DANDELION IS DANDY
and I'm not LYIN'
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On dandelions: “If you can’t beat them, eat them.” ~James A. Duke, botanist
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There was a time in my life when I only thought of dandelion greens as weeds!
I had never made a meal of them, nor had I read about or studied the many health benefits these common backyard plants offer. Growing up in Arizona, I'd seen many Dandelion weeds growing in various places but never did I see them on my dinner plate! As I began to look at the many health benefits this plant offers, I realized that I might have been missing out on something that was growing right under my nose. Did you know that the flower, leaves and root of the dandelion are all edible?
You thought that eating broccoli was good for you, well take a look at this:
| 1 cup raw | Vit. A
Daily Value | Vit. K
Daily Value | Calcium
Daily Value | Iron
Daily Value |
| Dandelion Greens | 2712 IU
54% | 151 mcg
188% | 103 mg
10% | 1.7 mg
9% |
| Broccoli | 581 IU
12% | 89.4 mcg
112% | 41.4 mg
4% | 0.6 mg
4% |
Dandelion greens are at the top of the list when it comes to nutrition!
Dandelions actually rank in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value. An often overlooked gift from God.
Would you believe that this little green plant provides the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods, after cod-liver oil and beef liver!
When it comes to good health and good taste, dandelion greens are a perfect choice providing calcium, iron, fiber, Vitamins A, E and K, and powerful antioxidants including beta Carotene and lutein.
Dandelion is also rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and is a good source of protein.
Dandelion has been used as a healing and preventative herb for centuries and if you are like me, once you see what dandelion can do for you and your family, you will go in search of this power packed plant that at one time, only was a nuisance.
WHERE TO GO TO GET YOUR DANDELIONS:
You can always harvest Dandelions in the wild but there are some precautions that you must take.
You may want to skip over leaves from plants that have gone to flower. Here’s why: as the energy moves up to the blossom, the greens becomes quite bitter. Please note: do not gather dandelions from public trails, roadsides or any chemically-tainted area including treated lawns.
GROW YOUR OWN:
Actually, growing your own from seed isn't that hard. People try like crazy to keep them FROM growing! Just add them to your herb or vegetable garden or try using containers that you can keep close by the kitchen!
The best time to harvest dandelion leaves and roots is early spring before the flower blooms and late fall once the flower has gone by.
BUY THEM FROM LOCAL MARKETS AND FARMERS MARKETS
When purchasing dandelion greens, ( Yes, some grocery stores will carry them ) be sure to look for organic varieties. The plants should be a beautiful green shade, not browned, spoiled or wilted. And remember, they will have a bit of a bite, so go slow if you haven’t tried them before.
Spring is the time to turn over a new leaf - a beautiful green, dandelion leaf – at its very best, most tender, and most delicious right now, in the early spring.
Benefits, just to name a few...
- Supports digestion and helps relieve gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
- Reduces swelling and inflammation.
- Treats viruses; jaundice, edema, hepatitis, gout, eczema and acne.
- Assists in weight reduction.
- Keeps the liver's blood detoxification pathways open, which some pharmaceuticals shut down.
- The inside surface of the flower stem can be used as a soothing agent for burns and stings (for example in stinging nettle allergy).
... and if that is not enough there are reports of Dandelion actually preventing or lowering high blood pressure; preventing or curing anemia; lowering serum cholesterol by as much as half; eliminating or drastically reducing acid indigestion; preventing or curing various forms of cancer; preventing or controlling diabetes mellitus; and, at the same time, having no negative side effects!!!
Are you ready to start including Dandelions in your wellness plan? Below you will find some great ways to do that!
For the liver, and some of the benefits listed above, you need the dandelion root as root extracts, teas or tinctures.
Make a Dandelion Tincture
First: Harvest the root and leaves when flowers are not present.
Next: Both leaves and roots can be washed, chopped, put into a glass jar, and covered with alcohol such as 100 proof vodka.
Then: Steep in dark cupboard for 6 weeks.
Lastly: Strain and save liquid.
A dose is 10 - 30 drops of tincture per day to cleanse liver.
Did you know that jaundice, a yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes, is an obvious sign of a liver on the decline. Even unexplained aches and pains and chronic fatigue and could be attributed to liver stress. Liver stress can be largely responsible for emotional and psychological problems too.
Chronic irritability, depression, resentment, and indulging in unnecessary angry outbursts often are also indicative of low liver stress.
Dandelion root stimulates the liver's bile production for the gall bladder and helps the liver control the gall bladder's releasing of that bile for digestive purposes, especially fats. Good digestion is the foundation for good overall health.
Make a Dandy Dandelion Tea
DANDELION ROOT: In general, roots are harvested in summer for medicinal purposes or autumn for drying and grinding for coffee. The roots are best harvested after the first year of life. Wash well, and chop into even pieces for consistent drying time. You may also hang and dry the leaves, crumble and store and use as any other green leaf tea!
Drying the Roots:
The easiest way to dry the roots is to use a food dehydrator, but you may also use the oven. To dry them in the oven, place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in a 200 degree F. preheated oven. To use a food dehydrator, use the herb liner and set the dehydrator to about 95 degrees F.
To test for doneness, pinch a piece between your fingernails; no moisture should escape the root.
Place the dried roots in an air tight container and store in a dry, cool, dark location until you are ready to use.
1. When you're ready to make tea, measure out about 1 tablespoon of the chopped roots.
2. Place this amount in a coffee grinder - or dice into smaller pieces using a food processor or a knife. If using a coffee grinder, take care not to over-grind, or you'll end up with a powder.
3. Place the ground root into a tea ball- a mesh container designed for holding herbs or tea leaves.
4. Bring 8 or 9 oz. of water to a boil and pour it into a regular-sized coffee cup. Add the tea ball and steep for 10 minutes. The end result is a very mild tasting tea - although if you over-steep it, the tea will become bitter. Feel free to add lemon or spices - or even a favorite bag of tea - to make a stronger-tasting tea.
And does it work? I do believe drinking dandelion tea helps my PMS symptoms - and it generally "picks me up." Plus, it's packed with great nutrition!
WHAT TO REMEMBER: Dandelion Tea is great for detoxing the liver! Plus it has many other great benefits, such as:
- It improves digestion and aids weight loss.
- It eases congestion of the liver.
- It helps to purify the bladder and kidneys.
- It reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.
- It contains calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins B and C.
- It helps to purify the blood, regulate blood sugar and improves blood circulation.
- It helps to ease bloating and aching joints.
- It helps to cure skin conditions.
You can also roast the roots- ( About 10 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F. ) Grind and add to your coffee or use as a coffee substitute with some unsweetened almond milk, and cinnamon.
TO MAKE A TONIC: Which is just a stronger version take the root fresh, dried or roasted and boil for 15 minutes. Drink it hot or let cool over night if possible and then strain.
TO MAKE AN INFUSION WITH LEAVES: ( Again an infusion much like a tonic is just a much stronger drink known to have more nutritional value. See my notes on this at the very end of this post)
Take about 18 fresh leaves and tear them into strips and place in the bottom of a pot. Pour 1 quart boiling water over and allow to sit for at least 3 to 4 hours. (Let sit overnight if possible) Strain before drinking. Add a bit of honey if the brew is to tart for your taste. Unsweetened dandelion tea may also be cooled and used as a skin wash.
And that's just the beginning Dandelion leaves also have all of these health benefits and more, which makes them a great option to include in your morning green juice.
Here are some more delicious ways to start using Dandelion Leaves:
- Use it in salads in place of some of the other leafy greens.
- Sauté alone or with onions and garlic in olive oil or sesame oil; garnish with sesame seeds.
- Chop the leaves and add to soups, stews, or a crockpot dish.
- Add chopped leaves to pilaf mixes. Great with quinoa, wild or brown rice!
- Purchase a blend of baby greens that contain dandelion; toss with your favorite dressing and enjoy.
Preparation methods: Fresh greens and flower tops are generally washed and then blanched in boiling water for a minute or so and cooled immediately by plunging into cold water. Blanching reduces bitterness.
Use young tender shoots, raw or blanched depending on your taste.
Dried leaves, root as well as flower parts can be used to make tonic drinks and herbal dandelion teas.
RECIPES
Dandelion Root Stir-fry.
Clean the roots, cut into slices, and add to a stir-fry the way you would carrot or burdock root.
Dandelion Pesto
1 bunch of freshly harvested dandelions (bunch could be as big or as little as you like)
½ cup of pine nuts
½ cup of walnuts
4-5 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of salt (or salt to taste)
Blend all ingredients in food processor until thoroughly mixed. Serve like you would any pesto, with crackers, veggies, etc.
Dandelion- Lime Cooler
