Herbs For Today

Dandelions Up Close

Did you ever look at a blooming dandelion plant up close? I think they are really very pretty. And in the spring at our nearby state park, the grounds are covered profusely with bright yellow blooms almost as far as the eye can see. That’s when I have gathered the flowers and turned them into a really delicious wine.

Dandelions have quite a long history that’s interesting. They weren’t always considered a noxious weed to be drowned in weed killer with the vengence of a spray-wielding homeowner determined to destroy anything in his (or her) quest for the most perfect lawn on the block. Glad I don’t have that problem…….

In fact, dandelions were used by Arab physicians as far back as the 11th and 12th centuries. Fortunately, their many curative properties are still recognized today. Modern herbalists use the dandelion as a mild laxative, a diuretic, a tonic, a blood purifier and a digestive aid. The dandelion is also used in the treatment of chronic and degenerative joint diseases, which should be of great interest to older folks who seek better mobility. The mature leaves in the summer can be used for tea.

Nutritionally speaking the entire dandelion plant is a power house of protein, natural plant sugar, vitamins and minerals. Dandelions are nothing less than what we call “whole food”. Tender young leaves in the spring are delicious additions to soups and salads with bits of bacon and a viniagrette dressing. I did this when my children were younger, but I didn’t tell them until they became adults……too late to say ‘ewwwww!

Concoctions can be made using mature leaves and roots. Dry the leaves, and harvest the roots in the fall. It’s a great nourishing boost in winter. The roots also can be roasted and ground for a caffeine-free coffee substitute. Dandelions, also called “tooth of the lion” because of the jagged edges of the leaves, are a true gift of nature………and the best part is they are free for the taking. Help yourself….it doesn’t look like we’ll see dandelions on the endangered species list any time soon, if ever.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 at 6:13 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.