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Dandelion

When I was in elementary school we used to pick the dandelions and pop the flower heads off and sing the twisted song of “momma had a baby and it’s head popped off” now I have not been successful in finding the correlation of that or the origin for that matter. The most I could find was something to do with a guillotine? Either way I think it’s an interesting thing that kids have normalized all over the United States as well as some other parts of the world.

The dandelion’s bright yellow flowers are one of the first to bloom in spring.

However, the “flower” head is actually a composite of a bunch of tiny flowers clustered together, making it a great plant for pollinators.

The leaves form a base, and are full of “teeth”. Plants range from a few inches high to over a foot tall, depending on growing conditions. The stems are hollow and produce a milk-like, sticky sap.

Once matured, the flower heads turn to a white puff ball, and release seeds that resemble tiny parachutes to flow through the air until they ultimately land and a new dandelion grows. It’s a complete cycle of life.

Now to discuss the benefits and uses of dandelions, before I get started I would like to state the following:

Never collect plants for food or medicine from areas that have been sprayed with herbicides or other chemicals.

The leaves are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including the anti-oxidant beta carotene. (The body converts Beta Carotene into vitamin A (retinol)

Vitamin A, is a vital nutrient for vision, cell growth and in maintaining healthy organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Dandelion roots are high in inulin, a soluble fiber that acts as a probiotic, feeding good gut bacteria.

The bitterness of the dandelion increases stomach acid, which improves digestion.

(In case you didn’t know, acid reflux is often caused by not having enough stomach acid)

✨Tip: Try some dandelion tea before meals, or steeping some chopped greens in white wine to accompany your meal, or add the greens to your salad!

The inulin in the dandelion roots helps to bulk up stool, while the potassium and magnesium in the leaves may help relieve bloating and constipation.

The sap from the stalks or stems is antimicrobial.

✨Tip: Apply the sap from the flower stalk directly to warts, calluses, corns and rough skin. Rub in and repeat as needed.

You can use dandelion flowers to lighten age spots, relieve sunburn and tighten pores.

✨Tip: Cover freshly picked dandelion blossoms in boiling water. Cover your container and let steep for one hour. Strain and reserve liquid. Place warm flowers on your target skin areas, and relax for ten minutes. Remove flowers and rinse with the flower liquid. Treat before bedtime and leave the dandelion water residue on overnight for best results.

You can use dandelion flowers to help soothe sore muscles and joints.

✨Tip: Infuse dandelion flowers in oil to make an ointment for sore muscles, joints or dry skin. Gather enough blossoms to fill a jar, and cover with olive oil. Infuse for a week or two and then strain.

If you’d like me to make a detailed post about how to infuse herbs let me know!

DISCLAIMER: Although generally considered safe, like any food/herb it may cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in some individuals. Dandelion is not recommend for use while on diuretics or antibiotics!

Please consult with your doctor before taking herbal supplements if you are on medications, or nursing or pregnant.

Dandelions are edible from root to seed!

Many types of wildlife consume dandelion flowers, leaves and seeds. As an early nectar source in spring, the flowers are vital to bees and other pollinators. They are beneficial to humans too though!

✨Tip: Add the flower petals to salads, breads or desserts, or dip and fry the whole blossoms like mushrooms.

Dandelion leaves are one of the best natural sources of potassium. They are also high in vitamins, A, C and K, as well as calcium, iron and magnesium.

Dandelion leaves are rather bitter, especially as the season progresses.

✨Tip: Mix the greens with other spring greens in salads, or sauté with oil and seasonings. To reduce bitterness, boil for 10 minutes and pour off the water. (This will reduce some nutrients.) In recipes, you can use them like parsley or spinach.

To store the greens rinse and store fresh leaves in the refrigerator, as you would store other greens. You can keep them wrapped in a damp towel, or in a container.

Freeze for longer storage, or dehydrate or freeze dry.

✨Tip: Use whole leaves in cooking or to make tea.

Dandelion tea:

1/2 Cup Dandelion Petals, loosely packed

1 Cup Boiling Water

Put the dandelion petals in a cup

Pour boiling water over them

Allow to steep 5-10 min.

Strain.

Sweeten to your liking and enjoy.

Dandelion seeds are edible, too. They can be nibbled off the white puffy parachute tops.

Dandelion roots are edible and medicinal.

You can dig them any time of year, but they are best for medicine in the fall, when the plant stores its energy in the roots.

For eating, first year roots are best. As they become tough as they age and are not great for eating but can still be used for medicinal purposes.

✨Tip: Clean well and boil or roast like other root vegetables.

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