Dandelions are such an amazing plant that has so many uses. They also grow just about anywhere so they are easy to find. Although most people just think of them as an annoying weed. In reality it is an herb that is beneficial from root to blossom. Do be careful where you gather your dandelion from, make sure they haven’t had pesticides or weed killers used on them.
Medicinal Uses
Dandelion has a great safety record it has no cautionary drug interactions, cumulative toxic effects, or contraindications for use. All parts a edible and they are in high nutritional Value. Dandelion root contains vitamins A, B-complex, C and D as well as the minerals Iron, Zinc and Potassium. This combination of vitamins and minerals also makes dandelion root a High Antioxidant Food.
Dandelions are regarded as one of the best herbs for building blood and curing anemia. It also acts a as diuretic and has ample potassium to replace what is lost from frequent urination. Aids in digestion. Stimulates liver activity. In Europe, it's used to treat Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes, It can help normalize blood sugar levels. Because of its blood-cleaning ability it helps eliminate toxins thus helping treat skin irritations such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
Dandelion tea is good for relieving constipation, flatulence, and can help reduce high cholesterol.
The white, milky sap is used as an effective wart remover.
You can make a tea, capsules, tinctures, syrups, and salves,
Eating and cooking
Dandelion greens are more nutritious then spinach. Leaves taken in the spring will need to be blanched to reduce the bitterness. In the fall there is no need to blanch as the bitterness will have dissipated naturally,
You can use the flowers to make wine, jelly (recipe here), add to butters and herb vinegars for color.
The roots can be roasted and ground then used in place of coffee ( you want the fall roots for this).
Do you have any other uses for Dandelions ?
How do you make the tea?
ReplyDeleteI am going to send my girls out on a picking party. Thanks for the reminder!!!! I have never used the greens but I was going to try them this year and if everybody liked them (we like spinach). Then I was going to blanch and freeze them for use later in the year. I figured I would use them in Italian Wedding Soup (a big favorite in our house).
ReplyDeleteI just want to try and stretch our grocery money any way I can and free is the best. I agree with you and think food cost are going up. We don't have must room for a garden but I will have tomatoes in.
We currently make our own beer, hard cider, and hard lemonade so I was going to try dandelion wine this spring. :)