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This time of year when you look out into your yard to view a sea of yellow stop and think before your reaching for that
toxic weed killer of all the wonderful possibilities that lie out there in that sea of beautiful yellow flowers. I don't care what people say, in my book dandelions are not weeds! Dandelions
(Taraxacum officinale) are actually an amazing plant in which the entire plant can be used both internally and externally for everything from food to medicine and have been used as such for hundreds of years. Herbalist often boasted the medicinal
value of these versatile plants for the treatment everything from warts to liver and kidney disease.
Dandelions originated in Europe and Asia and were said to have been brought to America over on the Mayflower to be used as a crop for both food and medicine.
The name
dandelion comes from the french word "dent de lion" whose literal translational means "lions tooth" which refers to the pointed shape of their petals.
Growing up though I remember my mother loving calling them "peed the beds" or "pee in the bed" a name derived from the fact that dandelions were commonly used as a powerful herbal diuretic. It was often believed that you did not need to ingest the dandelions for them to feel their effect, that just by picking the flowers they would cause you would wet the bed. Mom used to tease me as a little girl when I would walk in the house with a bouquet of these yellow beauties for her, that if I wasn't careful she would have to change my sheets in the middle of the night (though she never did). Not only have children everywhere been gracing their moms with bouquets of these pretty yellow flowers for many years but show me a child doesn't love to take a dandelion that has come to seed and blow on those fluffy cotton ball tops just watch the seeds drift off into the wind all while making a wish they hope will come true.
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| Dandelion petals steeping in boiling water for tea. |
Not only are dandelions beautiful, they have many nutritional and medicinal uses also.They are
rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C and D. Plus they are a good source
of minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc, furthermore just one serving of
dandelion greens has more calcium than a serving of Kale and is equal
to that of a 1/2 cup of milk.
Dandelions are versatile plants that can be used to treat a variety of disorders and because it is powerful diuretic it can be used help rid the body of excess water which is useful in lowering blood pressure but unlike many of it's pharmaceutical counter parts it does not rob the body of potassium. It is no wonder it's a favorite of herbalist who use tinctures made from the yellow blooms, leaves and roots to treat everything from diseases of the gallbladder, liver, urinary tract and kidneys, to using it to help with constipation, heartburn and upset stomachs. There are even reports of it being used in ancient Chinese medicine to help lactating women increase their milk flow. The crush up fresh leaves may be apply to wounds to help treat and prevent various types of
infections and also help reduce any swelling. While the sap from the stem of the plant can be used to easy the pain from a bee sting or applied to warts and corns to help remove them.
Dandelions also can make for a tasty treat by using them in
everything from mixing the leaves in a bed of greens for a salad or on a
sandwich, to making your own delicious
dandelion jelly,
tea and
wine
out of the blooms and roots.The roasted roots can also used as a tasty caffeine free alternative to coffee and there are many wonderful dandelion
recipes out there that you can try. Just be careful when you are harvesting your dandelions for use, as not to pick any that have been contaminated with pesticides or near where pets have gone to the bathroom.
So the next time you see dandelions growing like crazy in your yard don't reach for the weed killer! Just let your mouth start to water at the thought of all the delightful delicacies you can make out of those beautiful blooms or imagine them as your own personal pharmacy which is growing just a few feet away in your own backyard.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. My opinions are based my personal experiences and research, so as with any herbs or vitamins you should always do your own research and consult your doctor or ND before trying any herbal remedies.
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