesting your own dandelion, the best time to do
it is in the spring when they are young (before they flower) and again
in the fall.
When it comes to harvesting, you want to try to pick the youngest leaves, which will be located on the inside of the growth. The oldest (and bitterest) leaves will always be on the outside. The best greens from the dandelion plant often come before the plant has produced its yellow flowers.
To harvest the leaves, all you need to do is pluck them out of the
ground and collect them in a basket, bowl or bag. They’ll keep for a
couple days in the fridge, but the fresher, the better (so try to eat
them as soon as you pick them!).
Dandelion Crowns
Dandelion crowns are the densely packed circle of small leaves that are just about to
produce a yellow flower. The crowns are the best tasting part of the
plant (and the sweetest). Pick them if you can, before the plant has had
a chance to flower. Dandelion crowns can be stored in the fridge for a
couple days, or dehydrated for 1-2 days at 115ºF in a dehydrator (and
then stored in a mason jar).
Dandelion Flowers
To harvest dandelion flower, pluck them off the green stem. Try to
separate the flower from the green base, which can be quite bitter. You
can store the flowers in the fridge for a couple days, or you can
dehydrate them in a dehydrator at 115ºF for 1-2 days until they are
completely dried out. Once dried, you can store in a mason jar and make
tea with them throughout the winter months.
Dandelion Leaves
To harvest dandelion leaves, just pluck off the greens from the stem.
Remember, the best tender greens are those that grow nearest to the
stem. The larger outer leaves will be much more bitter (but they are
still beneficial if you can handle the bitterness!). The leaves will
store in the fridge for a day or two, but it is best to use them right
away. You can also dry the leaves in a dehydrator at 115ºF for about
8-15 hours (or until crispy and dried). Once crisp, transfer to a mason
jar and store in the cupboard to make tea.
Dandelion Root
Harvesting dandelion root can be a pain in the butt, but it is so worth it.
The best time to harvest dandelion root is in the spring, since this is
where all the vitamins and minerals are stored during the cold winter
months. You can use a weeding tool to dig at the base of the root and
pull up. Otherwise, you will just have to dig with a spoon or other tool
to dislodge the hearty tuber from the ground. Once you’ve harvested the
root, clean and scrub them thoroughly in the sink, and chop them into
pieces, just as you would a carrot. You can use the root directly as is
for boiling down into tea, or you can dehydrate them at 115ºF for 1-2
days, until completely dried out. Then, you can store the root for use
over the winter as tea.
How to Use Dandelion
Dandelion can be utilized in all its forms. Whether you want to use
the flower and leafy greens in your salad, or steep a body-warming tea
with the root, you can receive so many benefits from the plant!
Dandelion Crowns & Flowers
Dandelion crowns and flowers can be consumed fresh on top of salads,
or straight up as a snack. There are also many different applications
for using the crowns and flowers as outlined below:
- Dandelion Flower Infused Oil
This oil can be used to heal chapped or cracked skin, and is also useful
to soothe sore muscles and other aches and pains. The shelf life of the
oil is about 1 year.To make it, fill canning jar about half-way with
dried dandelion flowers. You can dry the dandelion flowers in
a dehydrator at 115ªF for about 1 day (or until completely dry).Once the
flowers are in the jar, cover them with about twice as much as your
favorite carrier oil (olive, sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado and
hemp oil are my favorites). Cap the jar, and place in a dark cabinet for
4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally as you remember.
Once the infusion time has passed, strain the dandelion flowers from
the oil into another canning jar, and store in the fridge for up to 1
year.
- Dandelion Flower Salad
Young dandelion petals have a honey-like flavor; mature blossoms are
bitter, but still nutritious and pretty. You can consume fresh dandelion
flowers on top of your salad if you want to reap the benefits of the
raw flower. Simply cut off the green stem at the base of the flower (the
bitter part), and toss in whatever salad you’re making.You can also use
dandelion flowers as garnish in desserts. The bright yellow hues make
them the perfect option for livening up desserts of any type.
Dandelion Leaves
Dandelion greens are the bitter part of the plant, meaning they’re
great for increasing production and release of bile in the liver. They
can be eaten raw in salads, juiced, or even made into vinegar!
- Dandelion Vinegar
To make dandelion vinegar, harvest the leaves, stems and flowers from a
fresh dandelion plant. Rinse them well, and fill a jar full with the
plants (don’t pack too tightly). Next, pour apple cider vinegar over the
fresh plants until the jar is filled. Cover the top of the jar with wax
paper or plastic wrap, and then screw on the lid (to prevent the acid
of the vinegar from eating away at the metal on the lid). Place the jar
in a dark cabinet and store for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Once
the infusion is done brewing, strain and store in another jar. It is now
ready to use!You can use dandelion vinegar on your salads by combining
it with some olive or hemp oil and some maple syrup and salt to
taste.Another use of dandelion vinegar is using it as a spot-dabber on
itchy bug bites.
You can also use dandelion vinegar as a diluted hair rinse. Dilute
1/4 cup dandelion vinegar with 1/4 cup water, and rinse your hair with
it to produce silky soft locks.
- Dandelion Juice Shots
Dandelion juice made from the raw plant is incredibly healing for the
liver, and other organ systems of the body.To make, all you need is a
juicer, and dandelion leaves that are freshly harvested. Run the
dandelion leaves through the juicer to make 1-2 shots of fresh dandelion
juice. I personally like to just take a shot, because it is so bitter,
but some people like to make juice combinations with dandelion like
adding in some apple, lemon and ginger (for about 3-4 cups of dandelion
greens, add 1 apple, 1/2 peeled lemon and a thumb-sized piece of
ginger). - Dandelion Salad
Harvesting fresh, young dandelion greens and adding them to a salad of
mixed baby greens is a great way to incorporate these plants into your
diet!
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root can be used to make a medicinal tea for treating
digestive issues, gallstones, inflammation, muscle aches, and bloating.
It can also be roasted into a concoction that works as a great coffee
replacement. There is so much you can do with dandelion root. Here are
some of my suggestions:
- Dandelion Root Tea
Once you have harvested your dandelion root as outlined above under
“preparation”, you will want to boil down the dandelion root in water to
release all the beneficial nutrients.Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in
a pot, and add 1/4 cup dehydrated dandelion root. Reduce the heat to
simmer, and put a lid on the pot. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, and
then take off the heat to let sit and cool.You can drink the tea as is,
or add your favorite sweetener (maple syrup with dandelion is an amazin
combination!). Depending on your stove and how hot the water was boiling
and simmering, you might get more or less yield at the end. Drinking
about one cup every day should suffice. If you have any extras left
over, store in a mason jar in the fridge, and heat up the next day to
consume. - Dandelion Root “Coffee”
If you are looking for a replacement for coffee, look no further!
Roasted dandelion root tastes very similar to coffee, and many people
have used it to kick their caffeine addiction. There is even a company
out there that sells a “Dandy Blend” as an alternative to coffee
drinking!Using fresh dandelion root that has been cleaned and cut into
cubes, roast at 400ºF for about 30 minutes until they’re completely dry
and brown, but not burned. If your oven tends to run a bit hot, set the
oven to 350 degrees and roast them for 40 minutes. They should come
out dry and toasted, but not burned.You can either take the roasted root
and steep it into a tea, or you can grind down the roasted root to make
into a powder similar to coffee. You can then take this powder, and
utilize it as you would coffee in your coffee pot or french press.
Serve the dandelion coffee with coconut cream and a sweetener.
Whole Dandelion Plant
You can utilize the whole dandelion plant in things like tinctures
where you can provide your body with the benefits of the whole plant all
year long.
- Dandelion Tincture
To make a dandelion tincture, harvest an entire dandelion plant and wash
each part very well. Once you’re done, chop the entire plant as finely
as you can. You’ll want about 3-4 cups of fresh plant cut up.Place the
pieces of the freshly cut plant in a mason jar (jar size depends on how
much plant you’ve gathered up) then cover with an 80 proof or higher
alcohol like vodka. Make sure you cover the lid with plastic wrap or wax
paper before securing the lid, as the alcohol can eat away at the metal
lid as it sits.Cap the jar and store in a cool dark place for 2 to 3
weeks, shaking occassionally. Once it has finished sitting, strain into a
clean mason jar or pour into individual tincture bottles with droppers.
Traditional herbalists recommend a dosage of up to 30 to 40 drops,
three or four times per day, but since tinctures are quite powerful, I
recommend taking no more than 5-8 drops a day. Use this tincture to help
with constipation or a sluggish liver that leads to poor digestion and
acne.
There are so many ways you can enjoy the benefits of dandelions.