"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dandelion... Not Just a Weed
The dandelion is an edible treasure in many parts of the world, but here we routinely spray this common lawn weed without giving it a second thought. If we stopped to think about the host of vitamins and trace minerals that this plant has to offer, then perhaps there would be more of us planting and harvesting dandelion among the neat rows of vegetables in our gardens this year.
Considered a good source of protein and fiber, dandelions really do deserve a place among our revered herbs and vegetables. The plants are abundant in vitamins A, B, C, and D, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, inulin, and carotenoids. And don't forget their micronutrients like zinc, copper, cobalt, and boron.
The dandelion (also given the Latin name taraxacum officinalis) has an amazing ability to propagate and adapt virtually anywhere. You'll find it growing on roadsides, playgrounds, and even between cracks in the pavement of parking lots. It's easy to identify too, since its leaves lay flat to the ground in a rosette pattern with no leaf stems, and its yellow floret (a favorite among bees) sits at the end of a hollow stem that shoots up from the middle.
Because it is a proven tonic for the entire body, dandelion is the definition of super food and natural medicine. As a blood purifier and cholagogue (a fancy word to describe the process of increasing the flow of bile which aids digestion), it plays a significant role in supporting the function of the liver and has been known to lower cholesterol levels by breaking down cholesterol and fat with the increase of bile.
It is also responsible for correcting and preventing anemia, lowering high blood pressure, and balancing blood sugar levels, making it a perfect food for diabetics. Dandelion also offers diuretic treatment for fluid retention and bladder or kidney problems and may also help with weight loss. (Not a bad idea to increase your water intake with consistent use of this herb.) Its bitter properties maximize the digestive process by stimulating the appetite and acting as a digestive aid in regulating intestinal flora and allowing for the proper absorption of nutrients. The plant also has a medicinal effect on the female reproductive system, proving helpful for PMS and menopause. And to top it all off, the dandelion plays a key role in healing skin conditions, like eczema.
Dandelion leaves are best harvested in early spring when they are still young and tender. They can be either tossed in fresh salad or steamed and served like spinach; however, they can be quite bitter. To remove some of the bitterness, (especially in older leaves which can be somewhat tough), try steaming the leaves and then marinating them overnight in vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Another trick is to pickle the leaves, as well as the roots, which should be harvested in late fall. Dandelion root can be ground as a substitute for coffee or even chopped like a carrot and thrown into soup, pot roast, or stir-fry, while the dandelion flower can be sauteed like a fritter or used to make wine.
And if fresh Dandelion is not your thing, organic dried leaves are perfect for tossing into any recipe you may be making and don't contain any bitterness.
*It should be noted that while dandelion is easily absorbed by the body and can be safely consumed in large quantities, it is best avoided by those with gall stones or gall bladder issues. Also discontinue use if an allergic reaction occurs when applying the milky latex from its flower and stem, as typically used in removing warts.
It's also worth noting that Dandelion is in the Ragweed family, so those who suffer with Ragweed allergies may want to take caution when ingesting this herb. However, I have suffered with severe Dandelion and Ragweed allergies in the past (even so much as to test off the charts when undergoing testing by an allergist as a child) but I have experienced zero complications with ingesting this herb. Just use common sense and start off using small amounts to see how you react.
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