Note: This article first appeared in The Future of Health Now in 2013
Dandelions have
been the bane of Gardeners and landscapers for decades, but did you know that
these persistent plants are an important food source and medicine?
Just one cup of
chopped dandelion leaves provides your RDV (recommended daily value) of vitamin
A, over 30% of vitamin C, and over 500% of vitamin K, which is important for
blood clotting and bone health. Dandelion leaves are high in iron, folate,
calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Among "Wild Foodists," it is said
that one could live on dandelions alone for six months and be in peak health.
Picked before flowering, the leaves are less bitter, but they may be sweetened
with honey or paired with lemon juice in salads. As you enjoy these beauties more often, your palate will change. Add a handful to fruit
smoothies for an added energy boost to your morning.
The root of the
common dandelion stimulates production of bile, making this a wonderful,
gentle option for detoxification and liver health. For this reason, however, it
is important to communicate with your health care provider if you suffer from
gallstones. Roasted dandelion root has been used as a coffee substitute by
woodsmen and campers for years, while it was roasted like carrots or added to
soups and stews in wartime. I like to eat them raw, or mix them with chicory root , avens root, and chaga for a sublime latte-like tea.
The tender flowers
are a very high source of lethicin, the B vitamin which breaks up fatty
deposits in the liver. Dandelion flowers are sweet, chewy, "taste like
sunshine," and can be eaten as a snack along hikes or walks. This is
especially fun for children!
Dandelion has been
used to treat a variety of ailments due to its rich nutrient profile and
bile-stimulating properties. Included in this are: bladder infections and PMS
(due to the diuretic properties and potassium), anemia (iron/potassium),
constipation and IBS (due to the increase of bile), and even osteoporosis.
The next time you
are tempted to curse your dandelion-speckled lawn, go out with a basket instead
and enjoy your wild abundance! Remember to always avoid areas sprayed with
herbicides, and always positively identify all plants before eating.
Happy foraging!
*Please always consult a healthcare professional of your choosing if you are on medication or have a health condition before beginning any herbal regime*
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