The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
With spring coming for Northern Missouri I wanted to shed some light on a wonderful plant that is everywhere. Most see it as a weed but it is so much more than that. I'm talking about the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Dandelion is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Eurasia and later introduced to North America. It has become known to be a nuisance to individuals that like to keep their yard pristine however the benefits of this plant make it worthwhile to keep around. It has a rosette of leaves at the base and a long taproot that reaches deep into the soil. At the top it has a cluster of yellow petals and will eventually change into a tuft of one seeded fruit. It can grow up to a foot in height with a smooth hollow stem. It got it's name from the long jagged leaves at the base that resemble a lion's tooth. This resilient plant can be seen growing just about everywhere including sidewalk cracks, roadsides, and fields; pretty much anywhere there is soil.
Every part of the plant is edible. The leaves are often used in salads and can be eaten fresh or sautéed however you like. However, it is better to get them when they are younger as they grow bitter once they get older. Dandelion roots can be dried and roasted to use as a coffee substitute. Leaves and roots can also be used to make tea. The tea will be bitter in taste but can be spruced up with a bit of honey or even dandelion syrup! I have personally used dandelion to make jelly which tastes like sunshine in a jar as it has a sweet summery flavor.
Leaves and roots can be used medicinally to aid the digestive tract, cleanse the liver, and is a diuretic. The whole plant is also rich in fiber. Dandelion tea can be used to protect the liver from hemorrhages and treat non-alcoholic fatty liver. Dandelion leaves stimulate the liver and gallbladder and excrete toxins through the production of urine.
For skin ailments such as warts, corns, and minor wounds if fresh dandelion juice is applied to the skin it acts as an antimicrobial and aids in wound healing. If you break open a stem and see the white sap that can be applied to warts, ringworm, eczema, corns, and to treat itching. (Some people may be allergic to the sap so use caution and watch for allergic reaction)
Dandelions are high in vitamins, minerals, and iron which can aid in iron deficiency anemia. Due to all these vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it helps boost the immune system as well. Many people recommend drinking Dandelion Tea a couple times a week during cold and flu season to stay healthy.
If looking to harvest dandelions be sure to find patches of them that haven't been sprayed with any chemicals and are further away from roadsides to avoid any contaminations. It's suggested to harvest them early while they are still young. However, if you are looking to use the root it is suggested to find plants that are two years and older as they will have higher medicinal properties. Plants will also have a higher medicinal property during the fall.
Again, if you are allergic to dandelions or any plant in the same family, use caution when handling.
Stay tuned for next weeks wonderful plant!!
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
Information for this post was obtained from "The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies" by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D and Claude Davis.
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