Dandelions- Taraxacum officinale
"lions tooth"
This was one of my first plants that I foraged for. It was raining and muddy and we gathered the dandelions and roots, brushed off the mud and took them home to make medicine. It felt very empowering. Each time I gather the roots of the dandelions, I reflect back on this first experience. Dandelions are known as being a pesky weed.. most people are trying to get rid of them.. but they are nutritious, medicinal and free! Spring is the time to gather your dandelions... you could gather them locally or you may find Dandelion leaves at your local farmers market or grocery store to make a dandelion salad.
Benefits of Dandelion leaves:
Powerful diuretic without leaching potassium from the body. This is the best natural source of potassium. High in CA, rich in iron, low calories, mild laxative, natural diuretic and aids liver and gallbladder. A great food to add to your spring cleansing!
Benefits of Dandelion roots:
Great tonic for the liver. (A tonic strengthens or enlivens an organ or the whole body)
Ways to add Dandelion Leaves into your life:
Powerful diuretic without leaching potassium from the body. This is the best natural source of potassium. High in CA, rich in iron, low calories, mild laxative, natural diuretic and aids liver and gallbladder. A great food to add to your spring cleansing!
Benefits of Dandelion roots:
Great tonic for the liver. (A tonic strengthens or enlivens an organ or the whole body)
Ways to add Dandelion Leaves into your life:
- combine dandelion greens with walnuts, apples and goat cheese and top with olive oil (5parts), apple cider vinegar (3parts), Dijon mustard (1part), honey, salt and pepper
- steam greens 5-10min and add salt and pepper, serve on toasted bread and top with an egg
Dig up the roots!
Feeling adventurous... find your dandelions outside, dig around the plant and gently draw the roots out.. shake off the dirt and bring inside to rinse off. (Best to dig roots between June and August)
Dandelion Tincture
- rinse the roots well
- cut off the leaves or you can keep them
- place them in a mason jar
- pour 100 proof over the top to cover
- place top on- shake
- leave on counter for 4-6 weeks
- decant and pour into a dark colored tincture bottle
Dosage: 2-3 droppers 2-3x day
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult your health care professional with any health-related concerns, and for diagnosis and treatment.
