Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is such a misaligned plant, the bane of lawn enthusiasts. She is a darling to herbalists, a powerhouse healing herb. Dandelions are full of vitamins A, B, C, E and K and are rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc. This is an excellent nourishing and tonifying herb.
This entire plant is edible, the tender young leaves in spring are great in salads and made into vinegar, the sunny flowers can be battered and fried, made into shortbread cookies or infused into oil to make a lotion. The long tap root can be eaten raw or cooked, or dried and roasted to be used as a coffee substitute or tinctured for a digestive bitter. The whole plant strengthens your liver and improves digestion.
Once spring arrives this plant is very much sought after by people looking to get fresh greens in their diets after a winter of heavy foods.
The Many Health Benefits of Dandelion
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root tincture is a simple yet effective way for improving your immune system, stimulating liver function, improving good digestion and aiding in pain and swelling. A dropperful (30 drops) of tincture in a glass of water relieves gas, heartburn and indigestion. I have had relief from indigestion in less than 15 minutes when I used a dropperful in a glass of water.
The roots have a high level of potassium, making the roots valuable in lowering high blood pressure, preventing muscle cramps, regulating fluid balance, reducing water retention and strengthening nerve signals.
A cup of dandelion root tea every day will provide the potassium your body needs to stay healthy and live longer.
Leaves
The leaves are an excellent spring tonic, increasing the amount of bile your liver produces and stores in the gallbladder. This boosts your digestion to a healthier level as it cleanses your body. The leaves are high in potassium helping to lower high blood pressure by increasing the frequency and amount of urination.
Because dandelions increase urination, it also removes toxic substances from the kidneys and your entire urinary system. Its disinfectant properties inhibits bacterial growth preventing UTIs. A study published in PubMed found the leaves decrease bad cholesterol and removes fat from the liver.
Research has shown dandelions successfully treat Type 2 diabetes. Dandelion leaf extract has been shown to reduce serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Dandelion contains active components, which offer a safe treatment and control of diabetes. It has several beneficial properties; it is anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory.
A cup of fresh young dandelion greens has 1.5 grams of protein and are some of the most nutritionally dense greens you can eat.
Flowers
The flowers have pain relieving properties and they are excellent infused in oil for a muscle rub or made into a lotion or salve for dry chapped skin.
You can make a flower tea by packing a large mason jar with flowers and pour boiling water over them. Let it infuse for an hour until its cool enough to drink. Strain and enjoy! The tea helps wake up a sluggish system and detoxes and cleans your blood.
If you want something sweet you can make dandelion honey, wine or cupcakes. I have an article on how to make dandelion jelly, it tastes sooo good! The possibilities are endless!
Try Before You DIY
My organic dandelion flower lotion comes in a twist-up container. It is a great moisturizer for dry, cracked, chapped skin. Just rub this lotion onto the dry areas and massage in. The lotion melts from your body heat and absorbs quickly into your skin and is not greasy.
This solid lotion is in a twist up tube so you can take it anywhere with no mess! Check them out in my shop!
From root to flower, dandelions are highly nutritious plants and are an ideal nutritional supplement for people who are looking for healthier alternatives for vitamins, minerals and fiber. There are so many different ways to reap the health benefits of this wonderful plant. What will you do with your harvest?
