Taraxacum Officinale
Farm to table doesn’t get any closer than this! This commonly known weed grows abundantly throughout many yards and is often viewed as an eyesore rather than for its radiant beauty and abundant health toting benefits. We literally have one of nature’s most powerful plants right at our fingertips! Dandelion has many benefits and is regarded as one of the most beneficial herbs for its many medicinal purposes.
Dandelion is one of my favorite herbs and for good reason. Dandelion has many therapeutic benefits due to the many active constituents contained in the leaves and roots. It is anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic (without depleting potassium reserves!), cholagogue, hepatic, stomachic, mild laxative, depurative, bitter tonic, nutritive, and antioxidant. The leaves contain a significant amount of nutrients in a small serving. Potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, silicon, sulfur, choline, linoleic and linolenic acids, proteins, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and Vitamins A, C, K, and D.
This coming season gather the young leaves before the plant flowers and gather the roots in October when the plant has stored a majority of the nutrients away for the winter. Make sure you do not harvest any plants that have been sprayed or that grow near the roadways! Add the young leaves to salads, and the flower petals can be used in baked goods or even better. . . dandelion wine! The roasted roots of the dandelion make an excellent coffee replacement.
Collecting the roots is easy and fun! After collecting the roots, wash the soil away and cut the roots in half lengthwise and air dry for a few days. After they have been dried cut them into small chunks and roast them in the oven at 375 degrees for 2-4 hours. A darkened color and coffee like aroma will indicate that they are ready. Grind the chunks down and use one teaspoon to one cup of boiling water. I love to add some cream and sugar to mine!
Store grinds in an airtight container in a cool dark location.
*These statements are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a physician before starting new supplements.
