DANDELION - THE "WEED" THAT IS FOOD AND MEDICINE
“In some Native languages the term for plants translates to “those who take care of us.” ~ Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is most likely the plant that represents what is wrong with our world. It is because the plant with so many benefits is considered a weed and is killed by toxic herbicides that contaminate the soil. The plant is native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and its medicinal properties have been explored for thousands of years. More and more people realize that what they are being sold by pharmacies and stores is poison rather than medicine or food and they are looking for alternatives, and what better than dandelions? They can fill us up and help with a wide range of diseases.
Let's start with what dandelions are known to help with:
Dandelions both prevent and treat various types of cancer.
They have anti-inflammatory properties, which means they reduce inflammation in the body (redness, swelling, and pain).
The yellow beauties have a detoxifying effect.
Dandelions are well-known for their ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Lowering blood pressure is another benefit.
Dandelions are resilient plants because they have antimicrobial properties.
Another well-known benefit is arthritis relief.
Modern living makes obesity far too widespread, but the "yellow miracles" can help in weight loss.
There are antioxidant-active substances in dandelions. It means that consuming the her can help in the neutralization of free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging.
Who doesn't want strong immunity? Well, dandelions can help with that as well.
Colitis is another modern disease, and dandelions are an ancient remedy for it.
Dandelion root has been shown to slow blood clotting. Blood clotting is a common side effect of the so-called COVID-19 vaccine. I wrote an article about potential ways to mitigate the damage of so called COVID-19 vaccine, which you can read here.
Dandelion stem is not edible, but the sap can be used to remove warts and skin tags.
The scientific name's origin is also linked to dandelion medicinal uses: "Taraxacum" is derived from the Greek words "taraxos" (disorder) and "akos" (remedy). The word "officinale" refers to a plant with medicinal properties."
What makes dandelions so good to our health?
It's because they contain healthy ingredients like vitamin A,B2 (riboflavin), B9 (foliate), C, E, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The inulin in the root helps to maintain a healthy gut because it benefits the gut microbiome.
Credits: https://bnrc.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42269-021-00567-1
Now let's look at how to use dandelions.
If you pick dandelions from your garden or elsewhere, make sure the area isn't contaminated. Never take a herb from a roadside. The edible parts are the flowers, leaves, and roots. Wash thoroughly with water and water mixed with a bit of vinegar. After washing with vinegar, dry and store as normal vegetables. You can air dry them in a well-ventilated area.
Dandelion tea: place a few fresh or dry leaves, flowers, or fresh root in hot water, wait a several minutes, remove the herb, check that it isn't too hot, and drink.
Salad from flowers and leaves can be made in the same way as any other green salad. Simply season to taste. I prefer dressings that are as simple as vinegar (apple cider or grape) or lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
Fresh flowers and leaves can be added to sandwiches or eggs. Cooking dandelions is really is all about using your imagination.
Fried flowers fitters: put your favorite cooking oil in skilled as you would make French fries. When hot prepare the fitters by dipping the flowers in batter made of of a cup of milk, a cup flour and an egg. Make sure flowers are coated well. Place them in the oil flowers down. Fry until golden.
Roots can be eaten raw or roasted, but must be thoroughly washed. Preparation is similar to that of cooking parsnips or carrots.
You can make a wine and coffee from dandelions.
Attention!
Dandelions can cause allergic reactions in some people. People who are allergic to dandelion are often allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, chamomile, yarrow, calendula, and daisies.
Some antibiotics can be weakened by dandelions.
Herb has blood-thinning properties, and combining it with other medications that have the same effect may result in bleeding.
Dandelion root lowers blood sugar levels, so diabetics may experience hypoglycemia if they consume it.
Always check online for drug interactions!
Dandelions and dandelion supplements should not be used by patients who have acute bile duct obstruction, gastritis, or a peptic ulcer.
If you have never tried dandelions, try the herb during the day and when you are not alone. Why? Because you will notice an allergic reaction right away and having someone else at home can help in such a situation.
If you buy the herb online, make sure it's from a reputable seller.
*I do not sell any of the products mentioned here, and my main sources of income are my blog and my substack.
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References:
https://bnrc.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42269-021-00567-1
https://bilki.bg/encyclopedia-bilki/gluharche-radika-taraxacum-officinale.html
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