Spring Has Sprung! And Dandelions are Here!

Friend or Foe? Weed or Wonder?  

Although much of the world (in the U.S. anyway) is in a perpetual fight with these pretty little flowers and green leaves, a great deal of the world is wise enough to know and use these plants well.  

The picture above was taken in my yard this morning, and I have to say I about jumped for joy when I saw how large and well the leaves are beginning to grow this early in the spring in our mountains!  I also admit to having purchased three different cultivars of Dandelion (including Taraxacum oficinale) that I am excited to plant this spring as soon as it is warm enough!  

Let me explain why dandelions are so great....besides the fact that the flowers are beautiful and happy.  

Dandelions as Food

Throughout Europe and Asia and in many other places in the world, Dandelions are eaten as food!  In Europe and the Mediterranean the greens are gathered and served along with other wild greens.  They are delicious when steamed, and are often served as a side dish in these countries.  

The dried leaves can be cut and sifted for a tasty tonic tea as well.  Like the leaves, the roots are extremely versatile too:  Used in decoctions (a tea in which the herb is simmered for about 20-30 minutes), they make a great drink! Some people even roast them and blend them in with their coffee.  The roots can be pickled using any regular pickling recipe for a tasty treat too.  

The flowers....oh, yes, the flowers!  Have you ever thought about eating a dandelion flower?  Well, perhaps you should!  You can use them on salads, or dry the petals for the same too!  How about Dandelion Wine anyone?  There are even recipes for Dandelion Flower Syrup.  

But....the BEST is yet to come!  

Dandelions as Medicine

Who knew?  

Dandelion greens are excellent mild diuretics for water retention or mild urinary or kidney issues.  The great thing about using Dandelion as a diuretic is that it is filled with minerals (such as potassium---a necessary mineral for your heart) that are often washed out of your body by pharmaceutical diuretics.  The greens are also great for the liver as well.  If nature makes it, I say use that!  

The roots of the Dandelion plant are especially wonderful.  They are exceptional for cleansing and detoxifying the liver and kidneys thereby purifying the blood.  The leaves have a good effect for this action as well, but the roots are the real powerhouse of the plant.  The roots (and leaves) serve to stimulate liver and bile action, which is good for your digestion.  Both the leaves and roots have bitter compounds that send messages to the digestive tract while chewing that food is coming! This message system causes bile to be produced.  Bile helps break down cholesterol and fat.  So, you can see how special this little plant is!  

When combined with Burdock Root or Nettle Leaf (both are also most excellent liver and kidney detoxifiers), you have a veritable powerhouse of cleansing activity going on in your body!  

You can tincture the root by itself or in combination with other herbs.  You can also blend the dried leaves and/or roots in loose leaf teas for a powerhouse of nutrition, including calcium.  

Please visit 

www.ColdCreekNaturals.etsy.com   

 for prepared Dandelion and Burdock Root Tinctures OR hand-blended loose leaf teas with these herbs for Liver and Kidney health.

OR

If you would like to make your own DIY tinctures or teas, please consider visiting my herbal supply shop:

www.CCNHerbalSupply.etsy.com where I carry bulk herbs.  

I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have---

And now, for some food:   

Recipe for Horta, A Greek Dish

Horta is a side made and served in the  Mediterranean region of the world.  It consists of wild greens (some would say "weeds", including Dandelion).  This dish can be used medicinally as well, for people who have liver issues, problems with digestion, or nutrition. 

Ingredients:

*Greens, such as Dandelion leaves, Nettle leaves or other wild edible greens.  You can also use Spinach or Kale, however, they won't have the medicinal effect that Dandelion or Nettle would have.

*Organic Olive Oil

*Lemon juice from a fresh lemon

*Feta Cheese (or other, optional)

*Salt and Pepper (optional)

To Make:

Just steam the greens for 5 to 10 minutes, then drizzle with Olive Oil and squeezed lemon juice from a fresh lemon.  Top with your choice of cheese (Greeks like feta---and so do I)!  

YUMMO!  

Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar's book, Medicinal Herbs

Resources: 

Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar, copyright 2012. Storey Publishing.

Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech, copyright 2000. Horizon Herbs Publishing

Disclaimer:  The information in this article, elsewhere on my blog, in my shop sites, in conversations, and on labels is for informational purposes only and not meant to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any medical condition. Please see a medical professional for concerns.  I simply provide my own personal advice based on experience and study for ways to live a healthy and natural way of life.  These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.