Dandelions
Learn all about the Dandelion and it's uses!
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, Other Names
Common Dandelion, Lion's Tooth, Priest's Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Swine's Snout, Dent de Lion
It is amazing that the whole Dandelion plant can be used as a medicinal herb - internally and externally! Let's explore some of the uses of the mighty but often lowly thought of little yellow flower most of us simply call a weed.
External Uses
This proliferate little flower can help fight bacterial and heal wounds. The fresh juice of the dandelion, which as antibacterial in nature can be applied externally to the wound.Internal Uses
The internal uses are so varied that you would actually think this is a miracle herb! And many believe it to be so and will testify to its many wondrous qualities. The Dandelion can be used as a tonic to help strengthen the kidneys, or as an infusion (root) to steady the elimination of toxins fro m the body. It is a powerful diuretic as well. It is also known to used in the treatment of the gall bladder, kidney and urinary disorders - as well as helping in the healing of various skin compaints, gout, eczema and acne!
Scientific research has finally caught up with what herbalists have known for centuries...the Dandelion is a very valuable herb in curing a number of disorders, illnesses and ailments. They have found that the lowly Dandelion includes countless ingredients, minerals, potassium and calcium which are needed in our daily lives for healing various disorders of the body.
Traditionally, and anciently, the Dandelion ha been used as a tonic and blood purifier. The tonic has also been used to help in constipation or inflammatory skin conditions, for easing joint pain and liver dysfunction.
A Myriad of Other Uses as Well
Did you know that you can place the Dandelion flowers and leaves in a paper bag and fruit will ripen? Or that you can make liquid palnt food from its root and leaves? Or that you can use the Dandelion root to get a very pretty dark shade of red dye? I may have to try that one in making soap next time! It has even been noted that a lotion can be made from the base of the leaves to help clear the skin and can even be effective in fading freckles! I wonder if that would also work on age spots - stay tuned, I'll let you know the results of personal experience.
Growing Dandelions
Ok, now you probably think I've lost my mind.....EVERYONE has Dandelions! It grows everywhere you don't want it to!! If you cultivate this precious little herb however, the leaves can reach a foot or more in length! As a salad crop or a medicinal herb plant - you will have more than enough for both - whether or not you actually cultivate it! However, it is nice to "try" to contain the Dandelion in a large pot so that you will know that it has not been sprayed with any poison.
How to Harvest
Well, very simply - go out in your back yard and pick the leaves and flowers - anytime - spring, summer, fall...doesn't matter. However just make sure they have not been sprayed with pesticides or poisons.
After you have gathered a good amount of tender leaves and just opened flowers there are various ways you can use them. To start with, just have a simple salad for lunch! The Dandelion is very nutritious and has more vitamins and minerals than most veggies. The younger leaves are less bitter than the older bigger ones and the flowers are eaten raw in salads. Most people that love this little dande usually cook or boil the leaves as they can be a tad bitter, and many times the flowers are dipped in batter and fried. The dried roots of the Dandelion are an excellent coffee substitute and you can even make wine from the fermented flowers! So truly it is a multi-faceted golden gem!
Spring Tonic Recipe
Here's an easy to make recipe which has ancient roots for a spring tonic. It will settle your stomach and help your innards wake up after a winter's rest of inactivity, clearing out toxins and rejuvenating your spirit and body.
Take 2-3 oz of dried dandelion root and soak in about one quart of boiling water. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Drink a cup of Spring Tonic tea every 3-4 hours.
Dandelion Soup (from Mountain Rose)
* 2 qt. dandelion greens, loosely packed
* 2 qt. chicken soup (any kind)
* 1 lb. ground beef
* 1 egg
* 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs
* 2 Tbsp. minced parsley
* 1 Tbsp. minced onions
* 1/4 tsp. salt
* 1/8 tsp. pepper
* dash of nutmeg
* 3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
* 2 Tbsp. sour cream
1. Bring chicken soup to a boil.
2. Add dandelions.
3. Cook gently.
4. Rice or fine noodles can be added (1/2 cup rice or 1 cup noodles).
5. Make tiny meat balls out of remaining ingredients.
6. When greens are tender, add meatballs and cook gently 10 minutes or until meatballs are thoroughly cooked.
Serve hot with crusty French bread
More Info on Dandelions
In the good ole days, our grandmother would go out to the backyard and pick a few herbs, leaves or dig up some fresh roots and begin the process of making spring tonics.
Nowadays, we don't hear much of that - nor we do realize the value in doing so! However, I'm here to tell you that there is much gold in them there hills! And that gold comes in the form of a little fuzzy flower commonly known as the 'Dandelion'- or it's legal name of Taraxacum officinale, although some call it just a nuisance!
Spring tonics are taken to cleanse the body from the sludge and fatty deposits of a heavy winter diet. Our winter diet from holiday stuffed sweets and gravies and meats coupled with the fact that we don't get outside too much in the winter season can leave our bodies feeling bloated and sluggish.
One of my favorite spring tonic herbs is the dandelion. It is the most prevalent of all the wild edible herb dishes. All parts of the dandelion, from the root to the petals are nutritious. The dandelion helps to increase the bile secretion and flush the liver, kidneys and urinary tract. And it comes packed with a boatload of vitamins and minerals which helps to reduce water retention and swelling without depleting potassium. As it moves its way through the circulation system, it also helps to brighten and refresh the skin washing way toxins through the sweat glands. It is a rich source of Vitamin A, B complex, C and D as well as iron, potassium and zinc.
One of the easiest ways to utilize this little plant is to pick the flower heads early in the morning before the dew has evaporated and add them to your luncheon salad. Just snip the green part that holds the petals together and you'll not only have a nutritious salad, but a very pretty one as well. The leaves can also be picked, but use the tender new ones, as the older ones sometimes can have a bitter taste to them.
Another great use of the dandelion is in the roots. Dig up the roots of a good size dandelion and let them dry out in your dehydrator or oven. Then grind the roots and use as tea or use as a substitute for your morning coffee.
The Native Americans also used dandelion decoctions (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water). They treated various kidney disease, to ease swelling and skin problems, for heartburn and for stomach upset. The history of the little dandelion in Chinese culture tradtionally used the dandelion to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (inflammation or lack of milk flow). And in Europe, herbalists used it for remedies for fever, boils, eye problems diabetes, and diarrhea.
As a parting note...did you know that there are hundreds of species of dandelion that grow in Europe, Asia, and North America? It is a hardy (we know that one) perennial that can grow up to a hgight of nearly 12 inches! The flowers are sensitive to light, and open with the monring sun and close in the evening or during gloomy weather.
Dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. It may help with the poor digestion, liver disorders and high blood pressure. Fresh or dried, it can be used as a mild appetite stimulant and to imporve upset stomach. The root of the plant is also believed to have a mild laxative effect and helps aid in digestion.
Adult Uses:
Dandelion may be used in a variety of available forms:
- Dried leaf infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Pour hot water onto dried leaf and steep for 5 - 10 minutes. Drink as directed.
- Dried root decoction: 1/2 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Place root into boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes. Strain and drink as directed.
- Leaf tincture (1:5) in 30% alcohol: 100 - 150 drops, 3 times daily
- Standardized powdered extract (4:1) leaf: 500 mg, 1 - 3 times daily
- Standardized powdered extract (4:1) root: 500 mg, 1 - 3 times daily
- Root tincture (1:2) fresh root in 45% alcohol: 100 - 150 drops, 3 times daily
Precautions:
Using herbs is an age-old approach to building the immune system and preventing or treating diseases. However, herbs contain components that may trigger side effects or interact with other herbs, supplements or medications. Always use care or consult a health care provider if you are taking any other medication.
Dandelion is generally considered safe however, not everyone is the same, and some individuals may develop an allergic reaction. People with gallbladder problems and gallstones should consult a health care provider before eating dandelion.
Possible Interactions:
Dandelion leaf is a diuretic and may increase the excretion of drugs from the body. If you are taking prescription medications, ask your health care provider before taking dandelion leaf. Consult your health care provider if you are taking Lithium, antibiotics or antacids before taking any dandelion leaf. Always use caution until you know how your body reacts to anything new.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � In Ancient Footsteps.
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